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The ‘Hermit’ Savings Rules & 8 Frugal Tips for Today’s Economy

Cindy Lamothe Fri, January 31, 2025 GOBankingRates

When your personal finances combine with your personal space, your spending habits and savings account might be working a bit more harmoniously too. Consumer practices across the world have been altered significantly over the past few years — for obvious reasons and otherwise — in what economists have dubbed “the age of the hermit consumer.”

“For ‘hermit’ consumers, it can be really easy to make impulse purchases and overspend because of how easy and convenient shopping online is,” said Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit Consolidation. “Something that can be helpful to maintain a more frugal budget is just to define your expectations and priorities when it comes to the amenities you have.”

Cindy Lamothe Fri, January 31, 2025 GOBankingRates

When your personal finances combine with your personal space, your spending habits and savings account might be working a bit more harmoniously too. Consumer practices across the world have been altered significantly over the past few years — for obvious reasons and otherwise — in what economists have dubbed “the age of the hermit consumer.”

“For ‘hermit’ consumers, it can be really easy to make impulse purchases and overspend because of how easy and convenient shopping online is,” said Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit Consolidation. “Something that can be helpful to maintain a more frugal budget is just to define your expectations and priorities when it comes to the amenities you have.”

Whether it’s how you approach your visit to the grocery store or price-matching your favorite online retailers, the how, when and where you swipe your credit card has simply changed. If you embrace the hermit lifestyle and prefer your saving and spending to be done in a vacuum, below are some expert frugal living tips to thrive in today’s economy.

Embrace a DIY Mentality

“DIY is my new favorite hobby,” said Andrei Vasilescu, co-founder and CEO of DontPayFull. “It’s cost-effective, and YouTube is a great teacher. About 50% more people are getting into DIY now.”

Syed Lateef, business coach and CEO of SyedBNB, agrees. “We can all see it,” Lateef said. “The focus has shifted towards a more home-oriented lifestyle, and I can personally say that more people are embracing do-it-yourself (DIY) activities.”

He said this is a good thing because mastering basic skills for home and car repairs can lead to considerable savings. Simply put, it’s better to invest your time than a third of your paycheck every time you need some general maintenance or repairs done.

“Nowadays, the hundreds of online tutorials and resources makes it easier than ever to learn and perform these tasks ourselves,” he said, “reducing the need to hire professionals.”

Save Money by Cooking at Home

“The driving force behind the hermit economy isn’t entirely clear,” Lateef said. He said it could be due to the lingering hesitation for close-contact services, the increase in remote work or a shift in social values. Instead of dinner and a movie out, you can now meal-plan and binge on your favorite streaming service.

“What’s obvious, though,” he said, “is that consumers are now more inclined to spend on home-centric activities.”

As a result, he said, many followers of the FIRE (financial independence, retire early) movement have come to realize that frequent dining out can be quite costly. So, frugal individuals are embracing the art of cooking at home, experimenting with budget-friendly and nutritious meals.

He added, “Hermit consumers save money but also encourage healthier eating habits.”

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5 Major Money Mistakes To Avoid When You’re Nearing Retirement

Jan 24, 2023 By Jennifer Taylor

You’ve been working hard your entire adult life and you’re finally nearing retirement. The prospect of having more time to relax and enjoy yourself is exciting, but you’ll need money to do that.

As you wrap up your peak earning years and prepare to step away from the workforce, it’s important to make smart money moves that will protect your nest egg. All it takes is one poor financial choice to throw a wrench in your plans — and financial stability — so take the time to make informed decisions.

5 Major Money Mistakes To Avoid When You’re Nearing Retirement

By Jennifer Taylor GoBankingRates

You’ve been working hard your entire adult life and you’re finally nearing retirement. The prospect of having more time to relax and enjoy yourself is exciting, but you’ll need money to do that.

As you wrap up your peak earning years and prepare to step away from the workforce, it’s important to make smart money moves that will protect your nest egg. All it takes is one poor financial choice to throw a wrench in your plans — and financial stability — so take the time to make informed decisions.

When faced with a large amount of cash, it can be tempting to share it with loved ones — i.e., your children — or indulge yourself with luxury items. However, this money needs to last your entire retirement, which could span decades. Here’s a look at common financial blunders you don’t want to make as you get older if you want to avoid a major financial setback.

