Unless you’re incredibly rich, you probably worry about money. That’s natural, but you’ll feel better about your financial situation if you avoid these basic money mistakes:
· Not tracking your spending. Pay attention to where your money goes. Your credit card statement will help you do this, but don’t forget all the incidentals you pay cash for. With this data, you’ll find it easier to stick to your budget.
· Not setting up a budget (and sticking to it). This advice may seem elementary, but many smart people don’t take it seriously. Determine how much money you realistically need to pay bills and buy supplies for a week or month, and don’t exceed it.
· No emergency fund. Set aside some money for emergencies, and don’t touch it for any other reason. Ten or 20 dollars a month can add up, especially if it’s drawing interest in an account.
· Not shopping around. Take the time to look for the best prices, and avoid buying on impulse. Stock up on essentials on sale, and always look for opportunities to negotiate a better deal.
· Borrowing too much money. Don’t put more on your credit card than you can pay off at the end of the month. Resist the urge to buy more house than you can afford, and don’t be seduced by reward programs that entice you to buy extravagances in order to get bonus points.
· Not watching your credit rating. You should be aware of your overall credit score to avoid problems when you really need to borrow money. Make sure all the information is correct, and watch out for signs that your identity has been lifted by con artists.
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