At the start of every year, I like to take a moment to review something that often goes unnoticed: my bank statements. It’s not the most glamorous task, but it’s one of the most insightful things I do. In fact, this is a habit I recommend everyone adopt more frequently—ideally every three months. Why? Because lurking in those statements are what I call Inconspicuous Increments.
These are the small, unnoticed habits or expenses that quietly creep into our lives. They may seem insignificant at first glance, but over time, they add up—stealing not only our money but also our time and energy, both personally and professionally.
The Silent Drains on Your Finances
Take streaming services, for example. According to recent research, the average Australian household spends $40 per month on streaming, which equates to $480 per year. Now, that’s just for video content. When you add music subscriptions, gym memberships, or apps with “free trials” that quietly transition into monthly payments, the cost balloons. It’s money leaking from your pocket without you even noticing.
It’s not just about the money, though. These inconspicuous increments also steal your time. Hours lost binge-watching shows or mindlessly scrolling through subscriptions you barely use could have been spent on something far more meaningful—like planning your financial future, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones.
Breaking Free from Incremental Creep
The good news is that identifying and addressing these silent drains is easier than you might think. It starts with a bit of awareness and a commitment to act. Here’s how you can tackle your own inconspicuous increments:
- Do a Quarterly Review: Sit down with your bank statements every three months and go line by line. Look for subscriptions or regular payments that you’ve forgotten about or no longer use. Be honest with yourself—do you really need five streaming services, or could you get by with just one?
- Calculate the Annual Impact: Seeing a small monthly cost may not seem like a big deal, but multiply it by 12 and you’ll quickly realise how much it’s costing you over the year. That $10 app subscription? That’s $120 a year. It adds up fast.
- Audit Your Habits: Beyond finances, think about your time. Are there habits, meetings, or commitments that drain your energy but don’t add value? These are the professional equivalents of inconspicuous increments, quietly holding you back from being your most productive and effective self.
- Redirect Your Savings: Once you’ve cut out the unnecessary expenses, don’t let those savings disappear into the ether. Redirect them into something that builds your future—an emergency fund, an investment account, or even a treat for yourself that brings genuine joy.
The Bigger Picture
Spotting and eliminating inconspicuous increments isn’t just about saving money. It’s about regaining control—of your finances, your time, and ultimately, your life. By regularly reviewing and resetting, you’re taking a proactive step toward a more intentional and fulfilling year.
So, why not make this a priority in 2025? Grab a cup of tea, pull up your bank statements, and start hunting for those small drains. You’ll feel lighter, more empowered, and ready to take on the year with clarity and purpose.
Remember, it’s not the big expenses that hold us back—it’s the small, unnoticed ones that sneak up on us over time. Let’s tackle them together and make 2025 the year of taking control, one step at a time.
Here’s to a more financially and mentally freeing year ahead!
Marc Bineham – Speaker, Coach, and award-winning author of The Money Sandwich