Did you know that sneaky expenses could be quietly chipping away at your budget? A few dollars here and there—extra streaming services, delivery fees, impulse gifts—can add up faster than you think.

Here are seven common ones to look out for, and six things you can do today to fight back.

What is “ninja spending”?

Ninja spending is what happens when small, recurring, or unnoticed purchases sneak in under your radar. We’re not talking big-ticket items here. We mean the boring, everyday transactions that can slip by without you realizing it.

Technology makes it easier than ever for these sneaky expenses to add up over time. Automatic renewals, one-click checkouts, and digital wallets mean you can spend without even opening your wallet, let alone pocketing a paper receipt as a reminder. Add in persuasive and ever-present advertising (“Try free for 7 days!”) and the constant presence and convenience of apps, and it’s easy to see how a few small purchases here and a forgotten subscription or two there can mount up.

The good news? Once you know how to recognize these costs and where to look for them, they’re much easier to spot and deal with. Even more good news. This isn’t the usual “give up your daily coffee” (or something else you enjoy) money-saving advice. Ninja expenses are much sneakier than that.

7 sneaky ninja expenses to watch out for

It’s easy to shrug off a few dollars a week. Most budgets can handle that. However, even two or three stealthy expenses can add up to $50, $100, or more every month. Here are some of the most common culprits to look out for:

1. Ninja TV subscriptions and “free” trials

Remember that free trial of a streaming channel or service for that one show you binge-watched? Free trials aren’t really free unless you remember to stop them. Are you sure it’s not still quietly renewing months later? Check your credit card statement for old, or even duplicate, subscriptions.

2. Delivery app fees and tips

These are good examples of small expenses hiding in plain sight. Delivery apps are incredibly convenient, and they can save you a bit of time and gas money. Even then, those small fees and tips on each order can add up to a whole meal out each month. Can you do pick-up instead?

3. Automatic renewals for apps or software

Similar to TV subscriptions, if you’ve downloaded a workout, photo, or other smartphone app you rarely use, you might still be paying for it. Check your phone for apps sitting there trying hard not to be noticed. While monthly renewals are costly, annual ones are especially sneaky as they only show up once a year. Reviewing a year of expenses can help you spot them.

4. In-app purchases

Many game, music, and other apps try to tempt you into “just one more level” or “one-time upgrades” or “just $1 a week” offers. Resisting these kinds of impulse buys can save you some money. And if you have kids, setting parental controls can avoid surprise charges on your credit card.

5. Impulse online buys

You see it, you want it, and these days you can get it pretty much instantly. Social media “stores” that pop up in your social feeds, especially Facebook, are built specifically for impulse buyers on social media. They offer new and often quite affordable products that are often tailored to your interests, and can have a compelling sales pitch. Read the reviews in comments and take your time before committing to buy. Or just try to make a note to look into it later, and scroll on rather than “buy now”.

6. Extra online “cloud” storage or photo subscriptions

This can be a very common one, especially for families. If you’ve upgraded storage once and never downgraded, you may be paying for more space than you use. For example, couples with new babies often set up photo sharing accounts to share all those adorable pictures. As the years go on, the volume of pictures often declines, meaning you don’t need that upgrade anymore. Consider downloading and archiving your old photos to your computer and stop paying for cloud storage you don’t need!

7. Convenience store runs

You know that show you’re binging on (see #1)? Of course you need snacks, but convenience store runs to “just grab one thing” can easily turn into “I’ll just grab a few other things.” We’re not saying don’t snack; we’re just saying beware the snack ninja chipping (pardon the pun) away at your monthly budget.

6 ways to fight back against sneaky spending

These simple habits can help you track, trim, and take back control of your money—without giving up what you enjoy.

1. Review one month (or year) of expenses

Print or download your latest credit card and chequing account statements. You can also use the CardWise app to get a quick, categorized view of your spending. Highlight every recurring charge or small purchase you don’t instantly recognize. Cancel what you don’t need and review the rest for savings opportunities. If you do this every few months, ninja expenses will fade away. Start with a month to get some quick wins, but it’s also worth reviewing a whole year to find any sneak annual renewals.

2. Sort spending into needs, wants, and wastes

Seeing your spending habits laid out can be eye-opening. When it comes to stealthy spending, focus first on reducing waste—those purchases you didn’t need or even really want. Cutting waste frees up more money for actual wants and needs.

3. Keep all subscriptions on one credit card

If you use a single card—like your Coastal Community Collabria Mastercard—you can see all your recurring charges in one place and track trends easily using the Cardwise app.

4. Set up spend alerts

Your Collabria credit card can ping you whenever you buy something. Setting up these alerts is easy to do with the Cardwise app, and can act as an early anti-ninja expense warning system in your pocket.

5. Cancel or pause subscriptions to test what you miss

Not sure about a subscription, such as a particular TV streaming service or a newspaper subscription? Consider pausing it for a month or so. If you don’t miss it, do you really need it?

6. Use the “24-hour rule” for impulse buys

If you see something online—like that cute Highland Cow crochet kit you know your niece would love—wait a day (or two). Often, the impulse fades—and you’ve just saved yourself a bit of money, not to mention a bout of buyer’s remorse. (Does your niece even crochet, anyhow?)

Take control, and help others do the same

Ninja spending might be sneaky, but it’s not unstoppable. First finding them, then dealing with them, is surprisingly easy. Once you’ve spotted a few of your own ninja expenses, feel free to share this article with friends or family so they can save some money, too.