Money-Saving Tips

Plug Your Money Leaks

Miscellaneous spending is hard to account for: the extra charge for a service you aren't using, food spending inflated by lunches out, the shopping cart of impulse purchases while at the store for light bulbs or cat food. Instead of miscellaneous spending, call them what they are: money leaks.

They suck the cash right out of your pocket and leave you wondering where it went. On their own, they're not big draws on your resources, "but remember, it's always the little things that will drain the pool," says Dave Ramsey, author of The Total Money Makeover. Start plugging those day-to-day money leaks instead. We'll show you how!