Building Wealth

Collecting Social Security Benefits Too Soon

Many people make the mistake of taking Social Security income as soon as they can because it’s available. Others start early because they’re afraid the system will run out of money. Neither approach is the best way to maximize benefits.

“You receive more each month if you wait until your full retirement age, and you can even get increases after that — amounting to roughly 8% per year until you’re 70,” said Justin Pritchard, CFP, founder of Approch Financial, Inc. in Montrose, Colorado.

Having patience can literally pay off.

“Instead of claiming as soon as possible, run some numbers to determine how much you’ll earn if you wait,” he said. “Remember that a surviving spouse who takes over your benefit will be affected by your decision, so choose carefully.”

Cashing Out a Retirement Account

When you retire, you might have the option to keep your retirement savings with your employer or move the money into a retirement account — i.e., an IRA — in your name.

“You don’t need to cash out the entire account and put that money in the bank,” Prichard said. “If you do so, 100% of your nest egg may become taxable income, resulting in high tax rates and possibly even underpayment penalties.”

Avoid decreasing the value of your retirement account by making informed decisions.

“Instead of cashing out,

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Millionaires Live by These Rules To Build Wealth

Millionaires Live by These Rules To Build Wealth — Experts Explain If They’ll Work for You

Angela Mae Mon, January 27, 2025 GOBankingRates

There’s an estimated 24.5 million millionaires in the United States. That’s a relatively small percentage of the country’s population, but it’s also not zero — meaning it’s very possible for more people to achieve “millionaire” status. It’s all about being strategic and intentional with your money and financial decisions.

If you’ve decided to truly pursue the goal of becoming a millionaire, you might be wondering how to get started. What types of rules do millionaires — especially self-made ones — follow to build (and maintain) their wealth?8

Millionaires Live by These Rules To Build Wealth — Experts Explain If They’ll Work for You

Angela Mae Mon, January 27, 2025 GOBankingRates

There’s an estimated 24.5 million millionaires in the United States. That’s a relatively small percentage of the country’s population, but it’s also not zero — meaning it’s very possible for more people to achieve “millionaire” status. It’s all about being strategic and intentional with your money and financial decisions.

If you’ve decided to truly pursue the goal of becoming a millionaire, you might be wondering how to get started. What types of rules do millionaires — especially self-made ones — follow to build (and maintain) their wealth?

Here’s the answer, according to a Forbes article, and how well the average person can follow those rules to do the same, as per the experts.

Pay Yourself First

Building wealth can take a while, but you can get yourself on the right path by prioritizing saving money before you prioritize spending it. In other words, pay yourself first.

According to the Forbes article, you should be saving 20% to 30% of your total income. This means you should save $20,000 to $30,000 for every $100,000 you make. You can do this based on either net or gross income, but gross will result in greater savings potential.

“By prioritizing savings and investments before any discretionary spending, individuals ensure that they are consistently building wealth,” said Shirley Mueller, founder of VA Lans Texas. “The earlier you begin this habit, the more time your money has to grow, particularly through the power of compound interest.”

Live Below Your Means

Millionaires stay millionaires not because they flaunt what they have or spend their money with abandon, but because they live below their means. But they become millionaires because they also think big.

This means spending less than you earn, which could entail eliminating those unnecessary expenses or reevaluating your budget. And it means dreaming of — and planning for — a bigger future.

“Resist the urge to splurge! Once of the most common financial mistakes people make is to drastically increase their expenses as soon as their income increases,” said Melissa Murphy Pavone, founder at Mindful Financial Partners.

“Avoid the urge to spend more as you make more. Instead save more. Invest the difference. As you get a raise, give yourself a raise. Increase your 401(k) contribution. Add to your emergency fund. Your future self will thank you.”

Be Strategic With Debt

According to Experian, the average U.S. consumer has $104,215 in total debt — including mortgages and other loans. But while some debt is “good” — or rather, useful — much should be avoided.

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Millionaires Live by These Rules To Build Wealth

Millionaires Live by These Rules To Build Wealth — Experts Explain If They’ll Work for You

Angela Mae Mon, January 27, 2025 GOBankingRates

There’s an estimated 24.5 million millionaires in the United States. That’s a relatively small percentage of the country’s population, but it’s also not zero — meaning it’s very possible for more people to achieve “millionaire” status. It’s all about being strategic and intentional with your money and financial decisions.

