If you really want to get better at saving your money, say goodbye to these 8 subtle behaviors

We all know that saving money is a skill that can significantly improve your financial security and peace of mind.

…but for many of us, it’s easier said than done. 

Often, it’s not the big expenses or major life events that derail our savings goals, though—it’s the subtle, everyday behaviors we don’t even realize are holding us back.

The good news is that once you identify these habits, you can start letting them go and make meaningful progress toward your financial goals.

If you’re serious about getting better at saving your money, it’s time to say goodbye to these 8 subtle behaviors. Let’s dive in and uncover the small changes that can make a big difference to your bank account!

1) Unplanned online spending

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your social media feed, and an ad pops up, or an influencer shows off a product that catches your eye.

Before you know it—bam! You’re at the checkout, buying something you never knew you needed or intended to purchase. Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone. Research suggests that almost half of social media users have impulsively purchased something they saw online. 

With the rise of targeted advertising, it’s no wonder these platforms are so good at pushing us to spend. They know exactly how to show you that “perfect” product at just the right moment.

But unplanned online shopping can wreak havoc on your budget. 

So how do you avoid it? Well, here are a few tips:

• Pause and reflect: If you see something you like, give yourself a cooling-off period. Wait 24–48 hours before deciding if you really need or want the item.
• Set a budget: Allocate a specific amount for discretionary spending each month and stick to it. This way, you can enjoy small splurges guilt-free without going overboard.
• Unfollow triggers: If certain accounts or influencers make you feel like you need to buy things constantly, consider muting or unfollowing them.
• Remove saved payment info: Making it less convenient to check out can give you the time to reconsider impulse purchases.

By being more mindful of your online shopping habits, you can save more money and keep your spending aligned with your financial goals.

2) Eating out too often

I’ll hold my hands up and admit it: I love eating out. Trying new restaurants, indulging in delicious meals, not having to cook – it’s wonderful. 

However, I noticed a dramatic dip in my savings when I was dining out multiple times a week.

Eating out is one of those subtle behaviors that can take a significant bite out of your budget. It might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but those meals add up quickly.

So, I made a change. I started cooking at home more often, experimenting with new recipes, and saving dining out for special occasions.

Not only did I see an increase in my savings, but I also discovered a newfound passion for cooking.

If you are like I was, consider cutting back on eating out. You might be surprised by how much you can save – and who knows, you might even find a new hobby in the process!

3) Paying for unused subscriptions

In this digital age, it’s easy to sign up for a subscription service – music streaming, video streaming, gym memberships, the list goes on. But how many of these services do we actually use regularly?

According to research, the average American spends $924 a year on subscription services. Yes the average is $924 – for some, it’s probably a lot more!

Worse yet, research by YouGov suggests that among those who have subscriptions, more than half of them are paying for a service they haven’t used in six months!

If you’re not using these services, that’s money going down the drain. It’s time to evaluate what you’re really using and what’s just eating into your savings.

Go through your bank statements and cancel those unused subscriptions. It might seem like a small saving each month, but over a year, it can make a significant difference to your bank balance.

4) Ignoring small expenses

It’s easy to dismiss small expenses. After all, what harm can a $3 coffee or a $10 lunch deal do to your savings?

The truth is, a lot.

These small expenses add up over time and can make a sizable dent in your budget. It’s like a leaking faucet – it might only be a few drops at a time, but leave it running and you’ll find yourself with an empty tank.

Start tracking these small expenses. You could use an app or simply jot them down in a notebook. Once you see the total, you’ll realize how much of your money is going towards these seemingly insignificant purchases.

5) Falling for retail therapy

This is a big one. 

We’ve all had those days. When things get tough, it’s tempting to treat ourselves to a new outfit or the latest gadget. It feels good in the moment, like a comforting hug.

But here’s the thing: retail therapy is a temporary fix. It may lift your spirits for a while, but it doesn’t address the root of your stress. And often, it leaves you with buyer’s remorse and a thinner wallet.

Instead of reaching for your credit card when you’re feeling down, try finding other ways to de-stress that don’t involve spending money.

This could be going for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones.

Saying goodbye to retail therapy doesn’t mean you can never treat yourself. It just means finding healthier, more sustainable ways to manage stress. And your savings account will thank you for it.

6) Not setting a budget

I used to be terrified of the word “budget”. It felt restrictive, like a straitjacket on my spending. But then I realized, without a budget, I was constantly worrying about money.

I didn’t know where my money was going or if I was saving enough.

Setting a budget changed all that for me. It gave me control over my finances and peace of mind knowing I was saving for my future.

A budget doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as dividing your income into different categories – essentials, savings, and discretionary spending.

7) Neglecting to save for emergencies

Life is unpredictable. Cars break down, medical emergencies happen, jobs can be lost. It’s not pleasant to think about, but it’s reality.

Having an emergency fund provides a financial safety net when unexpected expenses come your way. Without one, you might find yourself relying on credit cards or loans, which can lead to debt and stress.

Start by setting a small goal, like saving $500. Then, work your way up to having three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.

8) Avoiding financial education

In my experience, the most powerful tool in saving money is knowledge. Understanding how money works, how to invest, and how to plan for the future can make a world of difference. 

As put by legendary investor Warren Buffet, “Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing”

Yet, many of us avoid educating ourselves about finances. Maybe it seems too complex, or we think it’s something only for the wealthy.

But the truth is, financial education is for everyone. It’s never too late to start learning about money management.

There are plenty of resources out there, from books and podcasts to online courses and seminars. Make it a habit to learn something new about finances every week.

Because when it comes to saving money, knowledge really is power.

Final thoughts: It’s all about mindfulness

The journey to better financial health is intrinsically tied to our habits and behaviors.

The subtle behaviors we discussed play a more significant role in our financial health than we usually acknowledge.

Each impulsive purchase, ignored budget, or neglected savings plan is a small stone that gradually weighs down our financial freedom.

So, take a moment to reflect on your habits. Are they serving your financial goals, or are they slowly chipping away at them?

The power to change your financial future is in your hands.