6 Toxic Money Habits

6 Toxic Money Habits Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman and Other Experts Want You To Avoid

Brooke Barley   Sat, January 11, 2025  GOBankingRates

Getting better with money can be as simple as avoiding some behaviors that can wreak havoc on finances. Experts like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman have built careers giving advice on how to manage money. They have made empires and helped others do the same.

Here’s what Ramsey, Orman and some of the other top money minds have said when it comes to money habits that need to be broken immediately.

Not Talking About Money

A big money mistake people make? Not talking about it at all. That’s according to Ramit Sethi, self-made millionaire and star of the Netflix show “How to Get Rich.” He’s explained in the past that if people aren’t being open about where their finances stand — at least with themselves — they won’t improve.

“How can you expect to get ahead if you’re not actually talking about money, either solo or with a partner?” he said on X. “Money is a regular topic in any financially successful household.”

Being Prideful, Greedy or Fearful

Radio personality and money expert Ramsey advised that pride, greed and fear will make a person broke. He backs this up by saying he’s been all three and lost money in the process. When describing pride, he said that it’s not worth spending money on things just to earn accolades or attention. “Would I buy this if no one ever saw it? That’s your test on the pride button,” Ramsey explained.

Earning money simply for the sake of it is greedy and Ramsey advised against that behavior. “You can have a money motivation to the exclusion of other things. But if your only button to push is money, that’s greed,” he said in an Instagram video clip.

Fear manifests as desperation according to Ramsey and he considers this the worst thing to be when it comes to money. “Just about twenty seconds later after I get desperate, I get stupid,” he added. “And right after I get stupid, I get broke, right?”

Not Questioning Your Family’s Money Philosophies

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/6-toxic-money-habits-dave-230008050.html

5 Reasons You Still Need Checks

5 Reasons You Still Need Checks

Heather Taylor   Mon, March 27, 2023

Is there still room for paper checks in a world where financial transactions are increasingly digital in nature? Survey says … yes.

In GOBankingRates’ Best Banks 2023 survey of 1,000 Americans, 22% of respondents said they still write checks at least once a month. And surprisingly, of these respondents, the largest percentage belonged to those between the ages of 18 to 24 (28%). Paper checks might sound like a mildly antiquated concept, but they can still be used to fulfill specific needs now and into the near future.

Here are some of the key reasons you still need checks.

Valid Form of Payment

If you don’t have cash or a credit or debit card available to pay for essential goods or services, many people and places will accept a check. Desiree Kaul, CFP and associate advisor at MainStreet Financial Planning, said you can still use a physical check to make a payment for the following:

Hiring contractors. Kaul said contractors who work on your home generally accept only cash or physical checks for their services. Paying with a credit card, should you choose to do it, may mean paying additional convenience fees.

School fees. Families with school-aged children often need to pay for various activities throughout the course of the school year. Rather than send your child to school with cash that could be lost, Kaul said it may be easier to write a physical check for fees payable to the school.

Physical magazine subscriptions. If you still subscribe to physical magazines, Kaul said you may want to pay for these subscriptions via physical check. “If you use a credit card, some companies will autobill a credit card upon renewal whether you intended to renew or not,” said Kaul.

Groceries. Yes, many grocery stores and retailers like Walmart will accept a physical check at checkout. Kaul said this can be especially helpful in circumstances where your debit or credit card has been lost or stolen. A physical check may act as its replacement for making payments until then.

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/5-reasons-still-checks-120018977.html

4 Common Fears About Money To Overcome

4 Common Fears About Money To Overcome

Heather Taylor   GOBankingRates

Most people share certain types of financial fears in common. Some will be able to overcome these fears with support, but others will let fear rule the rest of their lives. Leading a life where financial fears take top priority can keep you trapped in an unhealthy financial mindset. It can even lead to losing money throughout your lifetime.

Even if you feel scared to do it, it is possible to break the cycle and develop a healthy financial attitude where money is viewed as a tool that can help, not hinder, you. Here are some of the most common financial fears and what it takes to overcome each one.

