Oh no, a leak in the kitchen is a budget thief in disguise. Grab a towel or a quick‑dry sponge and a plastic pipe clamp from the hardware aisle—those are usually in your drawer or a cheap one costs a few dollars. If the leak is a tiny crack, a quick‑dry epoxy sealant from the store will do the trick for under ten bucks. For a larger hole, a plastic patch kit is a one‑time buy and keeps the budget intact. Tighten any loose faucet nuts with a wrench; that’s often the culprit and costs nothing. Keep a bucket or a large container ready to catch the water while you’re patching—no more splashing around. You’re fixing it, not splurging, so get it done fast and save the money for a celebratory snack later.