The 5 Most Expensive End-of-Year Money Mistakes, According to Financial Advisors

By Laura Bogart  October 25, 2024  GoBankingRates

These days, you might feel inundated with messages about your resolutions for the New Year before pumpkin-spice season even ends and Mariah Carey breaks out her high note on that iconic holiday classic. You get advertisements for gym memberships, meditation apps and green-eating meal plans — the same stuff you see every year. But you’re determined not to let next year be just like the last.

You’ve decided that this is going to be the year you get everything together, body, mind, and wallet. That’s admirable. While the will to change is a fantastic first step, you’ll go farther — and stay on your journey longer — if you understand the behaviors you don’t want to repeat. This includes the money mistakes that end up costing you big bucks every year — money that’s better where it belongs, back in your wallet.

GOBankingRates chatted with some financial experts to learn about the most expensive faux pas that can bleed your accounts, and how to correct them.

1. You Spend Too Much During the Holidays

If you get a little too holly jolly with your money during the holidays, you’re hardly alone. There are parties galore, with food to bring and outfits to wear. And, of course, the presents. It’s easy to overspend during the holidays, even if you think you’re getting the best prices through sales days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In fact, Erika Kullberg, attorney and personal finance expert and founder of Erika.com, said that the lure of these short-term deals can actually compel you to spend more than you intended.

“The promise of short-term deals can be super alluring and really hits us with that fear of missing out if we don’t grab the deal,” she said. “But more often than not, the sales really aren’t all that good, and [the items] will more than likely be available during the next big sale.”

She encourages you to resist the temptation to unearth your credit card whenever you’re tempted by those big sales. Sure, if there’s something you’ve really had your eye on and built into your budget, you can treat yourself. However, don’t just get it because it’s shiny and bright — and available. You might not get a lump of coal in your stocking, but you’ll possibly blow up your budget and rack up high-interest credit card debt.

2. You Get Too Generous

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