If you’ve decided to truly pursue the goal of becoming a millionaire, you might be wondering how to get started. What types of rules do millionaires — especially self-made ones — follow to build (and maintain) their wealth?

Millionaires Live by These Rules To Build Wealth — Experts Explain If They’ll Work for You

Angela Mae Mon, January 27, 2025 GOBankingRates

There’s an estimated 24.5 million millionaires in the United States. That’s a relatively small percentage of the country’s population, but it’s also not zero — meaning it’s very possible for more people to achieve “millionaire” status. It’s all about being strategic and intentional with your money and financial decisions.

If you’ve decided to truly pursue the goal of becoming a millionaire, you might be wondering how to get started. What types of rules do millionaires — especially self-made ones — follow to build (and maintain) their wealth?

*********************************

Here’s the answer, according to a Forbes article, and how well the average person can follow those rules to do the same, as per the experts.

Pay Yourself First

Building wealth can take a while, but you can get yourself on the right path by prioritizing saving money before you prioritize spending it. In other words, pay yourself first.

According to the Forbes article, you should be saving 20% to 30% of your total income. This means you should save $20,000 to $30,000 for every $100,000 you make. You can do this based on either net or gross income, but gross will result in greater savings potential.

“By prioritizing savings and investments before any discretionary spending, individuals ensure that they are consistently building wealth,” said Shirley Mueller, founder of VA Loans Texas. “The earlier you begin this habit, the more time your money has to grow, particularly through the power of compound interest.”

Live Below Your Means

Millionaires stay millionaires not because they flaunt what they have or spend their money with abandon, but because they live below their means. But they become millionaires because they also think big.

This means spending less than you earn, which could entail eliminating those unnecessary expenses or reevaluating your budget. And it means dreaming of — and planning for — a bigger future.

“Resist the urge to splurge! Once of the most common financial mistakes people make is to drastically increase their expenses as soon as their income increases,” said Melissa Murphy Pavone, founder at Mindful Financial Partners.

“Avoid the urge to spend more as you make more. Instead save more. Invest the difference. As you get a raise, give yourself a raise. Increase your 401(k) contribution. Add to your emergency fund. Your future self will thank you.”

Be Strategic With Debt

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How To Avoid, Prevent 'Financial Infidelity' In Your Relationship

Brad Smith Mon, January 27, Yahoo Finance Video

Bankrate Senior Industry analyst Ted Rossman joins Wealth to discuss how couples can avoid financial infidelity in their relationships.

According to Rossman, secret spending is the most common form of financial infidelity, followed by hidden debt and concealed credit cards or bank accounts. He explains that people often hide financial matters because "they feel ashamed about the way they handle money" or they're seeking independence, noting "it's hard for people to mesh those money personalities."

How To Avoid, Prevent 'Financial Infidelity' In Your Relationship

Brad Smith Mon, January 27, Yahoo Finance Video

Bankrate Senior Industry analyst Ted Rossman joins Wealth to discuss how couples can avoid financial infidelity in their relationships.

According to Rossman, secret spending is the most common form of financial infidelity, followed by hidden debt and concealed credit cards or bank accounts. He explains that people often hide financial matters because "they feel ashamed about the way they handle money" or they're seeking independence, noting "it's hard for people to mesh those money personalities."

Rossman advocates for the "yours, mine, ours" approach to money management. This strategy allows couples to be transparent about joint expenses while maintaining some financial independence. "Increasingly, people are craving some sort of financial separation, even within a relationship," he states, citing that 60% of couples maintain separate accounts.

Rossman emphasizes transparency as the key distinction: "It's financial infidelity when it's a secret." He stresses the importance of open communication, adding that couples should discuss "not just where it's going today but also where you want it to go in the future."

To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here.

This post was written by Angel Smith

TO READ MORE AND VIEW VIDEO:

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/video/avoid-prevent-financial-infidelity-relationship-200500599.html

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When Financial Infidelity Rears Its Ugly Head

Maurie Backman Mon, January 27, 2025 Moneywise

I found out my wife, 52, has more than $90K stashed in a secret savings account. What do I do now?

Money can be a point of contention in any marriage. And sometimes, the tension it creates can have big consequences. Roughly two-thirds of U.S. divorces happen to couples in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to the American Psychological Association. But the rate of divorce among adults 50 and older doubled between 1990 and 2010. And as of 2019, 36% of U.S. divorces were among adults 50 and up.

