Stay Away from These Burdensome Financial Mistakes

Chip Hinde

2 years ago

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Money is part of your life every single day. The way you think about and handle your money when dealing with day-to-day situations can lead to financial mistakes that have serious long-term consequences. Consider the following helpful advice for avoiding these mistakes to help ensure a stable financial future for yourself and your loved ones.

Financial mistakes people make by not having a budget

If you don’t create a budget for your expenses and income, you’re not going to succeed at managing your finances. This is a very crucial part of your financial strategy. Everything must be included as well, or you will not be able to manage everything properly. Set up expense categories, make budget cuts where possible, and take control.

Not looking for hidden costs like credit card interest

If you consistently use credit instead of using your debit card or cash, then you’re going to dig yourself a debt hole. If you make use of credit cards, pay your balances off at the end of the month. This will build your credit. If you hold a balance on your cards, make sure it doesn’t exceed 30 percent of the limit. Having a balance means you’re going to owe extra money in interest, and this adds up over time. Also, when using your debit card, remember that you are more inclined to spend money when it’s not actually passing through your hands. Try to use cash more often.

Not having a plan and a grocery list when you go shopping

While you may think a one stop shop is set up for your convenience, the businesses that created this concept are also doing it for another reason. First of all, they control the market, but they also get you to spend more money that way. If you see everything available, you’re likely to spend more. Don’t fall into this trap. Instead, make shopping lists for when you go buy groceries, and search for coupons online. You can find some great deals according to your shopping list. A shopping list alone will save you money along with planned meals.

Keep up with your bills or you will lose more money

Another mistake that can occur is letting yourself get behind on your bills. This will just cost you even more money. You will end up paying late fees and interest as a result of these late payments. Don’t allow your bank account to go in the negative to cover something either because you will have to pay overdraft fees.

Just because it is on sale, doesn’t mean you need it

If you see something that is on sale, that’s great, but were you going to buy it anyway or do you need it? Sales are a mutually beneficial concept, which means they are designed to benefit the retailer as well. They know that people are going to buy more if a sale is there. Therefore, you must evaluate whether or not you really need that product.

Not examining all your zombie subscriptions and make cuts

Look at certain expenses like subscriptions to see if you can reduce them or cut them completely. This will help you take control of your money and have more money for the things that you need. If you can make budget cuts, then do it. You will find opportunities to make those cuts. As you pay off bills, this will free up your budget as well.

Tracking expenses can be easy, you can use a simple spreadsheet, or use programs like Truebill. The most important thing is to see where you are spending too much money and know where you can cut back.

Look for alternative revenue streams to help your finances

Have you considered looking into doing side gigs, or selling products online? Dig out that old exercise equipment you don’t ever use and sell it online. Or you can get a Fiverr account and offer your expertise to earn some extra money. Some other options are to look into affiliate marketing or starting a drop ship store online. For more information got to our Training Programs & Resources Page.

Do you have a plan to avoid more financial mistakes?

If you consider the financial mistakes that are waiting for you, you can have a better chance of avoiding them. Take control of your finances, and make sure that you work diligently towards a sounder future. Make your money work for you starting today.