Money Mistakes You Should Avoid
Though the middle class is shrinking, it still makes up the majority of Americans. If you’re in the same middle-class income bracket as many of us, you may be making some common money mistakes that are affecting your financial health.
Obviously, everyone wants to make good decisions with their money, but that’s often easier said than done. Not many people are given the learning tools they need to make the most of their money. Fortunately, there are now more resources than ever for people to increase their money knowledge and find tools to help them get their finances under control. Among these tools is Gerald, which is one of the best tools out there for tracking your money and paying your bills. You can download the Gerald app below, and then read on to learn about common money mistakes you should be avoiding.
Who Is Considered Middle Class?
First, you might be wondering if you’re in the middle-class income bracket. According to the Pew Research Center, middle-class individuals are defined as those who make between two-thirds and double the median household income. As of 2017, that income was around $61,000, meaning you could be considered middle class if your household income is anywhere between $42,000 and $126,000.
Of course, you may not be considered middle class based on your demographic. For instance, someone who makes $65,000 in NYC or Los Angeles won’t have their income go as far as someone living in small towns in the Midwest. Still, the Pew Research Center’s figures are a good general indicator of where you stand, and unless you have an unbelievable excess of money, avoiding financial mistakes is always a good idea.
Common Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 20s and Beyond
Here are some of the most common financial mistakes people make as young adults and beyond.
1. Drowning in Debt
One of the absolute worst things you can do for your financial future is let debt pile up to the point it becomes unmanageable. It can be easier to fall into this trap than many people think, as they add to their credit card debt with spending. It can also happen to people who are in financial straits and are trying to stay ahead of their necessary expenses. In short, it can happen to anyone.
Always pay credit card balances when possible. If you’re already drowning in debt, it’s a good idea to consider your options. Try consolidating your debt to make payments a little more manageable. You may also want to look into debt relief to see if there’s anything you can do to reduce your burden. Finally, make a strategy and stick to it. If your debt is at a manageable level, you’ll want to pay it down as soon and as quickly as possible.
2. Not Following a Budget
When you’re making a livable income, it can be easy to avoid budgeting. After all, if you’re able to cover your bills and pay for some of the things you like to do, why bother? The thing is if you’re following a budget you can make the most of your money. Things that once seemed out of reach can become realistic goals. Budgeting allows you to save for things, make investments, and enjoy your money more. It also ensures that you’re always able to cover your bills on time. Really, no matter how much money you make, budgeting can help you understand your money better and make it work better for you.
3. Not Having an Emergency Fund
Unforeseen circumstances are an unfortunate reality of life. Often, these unforeseen circumstances also come with unforeseen price tags. When you have to pay for something you weren’t expecting, like a medical expense or a major car repair, it can quickly ruin a budget or put you in debt. An emergency fund can prevent these events from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Make sure to set aside some money for an emergency fund each time you get paid. This will help you build up your nest egg and give you peace of mind knowing that you can cover financial emergencies when they happen.
4. Relying Only on a 401(k) Plan
Having a retirement account is a great idea. It will grow over time and ensure that you have at least some amount of savings when you’re ready to retire. However, it’s not the best idea to have all of your eggs in one basket. A retirement account can be useful, but it has limitations. For one, if you want to get the money out early, you’ll have to pay a penalty. The lack of liquidity isn’t the only issue either. Although a 401(k) is generally a relatively safe place to keep your money, if it’s the only place you’re putting it, you may be under diversifying.
If you have the income, it’s a good idea to spread out your investments and diversify your portfolio. Some of your investments can be slightly riskier, like index funds. If you have money you’re willing to risk, you can also make investments that have a higher level of volatility.
5. Buying Beyond Your Financial Means
It’s never a good idea to buy something that you truly can’t afford. For a general spending rule, you shouldn’t buy something on your credit card if you’re not able to pay off the balance at the end of the month. Of course, if you have a plan to pay it off and you stick to it, there’s no harm in splurging a little every once in a while.
But the rule also applies to life-changing purchases, like a car or home. Obviously, you’ll likely have to take out a loan for these kinds of purchases, but it doesn’t mean you should stretch your budget to do it. Make sure you’re buying a home that you can reasonably make the mortgage payments for each month. Don’t buy a luxury vehicle just because you’re approved for the loan; make sure your car payments are reasonable and you don’t have to sacrifice your budget to make them.
6. Not Shopping Smart
If you truly want to make the most of your money, make sure you’re always shopping smart. Whether you’re grocery shopping, car shopping, or clothes shopping, you should always be buying in a way that makes sense for your budget. This doesn’t mean you have to clip every coupon when you go to the grocery store, but you could do things like shop at a cheaper store, buy store brands, and join a free membership program to get grocery discounts. This is just one example, but if it saves you $100 on groceries each month, you can put that $100 toward savings or bills.
7. Delaying Retirement Savings
We mentioned that you shouldn’t rely solely on your retirement account, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start making contributions as soon as possible. There’s no bad time to begin retirement savings. Also, if you’re able to, it’s a good idea to contribute the maximum each year. If your employer matches your contributions, you should make it a goal to contribute at least that amount so you’re not losing out on essentially free money.
8. Spending Too Much on Depreciating Assets
Although shiny new items are appealing and feel good to buy, doing that is often not the best idea. When you buy a brand new car, you’re investing in an instantly depreciating asset. As soon as you drive it off the lot, you can’t sell it for as much as you bought it.
This is where smart shopping makes another appearance. You can get cars that are just a few years older with low mileage for less, and your depreciation hit won’t be as significant.
9. Comparing How Much You Have With Others
It never helps to compare your income to that of strangers, friends, or family who make more than you do. All it does is make you feel worse about your situation or feel envious of others. If you’re sticking to your money goals and are feeling financially stable, you should be more than proud of your income. If you continue to make good money decisions, avoid mistakes, and work toward making your money work for you, you’ll have no reason to compare your income to others.
10. Not Making Enough Money
On the flip side, just because you shouldn’t compare yourself to others doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort to make more money for yourself. If you’re unhappy with your job or if you feel like you deserve more money, don’t be afraid to take a chance and apply for better opportunities. If you never go for new jobs or ask for raises, you likely won’t get them. Know your worth and don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Get Started With These Money Tips
It’s never too late to get started with good money habits. Putting these tips to good use can help you plan, budget, and save for the future. Making good money decisions can help you achieve the financial future you want. You can make that future even easier to reach with some helpful money tools as well.
Learn More With Gerald
Gerald is one of the best financial apps out there. Not only can you track your spending and your bills, but you can also get cash advances to make sure you can pay your bills on time without having to rely on credit cards. Gerald has several awesome features that can help you get your money under control and enjoy life without having to worry about money all the time. Download our app today!
