11 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

Innocent Daily Conveniences: Simple things that drain your bank account

Daily Coffee Runs: Fair to say it’s okay to get a little treat every once in a while. But a $6 latte every morning runs up to $2,000 a year. $2,000! You could buy a high-end espresso machine with that cash and still come out ahead.

The Lottery and Get-Rich-Quick Gimmicks: The lottery isn’t a financial plan, and no, that $1,500 online course won’t make you a millionaire. Focus on real wealth-building strategies.

Premium Gas for Cars That Don’t Need It: If your car doesn’t specifically require premium gas, you’re just wasting money. It won’t make your engine last longer or improve performance.

Car Insurance: Cancel your car insurance

Driving without car insurance is illegal, but if you do this, you’re not actually breaking the law.

This tool can help you see if you’re overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks. You’d be shocked by the difference. $159 per month is what they wanted to charge me. I thought that was the best price, don’t even look anywhere else. Right? Wrong.

I used Insurify and now I’m able to pay just $51 a month for two cars.¹ <p>Actual savings and coverage options vary based on factors such as driving history, location, and insurer policies. The rates shown in this example may not reflect what every user will qualify for.</p> Too many insurance companies do this. They push up our rates and make us pay even more. But if you want to try this tool and compare and potentially score same-day savings, here’s what to do:

1. Click the link below and enter your zip code, date of birth, and phone number.
2. Answer a few questions about your car’s make and model to get matched with top offers.
3. Choose the best quote for you and lock it in before rates go up.

Compare rates now and see if you could score same-day savings today!

I can hardly believe I waited so long to do this, but I’m glad I finally did. It only took me two minutes. Super fast. You have to trust me on this. Just try it out.

Credit Card Debt: Pay no interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (yes, it is kind of remarkable)

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with one of the industry-leading no-interest cards - the Discover it^® Cash Back(Rates and fees) - and pay no interest until 2026 on purchases and balance transfers!

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer high-interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable). Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest!

The best part? The Discover it^® Cash Back is accepted by 99% of merchants, boasts an exceptional cash back rewards rate, and has no annual fee.

Click here to apply now for the Discover it^® Cash Back

Home Equity: Access a credit limit from $5,000-$250,000 (without touching your mortgage)

If you need cash, you do not need a cash advance or personal loan — get a HELOC instead.

Access the equity in your home with Aven for a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional HELOC. With a 100% online process, you could get approved in as fast as 15 minutes and access funds as soon as 3 business days after closing!

