When it comes to everyday saving and spending, the little things matter — and your morning rituals and holiday traditions may impede your long-term wealth more than you realize. Here are five surprising things Americans spend money on that add up to shocking amounts over a year. SKIN-DEEP SPENDING Most people like to look their best before leaving the house, meaning the beauty industry is never short on revenue. Women spend nearly $4,000 on cosmetics and beauty services annually. If you think that the ABSENT-MINDED MONEY MISTAKES Surprising Ways We Squander Cash
TAKE A BREAK
makeup industry thrives on one gender alone, it may surprise you to learn that men spend just under $3,000 each year to improve their looks.
WINGS’ IMPACTS ON WEALTH The Super Bowl is arguably the most celebrated sporting event of the year, and it’s also a big day for game-time eating. Between food and other Super Bowl-related purchases, Americans spend more than $17 billion annually to enjoy the one-day festivities. That amount buys a lot of chicken wings!
Creamy Chicken Carbonara Inspired by TheKitchn.com
A REAL-LIFE HORROR STORY
Speaking of annual events, Halloween is another festivity that drains cash. All those little candy bars and other treats that fill the bags of costumed door-knockers add up to more than $11 billion — yes, with a b — in extra costs for American consumers for a single day of spooky fun.
INGREDIENTS • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless
• 4 large eggs • 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
THE HIGH COST OF CAFFEINATION If you like to hit the Starbucks drive-thru each day on your way to work, you may be surprised to learn that your morning jolt drains about $1,100 from your budget over the course of a year. THE DONUT HOLE IN YOUR BUDGET Some things just go great together: peanut butter and jelly, pepperoni and pizza … donuts and that coffee you spend
chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
more than a grand on annually. More than 9,000 donut shops across the U.S. generate anywhere from $8,000 to $42,000 in monthly revenue — meaning people love spending money on these little indulgences. You can do the math if you’d like, but the biggest takeaway is that consistent donut consumption can lead to empty wallets and calories.
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
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