Fear of Going Broke

Let’s start with one of the most common financial fears: going broke or even bankrupt.

This is often a learned money belief or habit, said Chloe Elise, certified financial coach and CEO of Deeper Than Money. Typically, the person who holds this fear has observed it from their parents or grandparents.

“They look at money as always being scarce, and they fear they will run out,” Elise said.

While this belief can be extremely difficult to break, the ultimate goal is to view money through an abundance mentality. Elise said some of her clients adopt the mantra “money flows to me” as a way to start welcoming money into their lives.

It takes more than a mantra though! To start welcoming money into your life is to watch your money work for you. Elise’s favorite recommendation for doing this is to keep your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account.

“With total liquidity and no risk, a HYSA is an incredible way to begin to see interest accumulate on your account by doing nothing,” said Elise, who adds that as of right now interest rates are over 3%.

Once you do this, Elise said you can start to look into other investments, like retirement accounts or real estate. This eases the fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone and increases the likelihood you will be rewarded.

Fear of Checking Your Bank Account

Who among us has indulged in an expensive weekend out, or a week-long vacation, and then felt paralyzed with fear about what their bank account will look like in the aftermath of these pending transactions?

Here’s what happens when you don’t check your bank account today. You’re not likely to check it tomorrow or the day after.

“What often happens is we let this feeling of guilt and shame from spending money spiral,” Elise said. Before long a month passes and you start to experience anxiety about facing your finances.

To overcome this fear, Elise recommends planning as much in advance as possible. If you are going on vacation, Elise said you can create a bucket in your savings account specific to the trip.

“Ahead of the trip, you’ve already mentally prepared for that money being spent. It makes it easier to look at your bank account when you already have an idea of what it will look like,” Elise said.

Fear of Feeling Stupid

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/4-common-fears-money-overcome-160015068.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

6 Financial Warnings To Prepare For 2025

I’m a Wealth Strategist: 6 Financial Warnings To Prepare For 2025

Jordan Rosenfeld   GOBankingRates   Wed, January 8, 2025

Most years, people’s finances remain relatively the same from year to year, barring the job changes, emergencies or retirement. However, 2025 is a unique year that finds people with a lot of financial questions as costs of living remain high and a new presidential administration is coming into the White House.

Check Out: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason, a financial planner, national Social Security advisor and CEO of Concierge Financial Advisory, offered some “financial warnings” for this new year, taking into account “financial behaviors and market realities.”

Craig-Mason said, “Preparing for [2025] requires vigilance and intentionality.” Here are the top warnings she’s sharing with her clients to help them navigate 2025 with confidence.

Don’t Let Volatility Lead To Financial Sabotage

With economic uncertainty persisting, Craig-Mason is warning clients against overreacting to market swings. Emotional investing often results in buying high and selling low, eroding long-term gains, she said.

“My advice? Stay grounded in your strategy, focus on diversification and avoid chasing trends that promise quick returns. Wealth-building is a marathon, not a sprint.

Higher Rates Are a Double-Edged Sword

While interest rates are creating opportunities for savers, they’re also squeezing borrowers, Craig-Mason shared. “I’m warning clients to avoid stretching themselves thin with high-interest debt like credit cards.”

Refinancing may not be favorable until rates stabilize, either, she said, so she recommended aggressive debt repayment and locking in savings rates before they drop.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-wealth-strategist-6-financial-200013854.html

Is It Better to Be Rich or Wealthy

Is It Better to Be Rich or Wealthy

Rebecca Lake   Thu, August 24, 2023

Being rich and being wealthy are often seen as being the same thing. After all, people who are rich or wealthy tend to have more assets and greater financial freedom than the typical person. In reality, there are some major differences that define what it means to be rich vs. wealthy. If your financial goals include rising to the ranks of the rich or growing wealth, it’s important to know how they compare.

A financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your wealth management needs and goals.

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

What Does It Mean to Be Rich?

Income is often used as a standard when measuring what it means to be a rich person. So what income is considered rich?

