11 Dumbest Things Middle-Class Americans Waste Money On

Middle-class Americans often dream of getting rich, yet their spending habits are slowly sapping away at their financial well-being. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these small daily expenses are often a hidden financial trap.

From luxury subscriptions to one-off impulse buys, these purchases may seem harmless. But collectively, they lead to major setbacks in the quest to get ahead financially.

Here are some of the most common ways that middle-class households waste money — and some solutions to help you take control.

Subscription-based services, from gym memberships to Netflix, may seem affordable but often lead to overspending. Not only is it death by a thousand cuts — only $7.99 a month here and there — but it’s easy to lose track of them.

This packs a double whammy. All these monthly fees can add up to a significant sum. And if you’re not using these services, you’re throwing away money.

Take a close inventory of your subscriptions and how often you use them, and cut as many as possible.

Kids’ activity costs have skyrocketed.

My oldest, only 6, has done dance, piano, outdoor adventure camps, ice skating, and swim lessons. If she takes up a sport, the costs will explode with clinics, camps, and traveling fees.

Certified financial planner Stoy Hall confirms what I’ve long suspected: Americans are going overboard, overspending on sports and activities that have become far too expensive.

We all want to give our kids the best, says Hall, but “there are ways to get your kids exposed to programs…that don’t cost an arm and a leg.”

Grant Gallagher, assistant vice president at Affinity Federal Credit Union, explains why can be a waste of money. “Wealthier individuals usually have broader insurance policies that provide better value than extended warranties on individual items,” he says.

Instead of adding extended warranties to individual purchases, consider a comprehensive policy that covers a range of personal property at more favorable rates.

Buying brand-new is a common financial pitfall. Middle-class buyers often see new cars as a status symbol and may spend thousands of dollars more than necessary.

With new vehicle prices up 17% since 2021, the average cost is around $48,397. Consider purchasing a used car that retains value or maintaining your current vehicle with proper servicing.

If you must buy new, timing the purchase during a year-end sale or consider less popular models and colors.

Middle-class shoppers are burning through cash at Amazon, Target, and other retailers, fueled by Instagram feeds and an onslaught of “fast fashion.”

American consumers have more clothing than ever and are continually acquiring more. It’s easy to overspend on a $17 sweatshirt here and there. And unless you own a capsule wardrobe, there’s a good chance you’re not wearing most of the clothing you already have.

Wear what you have and buy secondhand as much as possible.

Dreaming of a giant lottery win is expensive. Purchasing tickets drains money that could go toward more reliable financial goals. While a few bucks a pop may seem harmless, the odds don’t justify the expense. For scratch-offs alone, which have far better odds than the Powerball, a player will “win” $5 for every $10 spent.

Credit card debt is another money drain. Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit Consolidation, points out that people in the middle class tend to carry a lot of it.

“It can quickly balloon out of your control,” Seuthe says. “I would say one of the largest expenditures in the middle class that could be holding them back from achieving a better financial status is debt.”

Going to college is seen as the gateway to privilege. Many families are willing to pay any price for their child to get ahead.

Jonathan Merry, a finance expert at Moneyzine, advises caution. “I’ve observed the student loan crisis firsthand,” says Merry. “It’s alarming how institutions offer massive loans to young adults from middle-class families without a full grasp of the commitment.”

Excessive debts make it harder for young adults to get ahead — along with parents who may have co-signed for loans.

While less widespread, community colleges and in-state universities offer a more affordable path to college.

“We’re too poor to buy cheap things,” I frequently tell my kids.

While the most expensive item isn’t always the highest quality, the cheapest one never is. When my 6-year-old shows me dollar-bin toys, I often tell her, “We can’t afford it."

Cheaply made or “budget-friendly” goods are more likely to be made with shoddy parts and have shorter lifespans. It is better to invest in high-quality, durable products that deliver long-term value.

Middle-class households tend to overspend not just on dining out but also on groceries.

People overstock their fridges with food that they’re too lazy to cook, points out CFP Stoy Hall. So they go out to eat instead, doubling their food expenses.

He suggests being more intentional about going out to eat and planning for it in your budget.

Middle-class families may have just enough money to sabotage their finances by making spending decisions that bypass opportunities to build wealth.

Many middle-class households are less likely to be financially literate (knowledgeable about investing) and don’t understand where all the money is going.

According to Hall, this disorganized spending is the “number one reason why you’re broke.” He says, “It’s not the economy, it’s not your job, it’s your lack of a plan.”

Stop buying what feels good now and shift toward thinking about building wealth. Ask yourself, “How does this purchase align with my long-term financial goals?”

This doesn’t mean you need to scrimp and go without. Thinking long-term often means saying no to cheap goods in favor of longer-lasting ones because investing in enduring quality is a surer bet than chasing volatile, short-term wins.