We get it. Money comes in, bills go out, and somewhere in between, your paycheck vanishes faster than a magician’s rabbit. But what if some of that vanishing act is happening right under your nose — on things you don’t even realize are draining your bank account?

Here are 12 things that might be flushing your hard-earned cash straight down the toilet (sometimes literally).

1. Bottled Water

Are you really paying $3 for something that falls from the sky? If you’re still buying bottled water when you have a perfectly good tap at home (or a filter), you might as well start pouring your money down the sink too.

2. Expensive Coffee Runs

We love a good latte as much as the next person, but if you’re dropping $6 a day on your caffeine fix, that’s over $2,000 a year. Ever heard of a coffee maker? Your wallet will thank you.

3. Brand-Name Medications

Same active ingredient, different price tag. Generic meds are just as effective as their brand-name counterparts, but way cheaper. Don’t let fancy packaging fool you.

4. Subscription Overload

When’s the last time you actually used that yoga app, that language-learning subscription, or that streaming service you forgot about? If your credit card statement looks like a “Who’s Who” of unused subscriptions, it’s time to trim the fat.

5. Gym Memberships You Don’t Use

If your only workout is running out of excuses for skipping the gym, it’s time to cancel. Home workouts and outdoor runs are free.

6. Impulse Buys on Social Media

Late-night scrolling is dangerous. Those targeted ads know you, but do you really need another oddly specific gadget that will end up in your junk drawer?

7. Wasted Groceries

That bag of wilted spinach, the expired yogurt, and the mystery takeout container in your fridge? That’s money wasted. Shop smarter, meal plan, and stop overbuying.

8. Paying for ATM Fees

You’re paying extra to access your own money? Find a bank with free ATMs or plan ahead so you’re not paying $3-$5 per withdrawal.

9. Luxury Brand Loyalty

Sure, designer labels are nice, but are they that much better than the high-quality alternatives at a fraction of the price? You’re paying for the name, not just the product.

10. Keeping Up with the Joneses

Your neighbour just bought a new car, so now you need one? Nope. Comparing yourself to others financially is a sure way to stay broke.

11. Extended Warranties

Most products are built to last beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Those “extended protection plans” are often unnecessary and a cash grab.

12. Credit Card Interest

If you’re only making minimum payments, interest charges are eating up your money. Paying off your balance in full can save you thousands over time.

Your financial health is like plumbing — keep it in check, and the money flows where it should. But ignore the leaks, and you’ll be hemorrhaging cash faster than you can earn it.

At Sela Investment Management, we help people make smarter money moves — because your dollars should be working for you, not swirling down the drain.