Time is money—and if you’re careless with either, you’re likely losing more than you realize. The average person throws away over $5,400 each year on impulse purchases alone.

Want to regain control of your finances? Start tracking your spending with a budget or purchase journal. You’ll never plug the financial leaks if you don’t first identify where the money is going.

To get started, eliminate these five common money drains and put those dollars toward savings or investments instead.

1. Baby Food

Pre-packaged baby food may seem convenient, but it’s an expensive habit. A single container averages $1.50, and organic or brand-name options can cost even more. Many parents spend over $500 a year on store-bought purees.

Worse, some major baby food brands have come under legal scrutiny for containing heavy metals and other toxic substances.

Skip the packaged stuff. Boil and mash fresh fruits and veggies at home. It’s healthier, safer, and could save you hundreds.

2. Bank Fees

Monthly bank maintenance fees average around $15.50. That’s nearly $186 a year—and $1,860 over a decade—just for holding an account.

Some banks waive these fees if you maintain a high balance, often $7,500 or more. But why pay at all?

Switch to an online bank. Many offer no-fee checking and savings accounts with better interest rates and fewer hidden charges.

3. Bottled Water

Bottled water costs roughly $1.30 per gallon. U.S. households spend anywhere from $100 to $1,500 a year on it.

A simple fix? Install a faucet-mounted water filter or buy a filtration pitcher. Both are affordable and eliminate the need to buy plastic bottles ever again. Add a few reusable water bottles, and you’re set.

4. Chain Coffee

Your daily Starbucks habit may feel small, but those $3 to $5 cups add up fast. Over time, it’s hundreds—even thousands—down the drain.

Brew your own coffee at home for about 74 cents a cup. Invest in a quality coffee maker or French press, and enjoy better coffee for less.

5. Gym Memberships

Gym memberships average $60 per month—or $720 a year. Yet most members rarely use them, making gyms money through automatic renewals and unused access.

Skip the fees. Stream free workout videos on YouTube, download a fitness app, or join a local sports league. You’ll stay fit without draining your wallet.

Small expenses add up quickly. By cutting these five costs, you could save thousands every year—money that could be better spent on your goals, not your habits.