What’s the most important key to successful finances? Change the way you think about money.
If your money mindset is off, you’ll never really be able to “get ahead,” whether you bring in N1m a year or N5m. Once you get your perspective straight, it will be easier to maximize the money that’s coming in.
Here are 6 common bad money mindsets you may be falling into, and how to break free of these mental traps.
1. Living (Only) in the Now
It’s hard to make your money stretch when you’re only focused on what’s easiest and most appealing right now. Sure, it’s quicker to grab a coffee on the go than to make it at home, but that money which you see as little actually add up to something if you calculate it each month. The latest smartphone may be calling your name, but if you’re willing to live with last month’s model, you could put that money towards building emergency savings.
What’s the point of living below your means? In a word: freedom. The next time your car breaks down, you won’t find yourself scrambling for funds. The next time you’re hit with an unexpected medical bill, you won’t find yourself losing sleep at night. Rather than living only in the current moment, set aside extra for your future self to enjoy.
2. Extreme Frugality
Bargain-hunting is one thing; being cheap is another. Don’t focus purely on the price tag. Instead, think about quality and overall value.
Shell out an extra N5000 or N10000 and you could get a pair of shoes that lasts for years, rather than one that unravels at the end of the season. Likewise, don’t waste your precious time trying to pinch pennies. While it’s good to be money-conscious, don’t forget that your time is your most important asset. If chasing a deal requires an additional hour or two of inconvenience, and it only saves you very little, it’s not worth your time.
3.Living Outside Your Means
Stop telling yourself you “deserve” things you can’t afford. Remind yourself that what you really deserve is a life where you don’t have to work until you’re 80 to keep the bills paid.
Don’t purchase consumer items on credit. Instead, save money in advance, so that you can treat yourself to an item that you can truly afford.
4. Winging It
It doesn’t matter how much money you make. If you don’t know how it escapes from your wallet. If you don’t have a budget, come up with one. Same goes for building an emergency fund and creating a retirement savings plan. When you don’t track where your money is going, it has a tendency to get away from you fast.
The best way to “pay your future self” is by making a budget. But this can take a variety of forms. You could try a traditional line-item budget. You could try a modified five-category budget. And if traditional budgeting doesn’t appeal to you, try the anti-budget.
5. Hating It
“Budgeting” doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Neither does “savings” or “retirement planning.” There are so many apps and tools out there that can take the hard work off your shoulders and even turn maximizing your money into a game (or, at least, a fun challenge). Find the tools that feel the most intuitive to you and money management will come much easier.
6. Ignoring Taxes
It’s tempting to overlook taxes. They seem boring and complicated. But these make a big difference in the amount of money that stays in your pocket. Tax planning is as crucial as budgeting, investing and all other forms of financial management.
If you decide to move to another neighborhood or state, for example, think about how this move will impact your tax bill — and consequently, how it will affect your overall budget.
Share your thoughts!
