
It’s becoming increasingly complex for middle-class Americans to keep up. Prices are rising, but paychecks aren’t stretching as far. Many people feel like they’re working just to stay afloat. Even with careful budgeting, it’s easy to fall into spending traps that drain your wallet. These traps aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your financial health. Here’s what you need to watch out for—and how to avoid the most common mistakes.