Stop Bleeding Money: 5 Sneaky Ways Your Wallet Is Getting Drained This Week

Ever feel like your money just disappears into thin air? Financial advisor Tori Dunlap certainly thinks so. With 2.4 million followers on TikTok, she’s been calling out the hidden expenses that are silently eating away at our budgets. Let’s dive into five areas where you can actually take action right now and keep more cash in your pocket.

Your Phone Bill Is Probably Too High

Here’s a wake-up call: most people never bother checking their phone plan. Dunlap suggests doing exactly that—and actually calling your provider to negotiate. You’d be surprised how many better rates or exclusive promotions are just sitting there, waiting for you to ask.

According to CNBC, there are straightforward moves you can make. Consider switching to a budget carrier, bundling services with family or friends, or simply ditching those unlimited data plans you’re barely using. The math is simple: downgrading could save you hundreds annually. For those in SG and similar markets, these savings compounds quickly when multiplied across your year.

Car Insurance: Stop Overpaying

Shopping around for car insurance is one of those tedious tasks people avoid—but Dunlap insists it’s worth your time. Online comparison platforms make it painless to see what different insurers are offering. The difference between providers can be substantial.

Experian’s credit experts reveal additional tactics: bump up your deductible, remove unnecessary coverage add-ons, or simply ask about discounts you might qualify for (safe driver discounts, student rates, senior benefits). Many drivers leave free money on the table by not maximizing these opportunities.

That Subscription Graveyard Is Costing You

Here’s where people get hit hardest. Dunlap recommends a simple discipline: review your bank statements weekly. CNET’s research found that the average person spends over $200 annually on subscriptions they’ve completely forgotten about.

Think about it—that streaming service you signed up for last month? The fitness app? That meditation platform? They’re all quietly charging you. A quick audit usually reveals shocking redundancies.

Negotiating Your Salary Actually Works

Dunlap shifts gears here with an income-focused strategy: ask for a raise. According to Indeed, timing matters (avoid requesting during company layoffs), and expectation matters too. A 3-5% increase is generally considered standard and reasonable.

Many people underestimate their leverage. Having this conversation could potentially add thousands to your annual income—far more impactful than nickel-and-diming on small expenses.

Those Delivery Fees Are Highway Robbery

Finally, let’s talk about food delivery. Between service charges, delivery fees, and marked-up menu prices, you might be paying $10-$20 extra per order compared to pickup. That’s not a minor difference when you’re ordering twice a week.

Dunlap’s simple fix: look for pickup discounts or use those delivery credits that credit card companies often provide. Fees vary based on order size and timing, so understanding the real cost before hitting confirm is crucial.

The Bottom Line

Five relatively small actions—reviewing your phone bill, comparing insurance quotes, canceling forgotten subscriptions, considering a salary negotiation, and rethinking delivery habits—can genuinely save thousands of dollars annually. The best part? None of these require complicated financial products or risky investment strategies. Just some basic attention and willingness to ask for better terms.