7 Everyday Expenses That Seem Normal But Quickly Drain Your Money

KOMPAS.com - Expenses such as vehicle installments, online food orders, app subscriptions, and credit card payments may seem routine in daily life.

However, if sustained over time, these expenditures can significantly drain finances in the long run. Moreover, money spent on various necessities could alternatively be channeled into savings or investments.

Some expenditures appear small on a monthly basis but accumulate substantially when calculated over 30 years.

For illustration, assume money not spent is invested with an average annual return of 7 percent over 30 years.

It should be noted that investment markets do not guarantee a consistent 7 percent return every year. Thus, this calculation is only intended to illustrate the long-term impact of habitual spending.

Quoted from New Trader U, Sunday (20/9/2026), here are seven everyday expenses that can quickly deplete your money:

1. Repeated Vehicle Installments

Vehicle installments are often considered a normal part of household expenses.

The problem arises when, after completing installments, some people replace their vehicle and take out a new loan. This cycle may continue for decades.

For a simple example, suppose someone spends Rp 10 million per month on vehicle installments and maintains this pattern for 30 years.

The total outlay reaches around Rp 3.6 billion.

However, if that Rp 10 million monthly sum were invested with an average 7 percent annual return, it could potentially grow to approximately Rp 12.2 billion over 30 years.

In other words, holding onto a still serviceable vehicle longer can free up more funds for savings or investment.

2. Upgrading to a Larger Home Too Quickly

The desire for a bigger house can also cause household expenses to balloon.

Selling a home every five to seven years involves more than just purchasing a new property. Various costs accompany each transaction, such as agent commissions, closing costs, moving services, and new furniture.

Real estate agent commissions traditionally range between 5 to 6 percent of the sale price in the market context discussed.

Additionally, buying a new home often means restarting a 30-year mortgage. This means resuming loan repayments from scratch, with early payments mostly covering interest.

Of course, not all home moves are avoidable. Job changes or family growth might necessitate a bigger home.

For illustration, if this habit increases expenses by around Rp 8 million monthly, total spending over 30 years could reach about Rp 2.9 billion.

If that Rp 8 million monthly sum were invested with an average 7 percent return, it could potentially grow to approximately Rp 9.8 billion.

3. Ordering Food Online Too Frequently

Ordering food via apps offers convenience. However, the cost includes more than just the price of the meal.

There are service fees, delivery charges, sometimes higher menu prices on apps, plus tips.