Every day we carry out small expenses which, although they may seem insignificant, can represent a significant percentage of our monthly or annual income. This type of disbursement, called “ant expenses”, are one of the main enemies of personal and family economy. Their silent accumulation can sabotage our efforts to saving if we are not aware of them.
These expenses often go unnoticed because they are small, but when they add up, they have a considerable impact on our finances. A daily coffee, an occasional tip or a subscription that we don't use are examples of these money leaks. Identifying and controlling them is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the month.
What are the ant expenses?
The ant expenses They are small, recurring and even automatic outlays that we make without even realizing it, but which, over time, can accumulate and negatively affect our budget. These cash outflows are usually associated with daily habits and, generally, are not essential for our well-being or quality of life.
For example, have you ever stopped to add up how much money you spend on takeaway coffee each month? If you buy one for €2 every workday, by the end of the month you will have spent approximately €40, which translates to €480 per year. The same goes for other small habits such as buying snacks, paying tips or making impulse purchases in online stores. Although individually they may seem insignificant, when added up, these expenses can add up. reduce our ability to save.
According to various studies, the average of these expenses can reach up to 5% of an average monthly salary, which means more than €1.300 per year on a standard salary. This figure shows how these small outlays can become a “silent drain” on our finances.
How to identify small expenses?
The first step towards control is to acquire full awareness of these expenses. To do this, it is essential to carefully analyze our daily financial routine. A useful tool is to record all the expenses we make for a month, no matter how small they are. This will allow us to have a clear vision of where exactly our money is going.
There are traditional methods, such as recording expenses in a notebook, and more modern ones, such as applications for controlling personal finances. Some of the most recommended apps are: Monefy, Money Lover, Fintonic o Toshl FinanceThese tools make it easy to record and analyze your movements and allow you to see graphically which recurring expenses could be the main “ants.”
Once you have identified them, make a list of each expense and rank them according to their frequency and importance. Ask yourself if each one is really necessary or if you could do without it. This exercise will help you not only visualize the impact of these expenses on your economy, but also make informed decisions about them.
How to control small expenses?
The next step after identifying these expenses is to take steps to reduce or eliminate them altogether. Here are a few effective strategies:
- Allocated budget: Set aside a specific amount in your monthly budget for these types of expenses. A good strategy is to withdraw that amount in cash at the beginning of the month; that way, when the money runs out, you will know that you will not be able to spend more on these types of unnecessary expenses.
- Daily piggy bank: Put the amount you would have spent on these expenses in a piggy bank. At the end of the month, open the piggy bank and see how much you have saved. This method not only helps you reduce spending, but also generates satisfaction when you see the tangible savings.
- Avoid impulse purchases: Before buying something, ask yourself if you really need it or if it's just a momentary whim. Sometimes a little thought can prevent unnecessary spending.
- Plan your meals: Bringing home-cooked food to work instead of eating out can save you hundreds of euros a year. If you usually buy coffee, consider making it at home in a thermos.
Controlling small expenses also means continuing to record expenses over a long period of time. Discipline is key to identifying potential new habits that can turn into money leaks.
Other practical recommendations
In addition to the above, you can implement the following strategies to further optimize your finances:
- Review subscriptions: Cancel those that you no longer use or that are not a priority. Streaming services, gyms and mobile apps are often among the most common “phantom” expenses.
- Wholesale purchase: For frequently used products, purchasing in larger quantities can result in significant savings.
- Use technology: Take advantage of financial control apps to automate your budget and receive alerts about excessive spending.
- Prioritize your goals: Set clear financial goals and focus on them. Knowing that you are saving for a specific purpose can motivate you to avoid unnecessary spending.
Integrating these strategies into your daily life will not only improve your ability to saving, but it will also help you develop financial habits healthier. Remember that controlling small expenses is an ongoing process, but over time it will become a habit that will significantly benefit your personal finances.
With a conscious and planned approach, it is possible to minimize the small expenses that often hinder our most important financial goals. Don't let these "ants" sabotage your financial goals. Start taking control of your finances today.
