You’ve probably heard of the Latte Factor, a concept made famous by financial expert David Bach in his bestselling book The Latte Factor: Why You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Rich. Bach’s idea is simple: small, everyday purchases—like your daily Starbucks coffee—can quietly drain your finances over time. But the Latte Factor is more than just coffee. Hidden costs are all around us, and they can quickly add up if we’re not paying attention.

Consider food delivery fees from apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. A $12 meal can easily double in cost when you factor in delivery fees, service charges, and tipping the driver. Picking up your food or cooking at home instead could save you hundreds over the course of a year.

More recently, many businesses have started passing credit card fees on to customers. You may have noticed small surcharges when you pay with a card, while those who pay in cash get a discount. These fees might seem small—a couple of percent here or there—but they add up over time. Keeping an eye on these charges and opting to pay in cash when possible is another way to save.

Then there are subscriptions. Streaming services, apps, and other memberships can easily slip under your radar if you’re not tracking them. You might be paying for services you don’t even use! Take some time to review your bank statements and cancel any subscriptions that are no longer serving you.

Hidden fees aren’t limited to online services or delivery apps. Some restaurants have started adding charges for things like table kiosks that let you pay your bill. I once saw this charge on my own bill, and when I asked about it, they removed it—but how many people miss it entirely and end up paying for the convenience?

By being mindful of these everyday expenses, you can free up money to fund something more meaningful—like your child’s financial future. Instead of letting those extra fees slip away unnoticed, why not redirect them into something that grows over time? For example, you could use those saved dollars to invest in fractional shares of stock for your child’s custodial account. Over the years, those small contributions can turn into a significant financial asset that helps your child with college, buying a first home, or even retirement.

As Bach points out in The Latte Factor, small changes in your spending today can lead to big financial rewards tomorrow. By cutting out unnecessary costs, you can build a stronger financial future for yourself and your family—because every dollar saved is a dollar that can be invested in the future!