If you’re looking at the top 1% of earners, then you’d need an annual income of $540,009 to be rich, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) defines the top 1% as people who earn $819,324 or more per year.

What about the top 5% or the top 20%? If you think of the top 5% as being rich, then you’d need to make $335,891 per year according to the EPI. If you’d like to crack the top 20%, you’d need to earn $130,545 per year, according to a SmartAsset analysis of income distributions in the top 100 largest U.S. cities.

It’s important to keep in mind that income alone does not necessarily determine whether you’re rich or not. Someone who makes a higher income but spends instead of saving or has significant amounts of debt, for example, may live a rich lifestyle but be broke on paper.

What Does It Mean to Be Wealthy?

Wealth is often defined in terms of net worth. Net worth is a measurement of the difference between your assets and liabilities.

Generally, a liquid net worth of $1 million would make you a high net worth (HNW) individual. To reach very high net worth status, you’d need a net worth of $5 million to $10 million. Individuals with a net worth of $30 million or more might qualify as ultra-high net worth.

Those numbers reflect how the financial industry typically views wealth. The average American views a net worth of $774,000 as enough to be financially comfortable, with a net worth of $2.2 million required to be wealthy. That’s according to Schwab’s 2022 Modern Wealth Survey.

Differences Between Rich vs. Wealthy

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/key-differences-between-rich-wealthy-140035053.html

Scammers Posing As Amazon How To Protect Yourself

Scammers Posing As Amazon How To Protect Yourself

Maurie Backman  Wed, January 8, 2025  Moneywise

American woman lost her life savings to scammers posing as Amazon. Here’s how the scam works and how to protect yourself

When a Knoxville, Tennessee woman named Colleen saw a duplicate charge on her credit card for an Amazon purchase, she attempted to contact the merchant to resolve the issue. But instead of getting in touch with Amazon, she wound up contacting a scammer by accident.

Her mistake was innocent enough. Rather than go to Amazon's website and use their channels to connect with someone from customer service, Colleen did an internet search for a customer service phone number.

The problem? She didn't reach Amazon. Instead, she reached someone who would ultimately rob her of her life savings.

When a simple mistake has far-reaching consequences

When Colleen got on the phone with "customer service" at Amazon, the agent she spoke to led her to believe that her account was compromised. She was then transferred to a man who identified himself as Agent John Davis from the Federal Trade Commission.

He sent Colleen his fake credentials and she received what looked like an official FTC letter stating that her Social Security number was associated with fraud and her bank account could be drained at any time. Naturally, she panicked.

Colleen was instructed to withdraw $19,000 from her savings in cash. She was then told to go to a tobacco and vape shop and create an account on its Bitcoin ATM. She was sent a bar code to scan, which allowed her to deposit $15,000.

She then went to two apparel stores, as instructed, and purchased $4,000 in gift cards before giving the cards' numbers to Davis. Davis sent her a "receipt" for her $19,000 and said she'd get her money back after the FTC did its investigation. She was also told to keep the details of the situation to herself. Now, members of Colleen's church are helping her out while she works through the aftermath.

How to avoid falling victim to a scam

The sad thing about Colleen's situation is that she's the one who made the call to "Amazon," so she thought she was in the clear. But any time you need to contact a merchant, your best bet is to go to the company's site directly and get its phone number or email — don't just do a Google search.

Often, though, scammers like the ones Colleen encountered target victims by reaching out to them directly. And there’s also been an uptick in Amazon scams in particular.

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/american-woman-lost-her-life-123000699.html  

4 Savvy Money Moves My Rich and Poor Clients Have in Common

I’m a Financial Advisor: 4 Savvy Money Moves My Rich and Poor Clients Have in Common

October 21, 2024 by  Cindy Lamothe

With their lavish vacations, enormous homes and successful careers — it can seem as if the wealthy have a playbook of rules only they can access.  But as it turns out, any of us can make the same money moves and reap the benefits.

GOBankingRates spoke with Abid Salahi, finance expert and cofounder of FinlyWealth, to discuss the savvy money strategies both his rich and poor clients have in common.

