The 12 Dumbest Things Americans Waste Money On (No, It’s Not Coffee)

Greensprout TeamUpdated June 06th 2025

Let’s be real: managing money can feel like a full-time job. Between bills, credit cards, subscriptions, and the occasional impulse buy, it’s easy to lose track.

I’ve spent years digging into the most common ways people waste money - and trust me, some of them are shockingly easy to fix.

Here are the biggest money-wasters I’ve found (and what to do instead):

1. Auto insurance: Cut Your Payment By $400+/year*

Sticking with the same auto insurance year after year?

It could be costing you.

The average American family still overspends by $416* or more per year on car insurance - often without realizing it.

I usually pull up Coverage.com - a free site that compares offers from trusted insurers. It takes just 2 minutes to see what’s out there.

Here’s how:

• Click below to open Coverage.com
• Answer a few quick questions
• Compare real offers instantly

That’s all it takes. You’ll likely save yourself a bunch of money.

See how much you can save on car insurance

*Savings vary by zip code and driving record.

2. Getting price-gouged when you shop online

You might be surprised how often you're overpaying on Amazon and other retailers. Big stores like Amazon know that nobody has time to price shop across dozens of websites, so there's often little incentive for them to offer their lowest prices.

I typically hate browser extensions with a fiery passion, but if you don't have Capital One Shopping installed yet, do yourself a favor and add it.

When you shop online (on Amazon or elsewhere) it will:

• Auto-apply coupon codes to potentially help you save money
• Compare prices from other sellers to help ensure you're not missing out on a better deal

Here's a quick example of how it works:

Whenever the extension finds an available discount, you'll see a little savings alert pop up. For instance, here you can save $40 on this coffee maker.

Here's a link to add Capital One Shopping, if you're interested.

3. The savings account upgrade most people never think to make

Most people don't realize this: some high-yield savings accounts are offering up to 4.15% APY as of July 2025, while the national average sits around 0.57% APY*, according to the FDIC.

That’s about 7 times higher returns for doing absolutely nothing different.

Here’s the math: $10,000 in a regular savings account earns you $57 per year. The same money in a high-yield account? $444 annually. That’s an extra $387 just for banking somewhere smarter.

See which banks are paying the most on savings right now

4. Still overpaying on your home insurance?

Home insurance protects your biggest asset — but that doesn’t mean you should overpay for it.

Most people don’t realize they can switch providers anytime, and potentially save hundreds per year without losing coverage.

We’ve found a top-rated tool that lets you compare multiple home insurance offers in one place. Just enter your zip and basic info — it only takes a minute.

Here’s the home insurance comparison site I typically use: Link

5. Need cash? Your home might already have it.

If you’ve built up equity in your home, a HELOC lets you borrow against it — kind of like a credit card, but typically with better interest rates and terms.

It’s a flexible way to access funds for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other expenses without refinancing your existing mortgage.

How it works:

• You borrow only what you need, when you need it
• Pay interest only on what you use
• Access funds as needed during your draw period

Use LendingTree’s calculator to see how much equity you could access:

• Enter your home details
• Compare offers from multiple lenders
• Check rates with no credit score impact

Calculate your home equity options

6. Credit Card Debt? Pay 0% Intro APR interest Until Nearly 2027

Still paying sky-high interest on credit card debt? You may have better options — including 0% intro APR offers that last up to 21 months on balance transfers.

We’ve partnered with Bankrate to spotlight some of the top-rated balance transfer credit cards of 2025 — all in one place. These cards can give you the breathing room to finally get ahead, without the monthly interest charges holding you back.

• ✔️ Compare top-rated balance transfer cards
• ✔️ See intro APR terms as long as 21 months
• ✔️ No impact to your credit score to explore options

Click below to view the current top balance transfer offers — curated by Bankrate and presented in partnership with Greensprout.

View Balance Transfer Card Offers

7. Home repair bill? Let someone else foot the bill.

Your AC breaks in the summer. Your fridge dies without warning. Stuff like this happens more than you think — and it’s almost never cheap.

