11 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

Last updated May 3, 2026 | By Team FBZ

You're not dumb. You do the normal money-saving things …

You're a regular at the clearance rack. You don't eat lunch out too much. And you meticulously selected the perfect combo of streaming services to watch your favs for as cheap as possible.

But there are some tips you may not know (yet) — and that's a good thing! Because once you see some of the areas where you can cut your costs, you could find some extra cash in your pocket sooner than you think.

High-Interest Debt: Ask this company to pay off your credit card debt

If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it gets to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?

National Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $20,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their representatives might be able to assist you in consolidating your debt into one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero fees until your debt is resolved, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions. It only takes 30 seconds to see if you qualify!1

Try National Debt Relief

Scams and Fraud: People lost over $3 billion to scams that started online in 2024

That’s right. If you thought the internet was safer than ever before, you should know that people still lost over $3 billion to scams that started online in 2024 alone.

But you can safeguard your digital world and identity with this powerful browser extension + mobile app from Guardio. Fake sites that mimic trusted ones are more common than you think, especially when making online purchases. Guardio predicts, detects, and blocks them.

Plans start at $9.99 per month. Sign up, install the extension and mobile app, and Guardio will monitor the dark web 24/7 for exposed data. It sends clear and actionable insights in real time to safeguard your accounts, protect your sensitive data, and secure your SSN. And it works across all your devices.

Before you make your next online purchase, join over 2 million users on any device and protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised.

Get a free trial + 30% off when you install Guardio today!

Set up direct deposit and complete qualifying activities - pocket $400

If you aren't banking with Truist, you're missing out on a boost of extra cash just by following a few simple steps.

Earn a bonus of $400 after you open a new Truist One Checking account online between March 26, 2026 and July 9, 2026 using promo code AFL400TR1Q226.2To earn the $400 bonus, your account needs to receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete 20 qualifying debit card purchase transactions within 120 days of account opening. The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. Terms apply.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following the steps above. Plus, your new account offers benefits like no overdraft fee and options to avoid a monthly maintenance fee on top of the bonus.

Open your account and earn a $400 bonus

Overpaying for ED Meds: Get ED meds as low as $0.87/pill

The cost of name brand ED meds (like Viagra) can be as high as $3,000 a month without insurance. Ouch. But this company we found makes it easy for seniors to get practically the exact same medication — for as low as $0.87/pill. That’s significantly cheaper!

This new company does not accept insurance and operates on a “cash pay” basis, which is how they keep costs so low, even for seniors. (You can still pay via credit card.) Pharmacies are U.S.- based and dispense only FDA-approved ED medication for your safety and peace of mind. They are trusted by 41,933+ customers.

To get started: Take a short assessment to get matched with the right medication for your needs. It takes about 60 seconds. No in-person visits needed, and medications are prescribed by licensed doctors. Shipping is also free and discreet on any prescription.

BONUS: New customers get an extra $10 off their first purchase using the link below.

Get ED meds here for as low as $0.87/pill

Missing Out on Free Digital Assets: Get up to $1,000 in digital assets with SoFi Crypto

Most people's first experience with crypto involves a sketchy exchange, confusing transfers, and zero confidence in their money. SoFi® just changed that, and they're offering up to $1,000 in digital assets to new crypto members to prove it.3

SoFi is the first nationally chartered consumer bank in the U.S. to offer crypto.4They’re regulated by the OCC, the same agency behind JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. You buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 20+ other cryptos directly from your FDIC-insured SoFi Checking and Savings account. One app. No wiring money to some third-party platform. No account fees.

And right now, new SoFi Crypto members can receive up to $1,000 in digital assets just for opening an account. Rewards are randomly assigned, and the offer runs through 6/30/2026.5

You can also get a 1% match on eligible crypto buys — up to $2,500 back.

Open a SoFi Crypto account and claim your reward

Home Equity: Tap your home equity before you ever get a loan

If you need cash, you do not need to get a personal or payday loan. If you’re a smart homeowner, use this tool instead before you do anything else. It finds companies offering homeowners reliable access to extra cash.

LendingTree's network of lenders specialize in HELOCs (home equity line of credit). A HELOC is like a credit card that lets you access cash from your home, possibly without crazy interest rates. No, it’s not for everyone. But it’s a 100% legit way to leverage the value of your home to get extra cash, with few downsides.

Get started by using LendingTree’s free simple HELOC matching tool. The key to making a HELOC work is comparing rates and terms, and this tool does that for you. Answer a few questions and you can compare options in a few minutes.6

Getting quotes and checking rates doesn't affect your credit. You could qualify as long as your credit score is 620 or higher and you have equity in your home.

See how much cash you could get

Credit Card Debt: Pay no interest into 2027 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause credit card interest into 2027 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.  

Discover it® Cash Back(Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 17.49% - 26.49% Variable.) That's right — you could finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This practically doubles its value at the end of your first year.

Apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back card

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.7 That could mean trouble for traditional portfolios, but potential for you if you position yourself ahead of the curve.

U.S. Gold Bureau helps Americans protect and grow their retirement savings with gold and silver. They’ve delivered 2 billion+ in precious metals, earned an A+ BBB rating, and offer a BuyBack Guarantee — they buy back any metals they sell at transparent prices.

