While it’s true that your ability to save can be seriously undermined by that daily tall vanilla triple shot latte w/ oat milk, there are some bigger trends that are really preventing you from maximizing your savings potential.

1. Hiding your head in the sand: Not wanting to acknowledge overspending or not wanting to have a discussion about it often compounds the problem. Have a solid financial plan and speak honestly about it with yourself and/or your partner. While the plan doesn’t have to be inflexible, it should always serve as a guide to keep you on track.

2. Mindless or wasteful spending: Think about your purchases with intent in order to prevent immediate buyer’s remorse from impulse purchases. The easier it is to purchase things, i.e. Amazon & subscription services, the more cognizant you’ll need to be to stick to your plan.

3. Keeping up with the Kardashians: The Kardashians aren’t real, so stop trying to keep up with them. Following the habits of those around you is one of the major contributors to spending beyond one’s means. Shopping, eating, and entertainment have all become social activities, but your finances aren’t. Build your budget around what really makes you happy, not what you perceive others around you to be doing. What you see externally might not be real, feasible, or what you actually want. Social media is an obvious culprit, where friends post about their fabulous vacations and meals while omitting any acknowledgement of their financial stresses. Be your own person!