That’s where a home warranty helps. It’s like backup insurance for appliances, plumbing, electrical, and more — stuff your homeowners insurance won’t cover.

American Home Shield is one of the largest and most trusted names in the space, with thousands of service techs ready to handle the job — fast.

Want to see what coverage looks like?

• Just enter your zip code
• Compare plans in your area
• Get a quote in seconds

It could save you hundreds the next time something breaks down. Get a free quote

8. Protect Your Vehicle from Expensive Repairs

That dreaded check engine light? Never good — especially if your warranty’s expired.

Endurance helps drivers avoid costly repairs with extended auto warranty plans that cover engines, transmissions, brakes, air conditioners, and more.

They’ve protected millions of vehicles over nearly 20 years and earned top reviews on Google.

Just enter your vehicle details and get matched with a plan that fits your car and your budget. Coverage is affordable, flexible, and built to save you money.

Don’t let repairs drain your savings.

Get a free vehicle quote

9. Get Rid Of $20K Or More In Credit Card Debt

First Advantage Debt Relief helps people with unsecured debt (like credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills) reduce what they owe — sometimes by around 23% after fees.

Here's how to check:

• Go to First Advantage Debt Relief’s site
• Answer a few questions
• See if you qualify instantly

Best of all? There are zero fees until your debt is resolved, and you could be debt-free in as little as 24–48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions. It only takes 30 seconds to see if you qualify.

Here’s a link to First Advantage Debt Relief

10. Refinancing Could Save You Thousands Over Your Loan’s Life

Still stuck with the mortgage rate you locked in years ago? You might be leaving money on the table.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: even a small rate drop can snowball into significant savings. For example, dropping your rate by 1% on a $300,000 mortgage could save you over $200 per month — that’s potentially $70,000+ in interest over a 30-year loan.

And it’s not just about monthly payments. Some homeowners refinance to:

• Switch from a 30-year to a 15-year loan and own their home faster
• Move from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed rate for more predictable payments
• Tap into their home’s equity for renovations or debt consolidation

The best part? Checking rates takes under 3 minutes and won’t impact your credit score. You’ll see personalized offers based on your situation — with no obligation to proceed.

Check your refinance options

11. Wasting Money on Weight Loss That Doesn't Work?

If you're finally ready to lose weight, GLP-1s — like Semaglutide & Tirzepatide — are helping people shed up to 15% of their body weight fast. And Direct Meds just slashed prices with a $150 New Year's discount.

Here's what most people don't realize: you don't need insurance to access these medications. Direct Meds operates with transparent pricing and gets you prescription weight loss meds starting at just $147/month after the discount — less than most people spend on gym memberships they never use.

Get real results with GLP-1s from the comfort of your home:

• 100% online medical visit — injections and oral options available
• Prescription & telemed visits included — no insurance required
• Same price, every dose — no hidden fees
• Free shipping, arrives in 1–2 days

Over 100,000+ Americans have used Direct Meds for medically supervised weight loss, with customers reporting 1–2 lbs lost per week.

Get $150 off Semaglutide or Tirzepatide through Direct Meds

12. Bonus: Want First Dibs on the Biggest Savings We Find Each Week?

Some tips in this guide can save you a lot — but the most time-sensitive ones? Those go straight to our VIPs via text the moment we spot them.

These are the fast-moving savings opportunities that disappear before most people ever hear about them — the bonus offers, stackable discounts, and short-lived deals that can put real money back in your pocket.

Join the GreenSprout VIP Text List below to get the fastest, highest-value money hacks delivered straight to you.

• ✔️ 1–2 texts per week
• ✔️ No spam — ever
• ✔️ Early access to limited-time deals

Today’s Top Home Equity Financing Offers

See how much you could borrow (and at what rate) by comparing real-time HELOC and home equity loan offers from trusted lenders. Rates are updated daily and checking won’t impact your credit.