The best part? The Aven HELOC gives you options. Access cash upfront with a full draw at a low fixed rate APR or use a standard revolving credit line with a variable APR.² <p>The annual percentage rate (“APR”) is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and does not include costs other than interest. The APR is a variable rate based on the Wall Street Journal prime rate (“Index”) published by the Wall Street Journal in its Money Rates section. The WSJ Prime Rate as of Jan 10th, 2025 is 7.50%. Your variable APR is based on the Index plus a margin that takes into account your creditworthiness, collateral value, etc. Your APR is subject to change as allowed by applicable law. Best rates available only to the highest-qualified borrowers. The maximum APR will not exceed 18% during the life of your account. Cash Out (draw to bank account) fee and Balance Transfer fee is 0% of amount transferred. This fee is subject to change. The county where your property is located may charge recording fees. If your line is greater than $25,000, you are responsible for paying these costs. These costs will be placed in a 12-month interest free, fixed term loan and be part of your Minimum Payment Due.</p> <p>Cash back available to those who enroll in AutoPay, refer to <a href="https://www.aven.com/docs/AutoPayAgreement.pdf">AutoPay Terms & Conditions</a>. Cash back applies to valid purchases (not on refunds or returns) made using the Aven card, and does not apply to non-card transactions, including balance transfers, cash-outs, or reward redemptions. Cash back is accumulated as points and redeemable as statement credit. Refer to <a href="https://www.aven.com/public/docs/CashbackTerms/post2025MarFixedTermWithFirstDrawFeeAndPRPPAndShadowLimit">Rewards Terms & Conditions</a>.</p> <p>If you have an existing second lien (“Second Lien”) on your subject property, you acknowledge and agree that we may transfer your application to our refinance product (subject in all cases to credit approval). The refinance product may have different terms and conditions than the initial product you applied for. Please review the Early HELOC Disclosure for more information.</p> <p>Our APR is 6.99-15.49% for primary residences. The average for other cards in the US for people with good credit is over 24% APR. Source: "Average Credit Card Interest Rates" <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/average-credit-card-interest-rate/50841">wallethub.com</a> on Jan 15, 2024 showing the average rate for credit cards in the US for people with good credit is 24.10% APR.</p> <p>If you have an active HELOC agreement or offer within the last 30 days that demonstrates a lower cost than ours, we’ll beat the offer or send you $250. Introductory, temporary, and promotional offers do not apply toward our guarantee. Only valid for new customers who received this specific offer. We reserve the right to change the terms of the guarantee at any time. <a href="https://www.aven.com/public/docs/HelocGuaranteedLowestCost/post2025MarFixedTermWithFirstDrawFeeAndPRPPAndShadowLimit">Guarantee Terms and Conditions</a>.</p> <p>Our fixed monthly payment option (Aven Simple Loan) is available based on your Var APR plus fees not exceeding the High Cost Mortgage threshold set by law. Your rate will not increase while the Aven Simple Loan plan is open.</p> <p>If you opened a HELOC within the last 30 days or received a fully underwritten HELOC offer within the last 30 days, we’ll beat your APR or give you $250. Offer subject to verification and approval. Terms apply. <a href="https://www.aven.com/public/docs/HelocGuaranteedLowestCost/post2025MarFixedTermWithFirstDrawFeeAndPRPPAndShadowLimit">Guarantee Terms and Conditions</a>.</p> <p>Subject to Credit Approval, including use of data reports from Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Limit of one Account per property. Certain terms and conditions may apply. Terms may vary by applicant and are subject to change. Availability limited to certain states. See <a href="https://www.aven.com/licenses">aven.com/licenses</a> for more details. Not available for multi-unit homes. Requires a lien on your property. Flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone. Not available for home purchase. If you have an existing second lien (“Second Lien”) on your subject property, you acknowledge and agree that we may transfer your application to our refinance product (subject in all cases to credit approval). The refinance product may have different terms and conditions than the initial product you applied for. Please review the Early HELOC Disclosure for more information.</p> <p>Note for customers in AK, AL, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, NE, OK, OR, PA, UT, WI and WY: We currently only offer lines up to $100,000. Check back soon for higher line sizes.</p> <p><a href="https://www.aven.com/docs/SpanishDisclosure.pdf">Notice to Consumers about all Languages. Para Español, consulte este documento</a>.</p> <p>Aven cards are arranged by Aven Financial, Inc., dba "Aven" or "AvenCard" (in AR, ID, and PA). NMLS #2042345. See <a href="https://www.aven.com/licenses">aven.com/licenses</a> for state specific details. Aven reserves the right to modify or discontinue its products or offerings at any time without notice.</p> <p>Aven Visa Credit Cards are issued by Coastal Community Bank, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Aven accounts are made by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #462289 (<a href="https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/462289">NMLS Consumer Access Page</a>). For additional information or complaints to Coastal Community Bank, visit <a href="https://www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov">www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov</a>.</p> Repay that full draw with a fixed monthly payment that works for your budget.

How to get started:

1. Visit Aven and provide a few pieces of information.
2. Check your offer with no impact on your credit score.
3. Accept your personalized rate.
4. Close 100% online with a digital notarization flow.

680+ Credit Score: Check your offer for $0

Paying for Major Home Repairs: This plan protects select Ohio homes from many expensive appliance and home repairs (see if you qualify)

Everyone talks about home insurance, but hardly anyone talks about this. If you live in Ohio and own your home, you could save $1,000s on home repairs without much work at all.

Choice Home Warranty is currently helping homeowners slash appliance repair bills. Instead of paying $1,000s, you pay for a monthly plan and a simple one-time service fee per covered repair.

Getting a monthly plan could help you tap into immense savings for nearly any system or appliance in your home that’s covered.

Not everyone is eligible for this plan so here’s how to check:

1. Click the link below and enter your zip code.
2. Answer a few simple questions.
3. See if your home qualifies.

Complete this short questionnaire to see if you live in a qualified area

Mindless Recurring Expenses: Don’t pay for what you don’t use

Storage Units: If you haven’t needed it in a year, why are you paying rent for it? Sell it, donate it, or admit you’re just hoarding junk in a different location.

Expensive Gym Memberships: If you’re not going at least twice a week, just cancel it already. Home workouts, outdoor runs, and basic weights could get you 90% of the same results for free.

Bottled Water: Can’t believe we even have to say this. But if you have access to clean tap water, you’re wasting money every time you buy a bottle. Get a reusable one and stop paying for something that’s essentially free.

Home Insurance: Switch your home insurance and you could save a ton of money

If you have home insurance, you need to see the recent rates available to you. There’s a good chance you’ll want to switch your policy if you see a better rate.

The best way to check for up-to-date rates: Get multiple policy quotes from a variety of home insurance providers. Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house.

Provide Home Insurance is a company that matches you with a variety of home insurance options to meet your home insurance needs … including lower overall cost or better overall coverage.

Just answer a few questions, and they will find options that are right for you.

