The 5 Worst Financial Mistakes Adults Make and How to Correct Them
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January 14, 2023
Most adults make financial mistakes by living carefree lives. These mistakes go unnoticed and are often not realized until it’s too late to manage unpaid bills, pending debts, and mortgages. Fortunately, there are ways to break free from this habit. For instance, credible lending and borrowing money apps can get you financial help in just a few clicks.
With 2022 approaching in only a couple of days, you will want to start making necessary changes to regain control over your finances. Besides, this blog can help you learn about the worst financial mistakes adults make and ways to correct them if you’ve already faltered.
Here are the five worst financial mistakes most adults make and how to correct them.
Mistake 1. Living without a budget
Planning and prioritizing your budget is crucial to keeping your financial health in check. The earlier you start planning your budget, the better it is for your future.
Unfortunately, most adults think that budgeting will restrict them from enjoying a lavish lifestyle, but living in luxury can cost you big.
According to Finder.com, 126.5 million American adults admit that they have made money mistakes at least once in their lifetime.
Just like businesses, you need to have a short-term and long-term budget planned out to avoid any kind of financial stress.
The task of creating your budget may look intimidating, but it is easier than you think. These four simple steps can help:
- Appraise your monthly take-home income.
- Appraise your monthly expenses.
- Add your income and expenses.
- Save money however you can.
Mistake 2. Maintaining multiple credit cards and overspending
If you thought that having many credit cards and swiping them left and right can make your life happy and fulfilling, you’re utterly mistaken.
Maintaining and using multiple credit cards mindlessly can be risky, causing you to get caught up in a ruthless cycle of debt.
Maintaining one or two credit cards is ideal, and using them sparingly is recommended. What’s even better is making cash payments for most of your financial transactions so you can track your expenses.
Mistake 3. Not having an emergency fund for rainy days
Difficult experiences and emergencies can happen to anyone. If you don’t have a financial backup plan for unexpected emergencies, such as medical bills or auto and house repairs, you’ll be in a pickle when these situations occur.
Start keeping aside small amounts of money to add to your emergency fund. You should initially target reaching a thousand dollars. If possible, save up to the point where you’ve got at least three months’ worth of your living expenses tucked away safely.
Mistake 4. Overlooking your retirement fund
A study by Gallup shows that the average working American retires around the age of 66, indicating that every individual should start saving for their retirement fund from the age of 25.
Another study shows that only 39% of adults currently saving for their retirement began doing so in their 20s. 50% of adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are not saving any money at all for their retirement fund.
Most people focus on their short-term financial goals and do not learn about 401(k)s. Retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, and a few more are some great options to consider. Do you know what’s even better? Most retirement plans are tax-advantaged or tax-deferred in some way.
Mistake 5. Living an extravagant lifestyle
Everything you want may not necessarily be everything you need! Don’t give in to your temptations when your financial situation is in flux.
A survey shows that FOMO (fear of missing out) spending is real amongst millennials, with 40% of them admitting they have spent money they didn’t have to just to keep up with their friends. Another two-thirds of those mentioned that they feel remorse after spending beyond their means due to certain social situations.
Moving forward
Trust that financial awareness is key to living a comfortable life. You need to go over your financial plan and even start making it if you haven’t already. Perhaps, add it to your list of New Year’s resolutions so you can alleviate any unnecessary financial stress.
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