11 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

Car Insurance: Virginia drivers, cancel your car insurance

I let my car insurance auto-renew for years. Clean record, no claims, so I figured my rate was fine. I was wrong.

When I finally compared my options with a free tool, my quote came back lower than I expected. I went from $159/mo to $47/mo for two cars.¹ <p>This reflects one individual’s experience. Savings depend on driving history, location, vehicle, and coverage needs. Comparison does not guarantee lower rates.</p> I couldn't believe I'd been missing out on a chance to save this much.

If you haven’t compared recently, it could be worth checking:

1. Click below and enter your zip code.
2. Answer a few questions about your vehicle.
3. See if there’s a better option for you.

It’s free, quick, and there’s no obligation.

See if you could be paying less for the same coverage

Skipping This Card: Earn a $200 bonus for spending $500

Spend just $500 in the first 3 months from account opening with the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus. That's one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen. The bonus is worth almost half the spend.

No complicated requirements. Apply here, and if you get approved, hit $500 spend in the first 3 months, earn $200. Boom. You can also earn cash back on everything you buy: 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.

Need to finance a big purchase or knock out high-interest debt? You also get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. This card is 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 and earn your $200 bonus 

Spending $1,000s to Repair Water Damage: How Virginia homeowners are preventing roof rot, mold, and foundation damage for good

Most homeowners think of gutters as just a cleaning chore. The bigger risk is what happens when they clog. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage, roof rot, mold, even foundation problems, the kind of repairs that run into the thousands.

If you own a home in Virginia, HomeBuddy offers a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard built to prevent exactly that. Their micromesh filter keeps common debris out, so your gutters stay clear and your home stays protected. And because it actually works, you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The company will even clean out and realign your gutters before they install.

Don't waste money on cheap, ineffective guards that claim to be clog-free. This one's built to last.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below, enter your ZIP code and home info, and a representative will reach out to schedule a free estimate.

See if you qualify

High-Interest Debt: Ask this program to help resolve your credit card debt

If you’re making minimum payments but feel like your debt isn’t going anywhere, you’re not alone. Between credit cards, medical bills, collections, and personal loans, it can be difficult to know where to start — or how long it could take to finally get ahead.

Freedom Debt Relief could help. If you have +$20,000 in credit card debt, their certified debt specialists may be able to negotiate with your creditors to settle your debts for less than you owe.

Based on a plan that fits your budget, you could have one affordable monthly deposit, that could be lower than your current minimum payments.

Best of all? There are no upfront settlement fees (they only get paid once they deliver results) and they may be able to help you resolve your debt in as little as 24-48 months. Plus, they even offer a program guarantee.² <p>Freedom Debt Relief (FDR) enrolls only unsecured debts, such as unsecured loans and credit cards. Any claims including 'debt-free' statements are only referring to enrolled debt. FDR is not a loan and does not provide relief for federally backed student loans or secured debt, such as auto loans or mortgages. All estimates for FDR's services are based on prior results, which will vary depending on your specific enrolled creditors and your individual program terms, including your ability to maintain your program deposits. FDR's services are estimated to resolve your debt faster and for a lower amount than your current monthly minimum payments. Not all FDR clients are able to complete their program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. FDR does not guarantee that your debts will be resolved for a specific amount or percentage or within a specific period of time. FDR is not a lender, creditor, or debt collector and is not a credit repair organization and does not provide or offer services or advice to repair, modify, or improve your credit. FDR does not assume your debts, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice. FDR's services are not available in all states and some programs may be offered through a law firm for legal services. FDR's fees may vary from state to state. Please contact a tax professional to discuss potential tax consequences of less than full balance debt resolution. The use of FDR services will likely adversely affect your creditworthiness, may result in you being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or collectors and may increase the outstanding balances of your enrolled accounts due to the accrual of fees and interest. However, negotiated settlements FDR obtains on your behalf resolve the entire account, including all accrued fees and interest. It is expected that you read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment.</p> <p>This guarantee takes effect when you graduate the program—or even if you leave before graduating. When you exit the program, we’ll use the combined total of all the debts you enrolled and settled and the fees you paid to us to calculate your eligibility for a refund. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S.12-03825.</p>

To get started, just answer a few simple questions – it only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!

Try Freedom Debt Relief

Overpaying on Windows: Virginia residents save big on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Virginia 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.

1. You own your home.
2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
3. You live in an available ZIP code.

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.³ <p>DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 9/30/2025 and 12/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your entire purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer's loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for detail "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.</p> Plus, get $200 off your purchase!³ <p>DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 9/30/2025 and 12/31/2025. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your entire purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer's loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for detail "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.</p>

Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

GoldTrustGuide is actively helping Americans find greater retirement security with precious metal investments like gold. In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold increased by 25%.⁴ <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/28/gold-price-surpasses-record-5300-amid-weakening-dollar-fed-independence-concerns/">Source</a></p> They match you with top-rated providers offering physical gold and silver IRAs with a proven track record during unstable markets.⁵ <p>Investments carry risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.</p>

Protect your savings today in 3 easy steps:

1. Answer 4 quick questions on your goals and timeline.
2. Get matched instantly with a top-rated provider suited to your goals.
3. Speak to a specialist for a free, no-obligation consultation.

They hold a Top Rated designation from the Business Consumer Alliance and earn a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars on Google. Get your free Gold IRA match today.

