You may think it’s just a cup of coffee here or a small subscription there, but over time, these small expenses quietly eat away at your budget. According to Registered Financial Planner Christopher Cervantes, these “silent budget killers” can keep you from reaching your financial goals without you even realizing it.
“Many people don’t see the damage because the amounts are small and feel manageable,” Cervantes told Financial Adviser PH. “But when you add them up over a month—or a year—you’ll be shocked at how much they’re costing you.”
Cervantes recalled one client who spent over P28,000 in just three months on food delivery apps, plus another P10,000 on various online subscriptions. “She didn’t see it as a problem at first,” he said. “But once we totaled everything, she was stunned. That’s nearly P150,000 a year on habits she barely thought about.”
These daily indulgences and auto-renewing subscriptions often go unnoticed because they’ve become part of our routine. A quick coffee before work, lunch deliveries, streaming platforms, or even unused fitness apps—each one seems small, but together they can derail your financial plans.
Cervantes advises doing a simple monthly audit. “Review your bank statements and digital wallets. Highlight recurring charges and ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I need it? Is there a cheaper alternative?” he suggested.
He also encourages setting a “fun budget” instead of cutting everything cold turkey. “You don’t need to deprive yourself. Just be intentional. If you enjoy takeout, plan for it once a week instead of every other day,” he added.
Awareness is the first step toward change. “Tracking your spending—even for one month—can open your eyes to where your money is actually going,” Cervantes said.
By identifying and managing these budget leaks, you free up money for things that truly matter—like savings, investments, or peace of mind. In the end, small changes can lead to big financial wins.
