11 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

Last updated April 6, 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: 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 Aura which comes with up to $1,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance2per adult, to cover eligible losses and fees should you experience them.

Plans start at $7 per month, and you can choose a family plan that outmatches most others — including Dark Web monitoring to scour data breaches and leaks for your sensitive personal data — such as Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.

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.

Save up to 68% when you sign up for protection today!

Skipping This Criminally Underrated Credit Card Bonus: Earn a $250 bonus + up to 5% cash back! (Limited-Time Offer) 

Limited-Time Offer: Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $250 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 half the spend!

No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn this limited-time $250 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 or its incredible limited-time offer — 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®

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

Stop overpaying when you shop online: Amazon Prime members, get a $150 Amazon Gift Card!

If you're an Amazon Prime member, apply for the Prime Visa(Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval (get an instant decision within 15 seconds).3

There is no extra work or spending requirement and no annual fee!

The Prime Visa credit card also lets you earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

If you spend a good amount on Amazon this card could be worth $100s in cash back every year.  Don't delay — apply today! 

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

Click here to apply for the Prime Visa credit card today and get an instant decision in 15 seconds

Stop Overpaying for Flights: Save up to $2,000 on every flight you take (yes, it’s crazy)

Sounds kind of insane. And maybe you’re skeptical if this actually works or not. But either way … you’re probably curious. If you want to save a ton on travel (even international), Dollar Flight Club makes it so you could potentially pay less for any flight you take.

They’ve been helping travelers save since 2016 (so you know they’re the real deal), shipping crazy flight deals straight to your email — up to 90% off normal price for many flights. Just pick your destination and let them do the rest. They hunt deals 24/7 so you don’t have to.

Now, some insider info: They *do* offer a free version … but it puts you on a 2-3 month waitlist. Skip the wait and get instant access to the best deals with a Premium+ membership instead. For a limited time, FinanceBuzz readers can try Premium+ free for 14 days!

How to try Premium+:

  1. Enter your email at the link below.
  2. Pick your departure airport and dream destinations.
  3. Enter your payment info and start your free trial of Premium+.

This is the fastest way to unlock the best flight deals that could save you up to 90% off flights. At the end of the trial, you’ll be upgraded to the $99 per year membership.

Enter your payment info here to start your free Premium+ trial

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

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 AFL400TR1Q226.4To 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

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

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.5

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

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Save $100 today on treatment

Testosterone powers your energy, muscles, focus, and sex drive. It makes you feel like you. But as early as your 30s, levels naturally begin to decline. You can end up with constant fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and a libido that's nowhere to be found.

This company called Titan gets you scientifically-proven Testosterone Replacement Therapy medications for $100 off your first month.TRT could help safely restore your testosterone levels to an optimal range, helping you feel sharper, stronger, and more like yourself.

Have more energy, feel stronger, and enjoy a higher sex drive. Click below and answer a few questions to see if you qualify. Titan will guide you through the process including labs and treatment. Plus, get $100 off your first month. — meaning you can start TRT for just $49.

Complete this short quiz to see if you qualify

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.6

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

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 FREE 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.)

Download U.S. Gold Bureau’s FREE IRA investors kit

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

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

Weight Loss: Get started with GLP-1s as low as $49 (some insurance now accepted!)

If you’re finally ready to lose weight, GLP-1s — like Semaglutide & Tirzepatide — are clinically proven to help you lose up to 20% of your body weight.9 And this company called Found helps you work with a clinician to get a personalized prescription for as low as $49/month!

Found is the only telehealth provider that allows you to use your insurance benefits to save on compounded GLP-1s, with insurance accepted for ⅓ Americans. This way, you could save $1,000s on the typical out of pocket cost of weight-loss medications like Ozempic® and Zepbound®.

Skip the surgeries, diets, and expensive costs of weight loss. Get real results with GLP-1s for $1,000s less than name brands with insurance! Plus, get access to U.S.-based doctors 24/7 when you go through Found. There are no hidden fees and cash pay is still available.

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 $100 off your first month!

Take the quiz to get weight loss medications as low as $49/mo with insurance

Paying for Gutter Cleaning: Save $100s every year on gutter cleaning services!

Hiring a gutter cleaner multiple times per year can be expensive over the lifetime of your home, adding up to $1,000s of dollars. But with this service, homeowners may be able to get rid of that annoying yearly cost!

LeafFilter is a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard that’s so effective you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The best part is that this company will clean out and realign your gutters prior to installing.

LeafFilter micromesh filter provides durability and performance that keeps your gutters protected from common debris. Don’t waste your money on cheap, ineffective solutions that claim to be clog-free.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below and enter your ZIP code and home info to get a free estimate.

Enter your ZIP code here to get started

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.

Interest: Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that’s you, a company called LendingTree5wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.

Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.

That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.

See if your $30K+ credit card debt is eligible for options with LendingTree

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!10 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.