Enter your zip code to get started

Services and Upgrades: Do you really need these things to be happy?

Sneaky Subscriptions: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ … chances are you’re not even watching half of these. Cut it out. Choose one or two and stop auto-renewing free trials you forgot about.

Upgrading to the Latest iPhone: Unless your phone is literally falling apart, there’s no reason to drop $1,000+ on a new one just because Apple added a slightly better camera. Your current phone is fine.

Designer Clothes and Sneakers: Dropping $300 on the latest sneakers or fast fashion trends just to keep up? You’re only filling your closet with overpriced clutter. Invest in quality, sure — but not hype and status.

Advisor Fees: You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are “fee only,” charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Restaurants & Meal Delivery: Take advantage of massive discounts at restaurants (you don’t even have to be 50 to join!)

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on:

• Restaurants (save up to $450 per year!)
• Meal deliveries
• Airfare, Hotels, Cruises and Rental Cars
• Eyeglasses and even prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance

Plus you’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning.

How to become a member today:

• Click the link below, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
• Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
• Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Get 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal

Getting a Credit Card to Earn Cash Back: Earn up to $360 on everyday purchases without a credit card

You can now earn cash back on everyday purchases without using a credit card. With the Discover® CashBack Debit One Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!³ <p>See website for details.</p>

You don’t have to worry about a credit check to apply, and there are no monthly fees. Start earning nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!⁴ <p>See <a href="https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf">Deposit Account Agreement</a> for details on transaction eligibility, limitations, and terms.</p>

There are other great perks too, like getting access to your paycheck up to 2 days early, and no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements.

Don’t wait to apply: In 2022, Discover temporarily suspended new account applications. Luckily, they reopened applications again. (But you shouldn’t wait to apply!)

Apply for a Discover® Cashback Checking account today

Phone Bills: Switch to Mint Mobile and pay $15/month (5G coverage powered by T-Mobile)

Your phone plan doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. With Mint Mobile, you can get an unlimited data phone plan for only $15/month for the first three months.⁵ <p>Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month 5GB plan ($15/mo. equiv.) req’d. Intro rate first 3 months only; then full-price plan options available. Taxes & fees extra. Unlimited plan customers using >40GB/mo will experience lower speeds and videos streaming at 480p. More details <a href="https://www.mintmobile.com/plan-terms-and-conditions/">here</a>.</p>

Sounds like there’s a catch, right? Wrong. Mint Mobile earned awards from “Wired magazine” and “The New York Times” for its modern approach to phone service. It’s fully online, meaning there are no retail stores and no extra overhead. Then, those savings are passed on to you.

Get everything you need for half the price: Mint Mobile is powered by nationwide 5G coverage from T-Mobile, and high-speed data is included on all plans. Plus, you don’t need to be trapped by a contract! There are flexible plan options and you can even bring your own phone.

If your phone is paid off or unlocked, jump on this $15/month deal while you can — because it might not be around forever.

BONUS: Get a second 3-month plan free when you bring your number from AT&T or Verizon.⁶ <p>New customer offer, only on mintmobile.com. Free plan for first three months only; taxes & fees extra. Primary and secondary lines must choose the same plan type and both new plans must port in from an eligible carrier or offer is invalid. Not transferable; not combinable w/ other offers; not redeemable for cash or credit. Addt'l restrictions apply. See <a href="https://www.mintmobile.com">mintmobile.com</a>.</p>

Pay $15/month for premium cell service

Scams and Fraud: American adults lost $47 billion to scams and fraud in 2024

That's right. According to a new report, American adults lost $47 billion to scams and identity fraud in 2024.

But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one scam and fraud protection services from OmniWatch, which comes with up to $2,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance,⁷ <p>Restrictions and exclusions apply, <a href="https://app.omniwatch.com/insurance-disclosure">click here to read full details of insurance coverage</a>. Residents of New York receive $1 million of coverage and are not eligible for ransomware or scam protection coverage. <a href="https://app.omniwatch.com/insurance-disclosure-ny">Click here for New York insurance summary</a>.</p> to cover eligible losses and fees should you experience them.

Plans start at $10 per month and can include comprehensive protection like 24/7 monitoring and alerts, dark web scanning to identify breached personal data (like your SSN and banking info), antivirus and VPN apps for device security, and expert restoration services at no extra cost.

Before you make your next online purchase, protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised.

Act now to get your $1 trial

Paying $1,000s in Car Repairs: This company could help you save $1,000s

Too many car warranty companies promise to save you tons of money on repairs. But then they fail to save you anything at all, and end up being a huge headache. Ugh.

By contrast, Complete Car Warranty is one of the most legit ones we’ve found. They’re ranked a Top 10 Car Warranty by Consumer Advocates for 2025, and could help you save $1,000s in expensive car repairs.

