15 everyday expenses that eat away at your money by Cameron Huddleston on Oct 14, 2015, 10:00 AM Advertisement
 If you’re trying to save money, start by looking over your everyday spending. You’re likely buying plenty of things you don’t need, paying more than necessary for what you do need and getting hit with fees that can easily be avoided. Consider these 15 fees and expenses that might be emptying your wallet unnecessarily. Many of these can be eliminated from your life with minimal effort. Read: 1 in 5 Americans Fear Living Paycheck to Paycheck Forever SEE ALSO: 12 things no one should ever do with their money  1. ATM fees Getting cash from an ATM that’s not in your bank’s network can cost you, said financial expert Deacon Hayes ofWellKeptWallet.com. Not only will your bank charge you for using an out-of-network ATM, but you’ll also get hit with a fee from the bank ATM you’re using. On average, the combined fees top $4. These charges can add up quickly if you hit the ATM frequently. Apps such as the free ATM Hunter can help you find your own bank’s ATM to avoid charges. Or consider getting cash back when you’re paying for groceries at a supermarket without paying a fee. Read: 31 Worst Fees in America
 2. Checking account charges The average checking account has about 25 fees, according to one report, and some checking accounts host up to 50 different fees. If you’re seeing charges on your bank statement, find out why. If you’re not meeting a minimum balance requirement, for example, that’s an easy fix unless you can’t afford that amount. In that case, you might want to switch to a bank that doesn’t hold you to a high balance. If you’re facing hefty overdraft fees, sign up for online alerts. Don’t “opt in” to give your bank authorization to charge overdraft fees on debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals. You shouldn’t be charged a fee if you don’t opt in to overdraft protection and your transaction is declined. Also, consider taking your business to credit unions or online-only banks that charge fewer fees. One estimate said cash-strapped consumers whose balances often fall to zero could potentially save as much of $348 per year in fees.
 3. Modem rental fee An everyday expense that consumers might be paying for unnecessarily is a modem rental fee, said frugal living expert Lauren Greutman of IAmThatLady.com. For example, cable and internet provider Comcast charges $10 a month, or $120 a year, for a modem rental. Other cable providers could charge more. Buying a modem can cost you less. The Arris SURFboard Modem costs about $70 on Amazon.com, saving you $50 a year over a rental. Make sure the model is compatible with your provider’s network before you make that purchase.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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