“I’ve worked with clients across various wealth levels and observed some common savvy money moves that transcend income brackets,” he said. Read below to learn more of his experiences working with the rich.

Stick To Budgeting

“One strategy I’ve noticed among my most financially adept clients, regardless of their net worth, is their commitment to budgeting,” Salahi said. “They track their expenses meticulously and allocate their income purposefully.” 

He said this habit helps them make informed decisions about their spending and savings, allowing them to progress toward their financial goals more effectively.

“For instance, I have a client who started with modest means but has now built significant wealth. She attributes her success to the budgeting habit she developed early on,” he explained. “‘I’ve always lived below my means,'” she told me. ‘Even as my income grew, I maintained the same lifestyle and funneled the extra money into investments.’

“It’s amazing how quickly wealth can accumulate when disciplined about spending,” Salahi added.

Focus On Continuous Education

Another common trait among Salahi’s savvy clients is their focus on continuous financial education. 

“They stay informed about market trends, tax laws, and personal finance strategies,” he said. 

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/financial-planning/financial-advisor-savvy-money-moves-my-rich-and-poor-clients-have-in-common/?hyperlink_type=dynamic

Kickstart a Frugal 2025 With These 9 Expert Money Challenges

Kickstart a Frugal 2025 With These 9 Expert Money Challenges

Cara Danielle Brown   Sun, January 5, 2025 GOBankingRates

If you indulged in a bit too much online shopping or partook in a few too many girls’ trips in 2024, you may be looking to start 2025 on a more financially savvy note. After all, those Steve Maddens were undoubtedly cute, but ordering 10 different styles may have been overkill.

Since it’s never a bad idea to build better financial habits, cut unnecessary expenses, and boost savings, GOBankingRates put together nine ways for you to kickstart a frugal 2025, according to some expert penny pinchers.

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52 Week Challenge

Proving that a little bit adds up over time, Joy Wrenn, founder of FrugalCreativeLiving.com, suggests saving money each week for all 52 weeks of the year. Start small with $1 the first week … then add an additional $2 the second week until you finally add an additional $52 the last week of the year.

At the end of 52 weeks, you will have accumulated $1,378 which can be put towards retirement or other investments. This small, weekly contribution is a consistent way to build savings without it feeling like too much of a financial strain.

Negotiate Discounts

“Call your phone, cable, or internet providers, and every monthly or annual plan you have and ask for discounts,” said Laurie Hise, founder at Passionate Penny Pincher. Sometimes it’s as simple as just asking to put on those big boy pants. “Don’t hesitate — many companies are willing to offer better rates to retain customers.”

No-Spend Month Challenge

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/kickstart-frugal-2025-9-expert-160015237.html

6 Bad Pieces of Money Advice

Suze Orman: 6 Bad Pieces of Money Advice

Nicole Spector Fri, January 3, 2025  GOBankingRates

There has always been bad advice out there about what to do with our money. But now, in an increasingly digital age where many of us are glued to social media apps, inhaling particle after particle of “expert” information, we’re inundated with all sorts of financial advice. Some of it is salient and good; but some of it could be terrible for us, or, at best, not rightly sized for our needs and wants.

Suze Orman has become a multimillionaire as a personal finance guru, and is quick to call out a piece of advice about money that should be avoided. Let’s look at six bad pieces of money advice that Orman has bluntly struck down.

‘It’s Fine To Hire a Financial Advisor Who Is Not a Fiduciary’

This one may catch you by surprise, if only because you may not know this distinction exists. Not all financial advisors are fiduciary financial advisors. A fiduciary financial advisory has the qualification and commitment to act in your best interest and is overseen by complex and specific rules.

A financial advisor who does not have a fiduciary duty could act against your best interests by, for example, investing your money in a stock that they want to see succeed for their own prosperity.

“Only advisors who operate as fiduciaries are promising to always put the client’s interest first,” Orman wrote in a blog on her site in 2020. “If you are interviewing potential financial planners, ask them if they are a fiduciary and if they will put that in writing if you work with them. This should be a super easy request anyone will quickly say yes to.”

