Women Blazing Trails

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Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Are you ready to take control of your finances and build wealth? If so, it’s time to examine your habits and make some changes. You might be surprised to learn that some of the bad money habits you have are actually keeping you broke. In this article, we’ll look at 15 common habits that are preventing you from achieving financial freedom and keeping you poor.

Not Tracking Expenses

This is the number one killer of finances. Not keeping track of where your money is going. $5 here and $3 there adds up really fast. If you don’t know where your money is going, you can’t make a plan to save or invest it. Try to start and keep a daily tracking sheet so you can see.

Paying Full Price For Things

If you don’t have to, don’t. It’s totally okay to negotiate a better price for things like a car, paintings, appliances, furniture, etc. If you aren’t a good negotiator, bring someone with you who is really great at it. This is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on bigger purchases.

Too Many Monthly Subscriptions

You see the charges come out of your bank account, but you don’t pay too much attention to them. $9.99 here, $14.99 there. Little things. But all those little monthly subscription payments add up, too! Go over your monthly subscriptions and see which ones you still need, which ones you use often, and which ones you barely use at all. It might surprise you.

Fail to Budget

You need a budget. Everyone does. A budget is your roadmap to financial success and also a roadmap to help you avoid financial ruin. Without one, you’ll never know if you’re on track or off course, if you have enough money at the end of the month to pay bills.

Eating Out Often

That drive-through breakfast or Saturday dinner with friends adds up fast. Don’t go if you can’t afford it. Add up how much you spend on take-out food each month. The number may shock you. That’s money that can go to pay down that credit card or personal loan or maybe even put into a savings account.

Not Saving For Emergencies

Unexpected expenses can derail your finances if you don’t have a cushion to fall back on. Even saving $50 a month can help a lot! Whether you have $5 extra or $100, it’s important to tuck it away for a rainy day.

Living Off Your Credit Cards

Credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control and keep you in a cycle of debt. Most credit cards have absolutely ridiculous interest rates and fees. If you don’t make a plan to pay them off, you’ll never get off of the credit card roller coaster of debt. Try to pay more than your minimum monthly payment each month, and when extra money comes in, sock it onto your CC.

Living Beyond Your Means

We all want to be like the Jones’. Bigger houses, nicer cars, more things. The problem with this (well, honestly, there are many problems with living this lifestyle) is that you can’t afford it, and you’re just competing with your neighbor and pretending to be someone you’re not. Stay within your means and stop trying to prove anything to anyone.

Not Aggressively Paying Down Debt

High-interest debt can eat away at your finances. Make a plan to pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Whether it be your credit card, car loan, or mortgage, if you have extra money, put it on your debt with the highest balance and interest rate.

Sticking to One Job

There are many ways to earn extra income, from side hustles to freelance work. Don’t rely solely on your main job to support your finances. Did you know that there are literally millions of people earning money online doing simple work? If you have an extra 5-10 hours a week, try to find a small part-time job to help with bills and savings.

Ignoring Your Credit Score

Your credit score affects your ability to get loans, credit cards, and apartments. Make sure you’re paying your bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low. If you’re not sure what your credit score is or how to find it, there are free services online, or you can make an appointment with a credit counselor to talk about it.

Not Investing In Yourself

You are your number one asset, and it’s important to invest in yourself as well. Your education and skills are valuable assets. Invest in yourself by taking courses, attending conferences, and networking. It’s here that you will make great connections and open doors for opportunities.

Saying Yes to Buying Unnecessary Things

Do you really need that new gadget or designer handbag? Choose experiences over things and say no to unnecessary expenses. These sometimes little luxuries can add up fast. While it’s ok to treat yourself every now and then, it’s just as important to make sure you’re not buying things uncontrollably.

Automate Your Finances

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Automating your savings, bills, and investments can save you time and prevent you from overspending. If you keep all your payments set up on autopilot and know exactly when they come out (reminders on Google Calendar are good for this), then you’ll know you don’t have an extra $20 today for something you don’t need anyway.

Not Preparing For Retirement

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, start now. $5, $10, or $500, however much you have extra to put away, start putting it away today. It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. Take advantage of retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.

Conclusion

Breaking these habits won’t happen overnight, but it’s essential to achieving financial freedom. Identify which habits you need to break and take action. Whether it’s tracking your expenses or negotiating bills, every step you take will bring you closer to financial success. Remember, small changes make a big difference.