The only thing harder than making good money is holding onto it. The world of finance is littered with stumbling blocks that even the most fiscally responsible among us can sometimes trip over. Know what to watch out for, though, and there’s no reason you can’t keep your balance… while also balancing your budget.
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Not Knowing Where You Stand
Ask yourself some questions: How much money is in my savings account? What’s the interest rate on my student loans? What is my home worth? What stocks am I investing in? Etc.
If you don’t know the answers to these kinds of questions right off the top of your head, or at least have the answers easily accessible at a moment’s notice, consider the possibility that you should. You never know when you’ll need that information and it can make all the difference when you’re faced with a tough choice.
Spending Beyond Your Means
This right here is a prime example of why it’s important to know what your resources can support and what they can’t. Even people who do know that information, though, don’t always act accordingly. For many, impulse buying and other forms of needless spending are a constant source of temptation.
If you want to make the most of the finances you have without falling into debt, eating into your savings, or running up a jumbo-sized credit card bill, having and sticking to a budget is key.
Failing to Think of the Future
It’s been said that today is a gift and tomorrow is a mystery. The former may be a matter of opinion, but the latter is an undeniable fact. You can’t depend on your current situation forever. It’s important to prepare for the future, in more ways than one.
For starters, that means setting goals for yourself, whether that be retiring early or saving for a big vacation. Additionally, though, it also means having a Plan B if something goes wrong, such as if you lose your job, make a bad investment, or run into other money troubles.
Overlooking Hidden Expenses
Nothing in life is free, but just because you think you know the cost of something doesn’t mean you know the full cost. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a car or applying for a mortgage loan, there are always fees and necessities to take into account that will add to the number on the price tag.
For example, the cost of buying a car also includes gas and maintenance expenses. The cost of home ownership goes beyond your mortgage interest rate, with utility bills and property taxes to consider as well. Even small expenses can add up fast, so don’t overlook them.