We all like to think that we’re in control of our situations, but there are many cases where this is far from the actual reality. In some situations, people end up wasting a large portion of their lives on things that they could have avoided with a little more planning and determination. However, those problems are not immediately obvious, and a person might not always be aware that there is something that requires their attention in their lives.

When you consider the financial aspect of these habits, things can get even messier. A large number of people pay a lot of money on a regular basis on things that they don’t actually need, or worse – hate themselves for buying in the first place. If you want to cut your expenses down significantly, there are certain things that you should probably reprioritize.

Smoking

No matter where you live, smoking is one of the most expensive habits you can pick up. Some countries have attempted to combat the problem by introducing heavier taxes and tighter regulation around tobacco, but it seems like this has done little to discourage people from smoking. In the long run, it’s only caused a more severe financial strain on those who are most attached to their cigarettes.

Smoking can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year for some of the more serious cases. And considering the positive effects of quitting it, this is something you should prioritize if you still have a tobacco habit.

Drinking

Alcohol is next up on that list. You don’t even have to be a “true” alcoholic to suffer from the financial burden of drinking. Drinking just a couple of beers a day can add up very quickly. Some people end up spending hundreds, if not thousands, on something they don’t even consider a regular part of their lives. If you feel like you’re in that category, you should start your recovery by asking yourself why you drink so much in the first place. If you’re just trying to fit in with a social group, maybe it’s time to look for a new one.

Eating Out

How often do you cook at home compared to eating out? You might think that the occasional street sandwich is no big deal, but that’s another example of a “small” expense that can add up quite fast if you’re not careful. What’s worse, this can impact you in more ways than just financially. Eating out on a regular basis can make it more difficult to stay in shape, especially if you’re a fan of fast food restaurants and ice cream shops.

You don’t even have to eat junk food to gain weight though. The simple fact that you’re not in control of your portions or the way they’re prepared can go a long way towards stacking you up with some extra calories. And once you’re there, getting back to your normal weight level can be surprisingly difficult.

Shopping

Having a credit card can be very convenient, but it can also land you in huge trouble if you’re not careful. Shopping around without keeping your finances in check is a recipe for disaster, and the internet has made it even easier to spend your money on all sorts of things you don’t even need in the first place.

If you feel like this describes you, it might be time to step back and get things under control before it’s too late. Find out how you can consolidate credit card debt if the situation is bad enough, and have a plan for getting back on your feet. As long as you prioritize repaying the debt over everything else, you should be able to climb out of that hole eventually. And after that, you should do your best to ensure that you never find yourself in there again.

Drugs

It should go without saying that drugs are something you should avoid at all costs. It’s about much more than the money, as there is no shortage of stories about people who’ve ruined their lives as a result of taking drugs. But the financial aspect of the whole thing is hard to ignore as well, and when you draw the bottom line, you might realize that you’ve sunken a huge number of potential luxury expenses into a habit that’s ultimately brought you nothing good.

Taking care of your finances starts with an honest evaluation of where your money is going, and whether you actually need those expenses in the first place. Saying “no” to the things you want but don’t actually need is a major first step, and it’s, unfortunately, one that many people never even bother taking. Which is why we see so many of them in difficult situations on a regular basis in the first place. And when you consider how many of those situations could have been avoided, it’s a real shame too.