NerdWallet Logo

10 Sneaky Ways You Could Be Losing Money Right Now

Think you’re keeping your finances in check? You might be surprised. From hidden fees and overpriced insurance to high-interest debt, small money leaks can quietly add up over time.

universal image alt

1.

Advisor Fees: Don’t Overpay For Your Financial Planning

When it comes to building your retirement savings, fees can make a big difference. Even a small percentage taken out each year can quietly eat into your returns and shrink your long-term nest egg. But not all financial advisors charge the same way — some are fee-only (charging a flat or hourly rate), while others take a percentage of assets under management or earn commissions from the products they recommend.

Take this free advisor-matching quiz to receive up to three financial advisors matches. It’s a quick way to explore who might be the best fit — and to understand how their fee structures align with your financial goals.

2.

Earn Up to $1,500 With A $0 Fee Savings Account

If you’re serious about earning more on your savings, this online bank; Goldman Sachs deserves your attention. It offers highly competitive rates, charges no monthly fees and allows same-day online transfers for relatively large amounts — so your money can grow faster without getting tied up. That said, it’s built with savers in mind. You won’t find checking accounts here, and it doesn’t include some features other online banks offer, like mobile check deposit or a free ATM network.

In 2026, Marcus won NerdWallet’s annual award for best bank or credit union for certificates of deposit.

3.

Debt Relief: Explore Professional Help if You Owe $20K+

If you’re juggling multiple debts or struggling to make minimum payments, a debt relief program could be worth exploring. Some firms work with your creditors to reduce what you owe and simplify repayment into one manageable monthly payment. NerdWallet makes it easy to find out if you qualify for debt relief. Simply click the link below and answer some questions to see if you qualify.

4.

Stop Overpaying On Car Insurance (rates as low as $29 a month)

Car Insurance – If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t love overpaying for car insurance — but many people do without realizing it. Rates can vary by thousands of dollars a year depending on your insurer, driving history, and even where you live. According to a recent NerdWallet analysis (October 2025), shopping around and comparing quotes regularly can uncover significant savings — sometimes enough to cover other monthly bills or boost your emergency fund.

Here’s how to check your rates:

  1. Click the link below and enter your zip code, date of birth, and phone number.

  2. Answer a few questions about your car’s make and model to get matched with top offers.

  3. Choose the best quote for you and lock it in before rates go up.

3.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® from Chase offers a compelling combination of valuable rewards, flexible redemption options, a lengthy 0% introductory APR period (then a 18.24%-27.74% Variable APR) and a great sign-up bonus — all for an annual fee of $0.

The card earns 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstore purchases, 5% back on travel booked through Chase and 1.5% back on other purchases. Put that together and you have a card that can really pile up the cash back. And if you’re like me and carry other credit cards that also earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, it packs even more value.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
Apply now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5%-5% 

Intro offer

$250 

Recommended credit score

690-850  (Good - Excellent)

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.24%-27.74% Variable APR

3.

A 0% Intro APR Window That Can Reshape Your Finances (it’s insane a card like this exists)

If you’re looking for a way to earn more from your everyday spending — while keeping interest costs low — the Citi Strata℠ Card from Citibank is a strong pick for 2025.

For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. That bonus is worth $300 when redeemed for gift cards or travel through Citi ThankYou® Rewards — one of the most valuable no-annual-fee welcome offers available right now. With the ability to earn up to 5x points on every dollar spent this card helps your money stretch further. The card also comes with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a 18.49%-28.49% Variable APR). That means you can make big purchases or consolidate higher-interest credit card balances and enjoy no interest until 2027 — giving you extra breathing room in your budget.

Citi Strata℠ Card

Citi Strata℠ Card
Apply now
on Citibank's application

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1x-5x 

Intro offer

20,000 

Recommended credit score

690-850  (Good - Excellent)

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.49%-28.49% Variable APR

5.

A 0% Intro APR Period Could Reshape Your Finances (Yes, Really!)

Want to pay off your debt with less money in a shorter amount of time, or finance a big purchase without paying interest?

A 0% intro APR credit card could help you save hundreds (or even thousands) in interest - and potentially get rid of your debt faster, if you pay it off within the 0% intro interest period. Cards with these three important qualities may help you save the most money:

6.

Home Insurance: Shop Around for Better Coverage

Homeowners often renew their insurance automatically without checking new rates — and that can be costly. Comparing multiple quotes from different insurers lets you see if you can find a lower rate for similar (or better) coverage.

Homeowners who compare could save $1,000/year or more. It takes only a few minutes to check, and it’s worth doing annually or after any major home update.

7.

Save Money For Travel by Choosing The Right Card

With the right travel credit card, every purchase can bring you closer to your next trip. The points or miles you earn on everyday spending — like groceries, gas, or dining out — can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or vacation upgrades. Over time, those rewards can add up to significant savings when it’s time to book your next getaway.

We’ve rounded up some of the top travel cards from our partners that make it easier (and more affordable) to turn your spending into your next adventure.

8.

Don’t Pay Another Home Repair Bill Until You See This

Most homeowners don’t think about protection until something breaks. And by then? The repair bill can hit hard. Before you pay hundreds — or possibly thousands — to a contractor, it may be worth looking at a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty, a company that’s been operating since 2008.

Here’s why some homeowners consider it:

If your furnace fails and the repair costs $3,000 or more, that’s a tough bill to absorb all at once. A home warranty that runs around $100 per month — plus a service fee — could cost far less over time than paying for a major breakdown entirely out of pocket. For some homeowners, trading one large surprise expense for predictable monthly payments can make budgeting a lot easier.

Choice Home Warranty offers plans covering major home systems and appliances, and claims can be filed 24/7 online or by phone. If you’d rather not be caught off guard by your next repair bill, it may be worth reviewing their current plans and pricing before something breaks.

9.

Managing Credit Card Debt: Consolidate for a Lower Rate

High-interest debt can feel impossible to escape. Consolidation loans or personal loans with lower APRs may help you pay off your balances faster and save on interest.

You can compare multiple loan options without affecting your credit score to find one that fits your situation. Reducing your interest rate can mean hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.

10.

Tap Your Home’s Equity to Lower High Interest Debt

More homeowners are turning to home equity loans to tackle high-interest debt or invest in upgrades that add value to their homes. One big advantage: you can typically keep your current mortgage rate while borrowing against your home’s equity.

Applying is often straightforward, with no hidden fees and a fast approval process. You can check your estimated rate and available equity in just a few clicks.