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Expenses That Quietly Eat Away at Your Budget

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Financial and Investment Subscriptions

Mike Kojonen, founder and owner of Principal Preservation Services, said people often subscribe to investment or financial research services and tools that go unused and forgotten.

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ATM Fees

Kojonen said, "Bank fees, while they seem nominal on a per-item basis, can accumulate to a substantial amount over time."

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Bank Maintenance Fees

Kojonen also called out monthly maintenance fees, which are still common on some checking accounts. According to Experian, they average between $5 and $35 per month.

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Overdraft Fees

While many banks have done away with overdraft fees, some still charge them, according to Kojonen. The FDIC says the average is $35 per transaction.

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Cable TV

"Cable has gotten more expensive, so review if it is worth 'cutting the cord' and eliminating that expense, which can be hundreds a month," said Clements.

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Unused Streaming Services

According to Forbes, the average American spends $46 per month on streaming services, and many are paying for platforms they don't use.

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Brand Prescribe Drugs

"You can slash this cost by 70% by switching from brand name to generic drugs," she said. "And don't worry: You're not sacrificing your health.

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Unused Gym Memberships

According to Renee McBride, personal finance author at Net Pay Advance, "Many people sign up for gym memberships with the best intentions but end up not utilizing them.

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Impulse Purchases

McBride said to avoid "small, spontaneous purchases" that might seem insignificant individually but can add up over time.

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