PLUG YOUR LEAKS..
Need Extra Cash? Who doesn’t these days? Let’s talk about money leaks. You’re probably wondering, “What’s she talking about?”
Many years ago we had a client that was a successful business person. He had a great house, money in the bank, and travelled all of the time. My husband, Peter was talking to him about buying our second home and the additional expenses that would be involved. He said “ Peter, you have to plug your leaks” Something we never forgot. He talked about how all of the little, sneaky purchases sabotaged budgets.
We all spend on little things that quietly drain our wallets — and those small amounts really add up. Take a look:
Coffee runs:
Starbucks at $3.97–$7.00 per cup (let’s call it $5.50 average) × 5 days a week = $110/month. Even at the low end, that’s $80/month. Consider drinking coffee at the office two days a week, saving $44.00 a month.
Lunch out:
Three times a week at $8–$15 (average $11.50) = $138/month. Go out twice a week saving $46.00 a month.
Drinks with friends:
Twice a week, 2 drinks each at $5–$15 = (average $10.00) anywhere from $160/month. Go out once a week or have one drink per outing and save $80.00 and lessen your chance for a DUI.
Delivery fees & subscriptions:
Between $6.99 and $85/month and that’s just one or two services.
When you add it all up, those “small” purchases can easily reach $300–$500 or more every month — money that could go toward helping with the escalating cost of gasoline, utilities and groceries. Saving for your new home: down payment and closing costs.
It’s not about giving everything up — just being mindful of where your money’s going. Little changes can make a big difference when you’re working toward homeownership. Imagine reducing your leaks by $170.00 or more per month. Think about that! Is it worth the sacrifice? You could pay off your high interest rate cards faster. If you are buying a house, a savings of $170.00 per month could purchase $27,263.00 more house per month. Assuming the current national average interest rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage conventional mortgage as of 4/22/26 was 6.30-6.37%. My adjustments are calculated at a 6.37% interest rate.
