Stories from Madrid

Watch the little things that drain your wallet. It happens to a lot of women: a week or a few days before payday. The fat wallet thins out, the ATM hovers at the minimum balance required, and it’s time to scrimp again. Where did the money go? If this happens all the time, it’s time to pay attention to how you spend. You might be surprised that those little expenses do burn a hole in your pocket. Unchecked, these small luxuries will eat u into what could have been saved for your future. We asked finance-savvy moms on the little expenses they watch out for and try to avoid. We added some of our own ideas, too.

Read on and pick up some valuable tips. For foods: Junk foods, mall snacks, unplanned buys at the supermarket and fast food. Going out: Parking fees, tool fees, and fare or gas expenses. And other services: manicure/ pedicure, pet grooming, gift wrapping, valet parking and car wash.