7 ‘Normal’ Expenses the Middle Class Accepts Without a Second Thought — but Shouldn’t

Group 1: Bank Fees - Bank fees, including overdraft transfers, out-of-network ATM charges, and minimum balance penalties, can accumulate unnoticed due to their small amounts [2] - Increased awareness of these fees can lead consumers to make informed financial choices, enhancing their financial confidence [3] - The banking industry has been slow to adapt to a digital-first, customer-focused model, leading to consumer inertia in choosing banks [3][4] Group 2: Property Taxes - Property taxes, often perceived as fixed expenses, can actually be negotiable in many areas, presenting an opportunity for consumers to reduce costs [4]