How to find your spending leaks
Spot the categories quietly creeping up month after month.
By the MonthlyIQ team · Last updated 2026-09-28 · Editorial policy
Key takeaways
- A leak is spending that's drifted above your normal without a decision behind it — food delivery, online shopping, or small daily purchases.
- Compare this month's category totals against your own three-month average.
- MonthlyIQ runs this comparison after every sync and shows exactly why each leak was flagged.
What a leak looks like
A leak is spending that's drifted above your normal without a decision behind it — food delivery, online shopping, or small daily purchases.
Compare with yourself
Compare this month's category totals against your own three-month average. Anything 25% or more above deserves a look.
Automatic detection
MonthlyIQ runs this comparison after every sync and shows exactly why each leak was flagged.
Related guides
How much am I really spending per month?
A simple way to find your true monthly spending without spreadsheets or guesswork.
2 min read GuideWhat is discretionary spending?
The spending you choose — and the easiest place to make changes.
2 min read GuideWhat to do when a bill suddenly goes up
Why recurring bills change, and a calm checklist for responding.
2 min readSee your own numbers
Connect your accounts and MonthlyIQ explains your month — what's due, what changed, and what's left.
General information only, not financial, tax, or legal advice. MonthlyIQ is not a bank or financial adviser.