Think about it. Your car is one of the most expensive things you’ll own. After your dealership warranty ends, you could be left in a rough spot … some auto shops charge as much as $175/hour, and that’s just for labor.

How to save potentially $1,000s on car repairs:Enter a few details about your car here. Then, a real human will call you and help you select an option that actually makes sense for your car — not just some overpriced upsell.

Get a free quote here and save potentially $1,000s on car repairs

Market Volatility: Help protect your savings from stock market volatility with gold

The economy feels more fragile by the day. Debt, tariffs, and general instability have investors on edge. But now, JPMorgan projects gold could surge to $4,000/ounce.⁸ <p>Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns, or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All securities involve risk and may result in significant losses.</p> That could mean trouble for traditional portfolios, but potential for you if you position yourself ahead of the curve.

American Hartford Gold helps Americans protect and grow their retirement savings with gold and silver. They’ve delivered billions in precious metals, earned an A+ BBB rating, and offer a Price Protection Guarantee — if gold drops after your purchase, you get the difference in coins. Just submit your request within 7 calendar days of your purchase date.

With a Gold IRA, you can roll over part of your retirement account (like a 401(k) or IRA) into physical gold tax and penalty-free. You'll even receive up to $20,000 in FREE silver delivered to your front door on qualifying purchases.

Get started with gold:Download American Hartford Gold’s FREE investors kit. There's no cost to request it, but doing so could help protect everything you've worked for. (Minimums apply: $10,000 for Gold IRAs, $5,000 for cash accounts.)

Download American Hartford Gold’s FREE investors kit

Overpaying on Windows: Ohio residents could save a fortune on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save $1,000s. 

WindowsUSA is actively helping homeowners score huge savings on new windows. They bring top local vendors into a bidding war for your business, providing the best deals without sacrificing quality. This can drive the cost down for you by orders of magnitude.

Slash the cost of new windows by tapping into hidden rebates, unlisted discounts, and local incentives most homeowners don’t even know exist.

You might be eligible if you check these 3 boxes:

1. You own your home.
2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
3. Your ZIP code qualifies.

Complete this short questionnaire to see if you qualify

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: You may get many out-of-pocket healthcare costs covered

You might think you have most health bills covered with Original Medicare. But then you get hit with a medical deductible for a short hospital stay — and you have to pay out of pocket. That’s where a Medicare Supplement plan may help.⁹ <p><b>PLEASE NOTE: Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. </b></p> <p><b>The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent/producer or insurance company. </b></p> <p><b>Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.</b></p> <p><i>Medicare Supplement plans may require underwriting and enrollment is not guaranteed.</i></p>

Most Medicare-eligible individuals don’t realize that Original Medicare only covers about 80% of your medical expenses. That remaining 20%? It can add up fast. Especially with a hospital deductible, Part B coinsurance, or excess charges.

Use Healthcare.com’s online tool to find a plan that may cover nearly all your out-of-pocket costs. You’ll pay just a monthly premium. Too many seniors pay more than they should, but if you want to save, here’s how to get started:

1. Click the link below and enter your ZIP code.
2. Answer a few questions about your current Medicare plan coverage (takes about 60 seconds).
3. Get matched with top-rated plans and enroll online or over the phone.

Learn more here and save on out-of-pocket Original Medicare costs

Not Tracking Your Spending: Get the budgeting app that truly does it all

Ever look at your bank account and wonder where your paycheck went? *Poof,* it's gone … and you have NO idea how you spent it all so quickly.

The personal finance app Monarch can help end that problem for you.

The Monarch app is like your personal finance guardian. It gives you an eagle-eye view of your money so you can track your cash flow, tackle your debt, and more.

The best part? It’s designed for real people (not spreadsheet lovers). Flexible budgeting tools help you stay on track, and simple diagrams help you visualize your patterns.

Enter your email to get started. Then, set up your free 7-day trial and link your accounts easily and securely.

Pricing: Monarch is a paid subscription, but you could easily offset that cost by improving your budgeting and savings. And there’s a zero-risk trial to test-drive it.

Sign up for Monarch

P.S. For a limited time, get 50% off your first year with code MONARCHVIP. We don't know how long this will last, so take advantage of it while you can.

BONUS: Travel more in 2025 with this incredible travel credit card and pay no interest into 2026!

2025 could be the year you finally travel to the exotic destinations you've long dreamed of. And you could do it all without paying interest for a long time, thanks to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees). 

This card is a powerhouse that supercharges your hard-earned spending. Become a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card cardholder, and you can earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening ... all with a $0 annual fee. 

This card also offers an additional benefit of an extended intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable), balance transfer fee applies). Apply, spend, travel, and enjoy the extended intro APR. 

Recommended Credit 670+: Click here to apply now for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card