Engineer your Finances - Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemies, and that can be doubly problematic when it comes to money. Here are fifteen common yet troubling self-sabotaging behaviors that could be preventing you from meeting your financial goals.
Keeping Your Head in the Sand
If you’re dreading checking your bank account because you’re too afraid to see the number, we have news for you: not looking at it won’t change it. Knowledge is power!
Shopping Only Name Brand
Going luxury for certain things isn’t necessarily bad. The problem starts when you can’t bring yourself to ever try the generic because of optics.
Letting Others Call The Shots
You’re constantly fending off a barrage of signals telling you to spend money on certain things. Make sure you’re in control of your bank account, and don’t let anyone sway you — including friends and family.
Being Goal-less
Meandering through life without a financial plan will inevitably lead to financial problems. Take some time to review the big picture and start making some changes.
Sticking With a Low Paying Job
Are you still at a job that underpays you because it’s comfortable? Comfort is nice, but no one ever enacted profound change by staying in their comfort zone.
Buying Things You Can’t Afford
It’s tempting to throw every little thing on your credit card. But the next time you want to, ask yourself: can I really afford this? Think about the future you and the debt they’ll have to deal with, and have some compassion for them.
Setting Unrealistic Goals
We all have to start somewhere. And if you’re not used to setting financial goals, there should be small, incremental changes to increase your chance of sticking with them.
Prioritizing The Wrong Things
Even if you save money, is it truly for the right thing? It’s easy to sabotage your future with good intentions by putting money aside for important things but not THE most important things like retirement.
Not Saving Enough
So many people tread water regarding their finances that it’s hard to save money sometimes. Shift around your spending so you can save for what really matters.
Falling Prey to FOMO
That new shiny thing your favorite tech company just released? You feel like you need it, but you’ll only make things harder on yourself if it means you have to go into debt to get it.
Holding On To Money
Alternatively, holding on to excess money out of fear instead of investing it isn’t doing you any favors either. It’s all about balance.
Not Paying Bills On Time
It can be challenging if you’re already struggling financially, but not paying your bills on time seriously hurts you and can lead to even more overwhelming debt.
Not Having or Ignoring Your Budget
If you have a budget, use it. If you don’t have a budget, make one and use it. There’s virtually no way around it; if you want financial freedom, you have to know where your money goes.
Impulse Buying
The internet makes it easier than ever to see something, throw it in a cart, and have it arrive at your doorstep the next day. But that’s a recipe for financial ruin if you aren’t careful, so to ensure you really need something, remember to sleep on it first.
Having Limiting Beliefs About Wealth
If you’re convinced you’ll never get rich, out of debt, or even comfortable, then that’s exactly what will happen. Don’t let limiting beliefs influence your decisions, and find replacements that feel good and nurture your innate capability to succeed!
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