The Top Financial Mistakes that are Easy to Avoid

Jill Ciccarelli Rapps | Life in Naples Magazine | May • June • July 2016

Being satisfied and successful in life means a lot of different things to different people, and what it means to you should be the focal point when setting goals for yourself. Money matters often rank at the top on people’s list of things to focus on.  While you likely have some clear financial goals in place, achieving your goals isn’t just about taking the right steps – it’s about avoiding the wrong ones.

Knowing The Big Mistakes

Many people end up making major financial mistakes without even realizing it. If you want to reach your financial goals, several things are worth keeping in mind. Here are the top financial mistakes you should avoid:

• Managing your Credit Score– Your credit score has a huge impact on your financial health! Having too many credit cards or credit open can damage your score, and is difficult to keep track of.  Not only should you avoid having too many cards, but you need to be cautious about the cards you get. For example, in-store, high interest cards will likely do more damage than good for your finances.  Pull your credit report at least once each year (free at myfloridacredit.com) to make sure it is accurate.

• Failure to Budget – Sure, a budget can seem like a pain in the neck and something that you can do without. But the reality is that setting up even the most basic budget can tremendously impact your finances. Take a moment to list your income and expenses, and then determine how much money you actually have to spend above those expenses. If you ignore a budget, your finances will suffer.

• Failure to Communicate – This especially applies to couples who plan on getting married. Failure to talk about financial goals before you get married could lead to significant problems in the future. A financial advisor can facilitate this conversation, and help you decide if any planning should be accomplished before your wedding day.

• Minimal Investment in Insurance – Insurance can seem like an expense that you can avoid, especially when you’re younger. But one major illness or injury, or a death, and you could find yourself facing a huge bill. Protecting yourself from the “what if’s” in life will help you and your family feel more comfortable.

• Minimal Investment in Retirement – It’s easy to overlook long-term planning when it comes to your finances. But saving a little extra today leads to bigger and better retirement levels in the future. Failure to invest in your retirement plan is a major mistake to avoid.

• Overspending – It’s easy to spend money, especially when you feel financially secure. Americans tend to be over-spenders. Perhaps this is because we have so many choices for how to spend our money! Smart spending is an important outlook to have; thinking not only about today, but also what your spending could mean in the future.

• Assume Things Will Never Change – Let’s face facts here: the future is uncertain, no matter how much you wish the opposite to be true. While you might currently have a stable job, good career trajectory, and fairly low bills, the reality is that things can change. Instead of moving through your life assuming that everything will remain how it is, you should plan for rough waters ahead. Failure to do so can place you in a serious bind. Thoroughly enjoy the great moments in your life; however, when things get rough, be prepared for the change. Keep a positive outlook, knowing that the rough times shall also pass.

The key financial mistakes people make today are related to either unwise spending or just poor planning overall. If you avoid these mistakes, you can take major steps towards ensuring a better, more stable financial future.

To help you feel more comfortable about your financial future, contact Ciccarelli Advisory Services today. We will provide you with guidance to achieve your goals.