Fun fact: 14 of the 20 largest US retail banks posted higher income generated from overdraft fees and bounced-check (NSF) fees from January to September 2025.

While many of us were aware of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s regulation to cap bank overdraft fees in December 2024, just as many of us may not be aware that the same regulation was scrapped in May 2025.

So, instead of saving depositors the projected $5 billion a year, those same 20 largest retail banks saw a 2% uptick to $2.9 billion in overdraft and NSF fee income - from our very same pockets. (Reuters)

The point of all this? If you don’t watch where your money goes, someone else will.

From paying bank fees to buying new books and lottery tickets, if you’re looking to cut things that aren’t bringing value back into your pockets, we’ve rounded up three handfuls of options for you.

Never pay bank fees.

The average overdraft fee is about $35 right now, and about 11% of Americans paid one in 2024.

Doing regular check-ins on your bank balance and keeping track of when bills or payments are set to come out of your account can help with this, as can signing up for no-overdraft account, like the CapitalOne 360 Checking Account.

If you find yourself consistently having to tap into your overdraft, securing a Personal Line of Credit or a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) can give you a better backstop - you only pay interest on what balance you carry if you don't pay it off every month.

If you’re buying reliable, high quality products, your regular manufacturer’s warranty should suffice, and the cost of repair vs. a pricier extended warranty can save you some money.

Plus, getting the extended warranty might not equal greater service if you do need it - it may take longer to get it fixed, for example.

23% of those who had an appliance repaired under an extended warranty complained that it took more than one try to get it fixed right, compared with 15% of those who paid for a repair themselves.

(Consumer Reports)

Warranties can cost up to 20% of the price. Instead of this, see what standard warranties are included and if your credit card has additional warranties you can use for free.

In 2023, the average American household spent $320 a year on lottery tickets. (Lending Tree)

This habit of gambling or picking up a lottery ticket (or two) at the gas station can be one that will quickly drain your savings. These things are highly addictive and can make you think you’re earning money with a win hear and there, but overall, you’re losing money.

Read the article, and all 15 things to stop wasting money on👇