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 gold with qualifying purchases.8

Get started with gold: Download U.S. Gold Bureau’s IRA investors kit. There's no cost to request it, but doing so could help protect everything you've worked for. (Minimums apply: You should have at least $30,000 to invest.)

Take control of your savings now

Skipping This Credit Card Bonus: Earn a bonus worth $200 to use toward your next flight or hotel 

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) here and you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months — that's worth $200 toward travel!

There is no extra work beyond the spending requirement to earn the early spend bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also lets you earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals, OR statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to over 15 airline or hotel partners! If you travel even once a year this card could is worth it and could net you with $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay — apply today!

Recommended for good or excellent credit.

Click here to apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card now

Tax Debt: Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

TaxRise is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, TaxRise talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe. They have 4.7/5 stars on Google and an “Excellent” 4.4/5 stars on Trustpilot.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program we recommend you owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started

Overpaying on Windows: Ohio residents save big 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 big.

Renewal by Andersen is actively helping homeowners score huge savings. Their certified master professionals install high-quality, energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

They make it extremely easy to upgrade your windows with financing options available and special limited-time offers. The entire process is hassle free.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:
  1. You own your home.
  2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.
Complete this short questionnaire to get started

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.9 Plus, get $200 off your purchase!9

Skipping This Criminally Underrated Credit Card Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus + up to 5% cash back! 

Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen — the bonus is worth almost half the spend!

No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Do not skip this card — it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Expensive Financial Plans: Get your personalized financial plan 100% free

Studies have found that individuals with a financial plan were 3.7x more likely to claim that they're very confident in reaching their goals.10

Our new tool builds you an intelligent, 100% free personalized financial plan that could help grow your net worth. You get instant access to a unique financial plan and exclusive offers that could help you grow financially.

Here's how to get started: 

1. Click the link below. 
2. You will be asked a few questions — enter your email, employment status, and phone number. 
3. Verify your identity through Plaid (name, DOB, social security, etc). 

From there answer a few questions related to your investable assets, retirement accounts, debts, and more to help customize your plan. This service costs nothing and it even tells you how much you can expect to see your net worth grow — down to the dollar — by implementing the suggestions.

Click here and enter your info to get your 100% free financial plan

Ohio homeowners: stop wasting money on DIY pest control that doesn't work

Pests don't just "go away." Leave it untreated and ants, roaches, and rodents can multiply in weeks, leading to expensive structural damage and health risks for your family. If you've spotted a problem or want to make sure you never do, relying on DIY fixes could cost more in the long run.

If you own a home in Ohio, this company called Orkin can provide you with a specialized approach to pest management. With 125+ years of experience and over 8,000 highly trained specialists, they don't just spray. They use science-backed treatments to identify the root of the infestation and keep pests from coming back.

Every home is different, so your Orkin Pro creates a customized plan specifically for your property. Their pros live in your community and understand the specific seasonal pest cycles in your area. And if pests return between treatments, Orkin comes back at no extra charge. If they can't solve it, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Request your free, no-obligation Orkin quote today

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 fiduciary advisors who serve their area, so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

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

Weight Loss: Save as much as 80% on weight loss meds

If you’re finally ready to lose weight, GLP-1s — like Semaglutide & Tirzepatide — burn fat fast.11 And this company we found called Remedy Meds gets them to you 80% cheaper!

It might sound crazy, but Remedy Meds operates on a cash-only basis and does not accept insurance. This is how they’re able to provide up to 80% off the typical cost of weight-loss medications like Ozempic® and Zepbound®. (You can pay via credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.)

Skip the surgeries, diets, and expensive costs of weight loss. Get real results with GLP-1s at 80% less than name brands! Plus, get access to U.S.-based doctors 24/7 when you go through Remedy Meds. No insurance is required and there are no hidden fees.

Dr. Ritu Chopra (from the show "The Doctors") says this is the future of weight loss. Join now before prices go up! You could get pre-approved in as little as 2 minutes.

Limited Time Offer: Right now you can get $120 off your first order!

Take the quiz to get up to 80% off weight loss medications starting at $179/month ($6/day)

BONUS: Pay no interest into 2028 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause credit card interest into 2028 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.  

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card(Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. (Then APR is 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable.) That's right — you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

This is by far one of the longest intro APR periods we've ever seen. Plus, this card comes with even more perks like cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, and you could access deals from various retailers and merchants through My Wells Fargo Deals, making it practically a no-brainer. 

Apply now for the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card card

Not earning up to 5% cash back at restaurants and home improvement stores: Unlock up to $1,070 in value over the next year with this incredible card!

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing welcome bonus and benefits. Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back(Rates and fees) and you can earn up to 5% cash back at restaurants and home improvement stores now to June 30, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.

There's no annual fee, and Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This generous welcome offer and the top-notch cash back rewards provides an estimated $1,070 value in the first year!12 Plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The welcome offer combined with the up to 5% cash back reward rate could be worth up to 10% cash back in the first year!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable. That means you could use this card to fund large purchases or even potentially get out of debt. If you dine out or shop at home improvement stores even once a month, this card is practically a no-brainer!

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