 ‘You Have To Send Your Kid to an Expensive College in Order for Them To Be Successful’

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/suze-orman-6-bad-pieces-130007865.html

5 Reasons Everyone Seems Richer Than You

Rachel Cruze: 5 Reasons Everyone Seems Richer Than You

Rafaela Stalbalk Klose  Wed, January 1, 2025  GOBankingRates

n today’s digital age, feeling like others are financially ahead is a common experience. Social media, advertising and the constant showcase of others’ lifestyles can create a pervasive sense of inadequacy, making it seem like everyone else is wealthier and more secure.

Understanding the factors that contribute to this perception and implementing effective financial practices — such as emphasizing net worth, setting clear goals and reducing reliance on debt — makes financial satisfaction more attainable. Rachel Cruze, personal finance expert and author, explored the reasons behind these feelings and provided strategies to regain financial confidence in a recent YouTube video.                     

Remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Focusing on building a life that aligns with your personal financial goals and values is essential for creating a stable and fulfilling financial future.

The Influence of Comparison Culture

Comparison culture is more pervasive than ever, fueled by the constant scroll of social media and the influence of targeted advertising.

What once revolved around modest comparisons, Cruze said, like wearing American Eagle or Hollister, has escalated into showcasing luxury lifestyles, complete with $50,000 cars.

This relentless exposure to high-end living creates an unattainable standard for many, amplifying financial pressures and making it increasingly difficult to feel content with one’s own financial situation.

Debt as a Hidden Factor

Debt often fuels the illusion of wealth. Cruze pointed out that many people rely on credit cards, car loans, personal loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to finance trendy purchases, lavish vacations and frequent dining out.

This widespread reliance on borrowing creates a façade of financial security, masking the reality that many are grappling with mounting financial obligations. Recognizing how debt contributes to these perceptions can provide valuable perspective and reduce feelings of inadequacy when comparing financial situations.

Unseen Financial Circumstances

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rachel-cruze-5-reasons-everyone-140010936.html

10 Most Awesome Things You Can Do for Your Finances in 2025

I’m A Financial Advisor: 10 Most Awesome Things You Can Do for Your Finances in 2025

December 14, 2024 Written by  Cara Danielle Brown  Money / Financial Planning

Looking to make the most of your finances in the new year? Some may think taking financial risks or chasing trends is key to maximizing potential.

But, according to financial advisor at 4 Generations Wealth Management, Michael Fiammetta, the best thing one can do next year is the same thing he or she can and should be doing every year: master the basics.

Here are 10 awesome things you can do for your finances in 2025 and every subsequent year thereafter.

Maximize Retirement Contributions

Contributing as much as you can as early as you can to your 401(k) or IRA — within annual limits — “is one of the smartest moves you can make for your future self,” according to Fiammetta.

This is because nothing helps grow your retirement savings over time like compound interest. Can’t afford to contribute the maximum amount? That’s okay. Fiammetta argued that boosting contributions by a mere 1% in 2025 will impact your financial future.

Diversify Your Portfolio

If your investments are concentrated in one sector or asset class, consider diversifying stat.

“A diversified portfolio–spanning stocks, bonds, real estate, and more — reduces risk and positions you for long-term success,” said Fiammetta. This way, if one or two investments don’t perform well, others can balance out the loss.

Create an Estate Plan

No one likes to think about it. But what would happen to your money if you meet your untimely demise? In the absence of an estate plan, the state would determine who gets your assets based on unique intestacy laws that establish priority order beginning with closest living relatives.

But what if you wish to dictate particular amounts to specific individuals, or you prefer to pass assets to extended family and charitable organizations? Make sure a trust or will is put in place. Having a say in how your money is divided up ensures your preferences are honored and your legacy is carried on. It could also help loved ones avoid probate.

