8 Wasteful habits you rarely notice, let’s stop them!

Have you ever realized that it’s not always about low income, but also about wasteful lifestyle habits that cause your expenses to spiral? Yup, the saying "spending more than you earn" is spot on!

The truth is, we often spend money on things we don’t actually need, simply out of habit. Wasteful behavior can come in many different forms.

In this article, we’ll go through 8 wasteful habits that often go unnoticed. You might have even done some of them yourself. Let’s take a look and reflect together!

1. Overspending in the name of “self-reward”

The idea of “self-reward” has been trending lately, as more people understand the importance of mental health and appreciating themselves for their hard work. But there’s a limit to self-reward.

Self-reward isn’t always about buying expensive clothes, going on luxury vacations, or spending on things you don’t really need. It can be as simple as spending the day doing your hobbies, enjoying time with family, or buying something you love that fits your budget.

The issue is, many young people hide behind the term self-reward as a way to justify unnecessary spending. Don’t let yourself fall into that trap.

2. Getting too caught up in trends because of FOMO

There’s nothing wrong with following trends. With the internet, everything is easy to access. But that doesn’t mean you have to follow every trend just because you’re experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out).

For instance, maybe there’s a new beauty product that’s gone viral, but you already have something similar at home. This is where you need to practice self-control so you don’t fall into consumerist habits and wasteful spending.

Trends come and go all the time. A perfect example is the Labubu doll trend. Originally from Hong Kong, this doll gained attention after BLACKPINK’s Lisa was seen with one. Because of the hype, fans rushed to buy them and were even willing to line up early just to get one.

If you think about it, Labubu dolls aren’t a basic necessity. This just shows how people often prioritize wants over needs.

That’s why having strong self-control is important. It helps with financial discipline too. You’ll start thinking more carefully and making wiser decisions about where your money goes. In simple terms, you’ll start putting your needs above your wants.

3. Not keeping track of your spending

No matter how small, every bit of spending still counts. But not everyone wants to or remembers to track where their money goes.

Tracking your expenses actually helps you avoid overspending. It makes it easier to see which spending categories are draining your money the most, so you can adjust accordingly.

For example, if your biggest daily expense is on snacks, tracking it can help you set a snack budget. That way, you can avoid impulsively buying snacks outside your plan just because you’re craving something.

4. Not prioritizing savings and investments

With easy internet access, learning how to manage your money, especially savings and investments, is simpler than ever. But many people get stuck in the mindset of “you only live once” and forget about the importance of saving.

It’s okay to splurge occasionally and treat yourself, but make sure you’ve managed your salary effectively and set aside money for savings and investments first.

The goal is to have a safety net or emergency fund ready in case something unexpected happens. After all, we never know what’s around the corner. It’s better to be prepared than sorry.

5. Using credit cards without limits

Many people think credit cards are only for emergencies. But in fact, credit cards offer tons of perks and conveniences for their users.

You can actually use your credit card to cover everyday needs. For example, paying your movie streaming subscriptions, booking hotel rooms with special perks, and so on.

Just be careful not to get carried away by all the benefits. It’s important to use credit cards wisely so you don’t develop wasteful or impulsive spending habits.

Responding to these financial behaviors, some credit card providers now offer features that help you manage your finances better. One example is the Honest Card.

Honest Credit Card can help you avoid overspending. The Honest App comes with real-time notifications that help you monitor your finances more clearly. You can track every transaction, manage your monthly payments, and enjoy flexible payment options that match your needs.

6. Not considering insurance

Why not start setting aside your coffee money for insurance premiums? Insurance is super useful for the future, especially for covering medical bills, education costs, and even funeral expenses.

If you tend to have a consumerist lifestyle, now’s the time to shift that spending toward something more meaningful. There are lots of insurance providers out there offering a wide range of prices, from affordable to premium, depending on your needs.

Even the Indonesian government promotes insurance awareness through BPJS Kesehatan, encouraging everyone to be more proactive about daily protection and peace of mind. Don’t wait until later.

7. Not applying the “quality over quantity” principle

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Better to buy the cheaper item if it works the same”? That’s not always wrong, especially for products you use up quickly, like soap.

But for other items, it’s smarter to follow the “you get what you pay for” mindset for better long-term results.

Take electronics, for example. Since they’re used over long periods, quality is key. It’s better to pay more upfront than to keep spending on repairs for a lower-quality item.

Before buying anything, consider whether the item is something you’ll use long-term or short-term. That way, you can make smarter buying decisions.

8. Living a lifestyle beyond your means

Following trends blindly can push you into a lifestyle that doesn’t match your income. This leads to constant pressure to maintain that lifestyle no matter the cost.

Not keeping up with every trend doesn’t mean you’re being left behind. You can still live simply or adopt a frugal lifestyle while staying in touch with what’s current.

In fact, that shows you’re being true to yourself and living within your means.

So, how many of these 8 wasteful habits have you experienced or are still doing today? If any of them sound familiar, it’s never too late to make a change. What matters is that you’re making the effort to improve your financial future starting now.