Credit Card Debt: 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 pause credit card interest into 2028 ... 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 17.74% - 26.74% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies.) 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. 

Apply now for the Discover it^® Cash Back card

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.

Paid Non-Client Promotion

FinanceBuzz doesn’t invest its money with this provider, but they are our referral partner. We get paid by them only if you click to them from our website and take a qualifying action (for example, opening an account.)

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 LendingTree⁶ <p>Terms and conditions apply. Rates subject to change. LendingTree, LLC. NMLS# 1136.</p> wants 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

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

Home Equity: Virginia Homeowners borrow from your home’s equity to pay down high-interest debt

Home equity loans are surging in popularity with homeowners with great credit to pay down high-interest debt quickly or make home improvements.

The best part is you can actually keep your current mortgage rate by getting a home equity loan with this genius program!

No hassle. No expensive fees.

Calculate your equity amount and lock in your rate today!

How to get started:

1. Check out LendingTree’s Home Equity matching tool.⁶ <p>Terms and conditions apply. Rates subject to change. LendingTree, LLC. NMLS# 1136.</p>
2. Answer a few questions about your home.
3. Lock in your personalized rate and payment.

700+ Credit Score: Compare real offers for $0

Your Auto Policy: The one monthly bill too many Virginia drivers never think to compare

You compare prices on groceries, electronics, flights, and streaming services. But how many times have you actually compared your car insurance? For most people, the answer is once, when they first signed up. After that, it just auto-renews.

The thing is, rates can change year to year, and what you were quoted when you first signed up may not reflect what's available to you now. A free comparison tool could show you options you didn't know were out there.

Here's how to check:

1. Click below and enter your zip code and a few basic details.
2. Get matched with providers based on your profile.
3. See if there's a better rate for the same coverage you already have.

Compare your options and see what's available in Virginia

It could take a couple of minutes, and there's no obligation to switch. But if you find something better, you could put that difference back in your pocket every month. Just make sure to cancel your existing policy if you do switch.

Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000 portfolio

If you have $1,000,000 saved up, this guide is for you. The last thing you want in retirement is to run out of money. Instead, you want your money to generate a real income while you enjoy your life.

Answer a few quick questions about your financial situation, and you'll get a personalized financial plan plus a free guide: The Complete Guide to Retirement Income. 

FinanceBuzz has helped millions of readers make smarter money decisions since 2016. Our team researches over 600 financial products so you don't have to. 

Answer a few questions to get your free retirement income guide

Hefty Debt Payments: Americans could get 30K+ debt settled for less than what they owe

Not trying to be dramatic, but $30,000 in credit card debt is a weight that gets heavier every single month. But you could get it settled for less than what you owe.

A company called Freedom Debt Relief could negotiate directly with your credit card companies to reduce the amount you owe in as little as 24 to 48 months.They've already served over 1 million people and resolved more than $20 billion in debt since 2002.⁷ <p>Statistics reflect the results of the members we and our affiliates have served since 2002 (as of January 2026).</p>

Plus, they carry an A+ rating from the BBB and an “Excellent” Trustpilot rating with 50,000+ reviews. Why not see if they could help? The consultation is completely free and it only takes a few minutes to see if you’re eligible.

See if you qualify Freedom Debt Relief

Paying Full Price on Travel and Restaurants: Not retired? You can still join AARP for massive discounts and your first year is just $15

Think AARP is only for retirees? It isn't. Anyone 18 or older can join, and your first year costs just $15 (about $1.25 a month)! An AARP membership gets you massive discounts on:

• Restaurants (save up to $450 per year!)
• Airfare, hotels, cruises and rental cars
• Meal deliveries
• UPS shipping
• Eyeglasses and even prescriptions that aren't covered by insurance

Plus you'll also get insider info on health and wellness and you can add a partner for free. That’s twice the perks and potentially hundreds saved for just $15. It basically pays for itself.

Joining takes about two minutes:

1. Click the link below, choose your free welcome gift, and select "Join Today"
2. Create your account by answering a few quick questions
3. Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Join AARP for only $15 your first year (renews at $20/yr). Start saving today.

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

Each year, the IRS forgives millions in unpaid taxes. If you have more than $10,000 in tax debt, or have 3+ years of unfiled taxes, you could get forgiveness too. You might be eligible to lower the amount you owe, or eliminate your tax debt completely.

Easy Tax Relief could help you lower or get out of your tax debt for good. They’re well respected in the industry and have been recognized for their ethical standards when dealing with tax debt. While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Easy Tax Relief talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

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

Fill out this form 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.⁸ <p>The FDA has not evaluated compounded medications for safety, quality, or efficacy. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs that should be taken and monitored under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. GLP-1 medications carry serious risks, including risks of thyroid C-cell tumors (which includes thyroid cancer) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Please visit the Remedy Meds website for more details.</p> 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 20 Factor Meals Free and $120 off your first order!

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

Virginia 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 Virginia, 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

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2028

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading low-interest card - the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees).

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 your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months. 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! After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. 

The best part? The annual fee is $0.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Not earning up to 5% cash back at restaurants and on entertainment and utilities when you activate this incredible offer

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 on entertainment and utilities now to December 31, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.

There's no annual fee — plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.  The generous welcome offer provides top-notch cash back rewards since Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.74% - 26.74% (Variable) (balance transfer fee applies). That means you could use this card to fund large purchases or even help tackle your debt. If you're traveling this summer or want to earn more on beauty essentials, this card is practically a no-brainer!

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