Review and Update Beneficiaries

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/financial-planning/im-a-financial-advisor-things-you-can-do-for-your-finances-in-2025/?hyperlink_type=manual

It's Time To Reset Your Finances For 2025's Knowns and Unknowns

It's Time To Reset Your Finances For 2025's Knowns and Unknowns

J.J. McCorvey  Updated Wed, January 1, 2025

2025 could bring economic changes with the potential to hit millions of people’s wallets in different ways.

A series of stock market gains have fueled retirement investments at the same time that catastrophic storm damage is causing steep repair costs and making thousands of homes virtually uninsurable. Meanwhile, the incoming Trump administration is eyeing deeper tax cuts along with a rollback of newly built guardrails around consumer finance.

While uncertainty abounds in the year ahead, “people can empower themselves the most by focusing on what they can control — those things that will be valuable regardless of what happens in the world,” said Kevin Mahoney, founder of Illumint, a Washington, D.C.-based financial planning firm.

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Here are a few ways to put yourself in the best financial position for whatever the next 12 months may bring.

Hunt for high returns as interest rates fall

Interest rates are coming down, and the impact should be felt more widely in the months ahead by anyone with a savings account, mortgage, credit card or car loan. For many borrowers, that will bring a bit more relief from the nosebleed-level costs of carrying debt. But for many savers, it means less generous returns.

High-yield savings accounts are still topping out around 4.5%, beating the 2.7% annual inflation rate as of November. But as banks trim the interest payments they make to depositors, it’s important to make sure yours remain competitive, said Malik Lee, managing principal at Felton and Peel Wealth Management, an Atlanta-based firm.

“It’s one of the red flags that I’ve been warning clients of all the money market accounts,” said Lee, referring to a popular type of deposit account that limits debit transactions but is often high-yielding. “You’re sitting there thinking, ‘Hey, I’m getting 4 or 5% on this thing, because that’s where it initially was when rates were high, and now I’m getting 3%.”

While banks usually alert customers of rate changes, those notifications can lag and some account holders might not have them switched on. Earlier this year a Bankrate survey found about two-thirds Americans were earning suboptimal interest on their savings accounts.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/time-reset-finances-2025-knowns-140000058.html

6 Ways To Prevent Your Property Value From Plummeting in 2025

6 Ways To Prevent Your Property Value From Plummeting in 2025

John Csiszar  Mon, December 30, 2024    GOBankingRates

Property values have had quite a run since the 2020 pandemic, more than doubling in many markets. Between that run-up, high inflation the past two years, persistently high interest rates and the long time since the last recession, some market watchers are concerned about the lofty valuations in certain housing markets. While a true housing crash seems to be unlikely, there are some areas you might want to avoid — or steps you might want to take — to help protect your investment. Here are some suggestions.

Avoid Condos in Oversaturated Markets

When you buy a condo, you don’t own the land that your property sits on. Technically, you own a fractional interest in the complex’s common areas, but your ownership rights are different than if you buy a townhouse or a stand-alone home.

 In those cases, you own the lot where your property sits, giving you additional value and freedom to do as you wish with your structure. This can make condos less valuable properties to own, particularly in oversaturated markets.

To maintain your property value if this is your ownership situation, find ways to make your condo stand out, by renovating or otherwise maintaining your property in a manner that puts it head and shoulders above any competing units.

Spruce Up Your Older Home

All other things being equal, new homebuyers will usually want fancy new homes over those that are old-fashioned. If your home has an old floor plan, old-fashioned colors and no technological upgrades, investing some money in upgrades can be a good way to keep your home current and up its value. Even somewhat mundane improvements like new windows or fresh paint can help protect your property value.

Stay Out of Areas With Constant New Builds

If you notice the constant building of new homes in your area, it can be a warning sign that your property value may decline — or at least not rocket higher. Although increasing demand is a good thing in the real estate market, when supply matches that demand — or even exceeds it — there’s no push to drive prices higher. In fact, oversupply can often be a trigger that pushes prices lower. The ideal situation is to own property in an area in which new builds are restricted or limited, either by geography or by legislative decree.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/6-ways-prevent-property-value-230019632.html