Now there are various factors that can lead to divorce, but money tends to be a big contributor. And if you're in your 50s and just found out that your wife has been secretly hiding money in a savings account throughout your 20-year marriage, you may be experiencing a range of emotions, from anger to sadness.

When Financial Infidelity Rears Its Ugly Head

Maurie Backman Mon, January 27, 2025 Moneywise

I found out my wife, 52, has more than $90K stashed in a secret savings account. What do I do now?

Money can be a point of contention in any marriage. And sometimes, the tension it creates can have big consequences. Roughly two-thirds of U.S. divorces happen to couples in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to the American Psychological Association. But the rate of divorce among adults 50 and older doubled between 1990 and 2010. And as of 2019, 36% of U.S. divorces were among adults 50 and up.

Now there are various factors that can lead to divorce, but money tends to be a big contributor. And if you're in your 50s and just found out that your wife has been secretly hiding money in a savings account throughout your 20-year marriage, you may be experiencing a range of emotions, from anger to sadness.

You may also be wondering how to cope with the news — especially if you're talking about a large sum of money like $90,000.

But divorce isn't necessarily the answer. There may be ways you can salvage your marriage and move forward in a more open and honest fashion with one another.

When financial infidelity rears its ugly head

Financial infidelity can take on a lot of forms. For some couples, it can mean one person racking up scores of debt and keeping it a secret. In others, it can mean having a hidden savings account that isn't shared with a partner.

A recent study shows that more than 40% of U.S. adults who are married or live with a partner have kept a financial secret from their significant other.

This is consistent with a late 2021 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) which found that 43% of U.S. adults have engaged in financial deception.

The most common type of financial infidelity identified was hiding specific purchases, bank accounts, statements or cash (39%), followed by racking up debt in secret or lying about money that was earned (21%).

How to cope with financial infidelity

Financial infidelity can be a tough thing to get over. The NEFE says that among couples who experienced it, 32% wound up with less trust in the relationship. And for 16%, it ultimately caused them to separate their finances or get divorced.

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9 Important Financial Emergencies and How To Deal With Them

Personal Finance - Janice Friedman

DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND?

Have you ever encountered a financial emergency? What was it about, and how did you deal with it? Here, we will explore some of the most common financial emergencies and how to deal with them.

9 Important Financial Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Have you ever been in a situation that requires you to use some finances which you had not anticipated? In life, we’re sometimes faced with sudden inevitable occurrences. Whether a sudden sickness, job loss, or sudden demise of a loved one, different financial emergences occurrences require us to dig our pockets deeper to fix them.

9 Important Financial Emergencies and How To Deal With Them

Personal Finance - Janice Friedman

DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND?

Have you ever encountered a financial emergency? What was it about, and how did you deal with it? Here, we will explore some of the most common financial emergencies and how to deal with them.

9 Important Financial Emergencies and How to Deal with Them

Have you ever been in a situation that requires you to use some finances which you had not anticipated? In life, we’re sometimes faced with sudden inevitable occurrences. Whether a sudden sickness, job loss, or sudden demise of a loved one, different financial emergences occurrences require us to dig our pockets deeper to fix them.

I’ve been using Personal Capital to plan for a financial emergency. I can use it to monitor my emergency fund and see how much cash is embedded in my net worth. Best part it’s completely free to use.

Financial freedom is all about having the flexibility to live completely free without any burden even if there is an emergency. Even if you’ve achieved financial freedom, building some sort of buffer in your financial plan for financial emergencies is important.

Before we explore more on the different types of financial emergencies and ways to deal with them, let’s look at what a financial emergency is first.

So, What are Financial Emergencies?

Financial emergencies are unexpected situations that require one to use some money that they didn’t intend. What happens when you find yourself in need of cash abruptly from an unanticipated event is what is referred to as a financial emergency.

If not resolved on time, it can pose immediate grave repercussions. These emergencies can occur at any time and in any circle of life, including at home, and work and more.

Since you can’t prevent some of these emergencies, the prudent thing to do would be to plan for them. That is, make sure that when the unexpected event occurs, you have some cash stashed somewhere to cushion you from the impact.

Although you cannot entirely plan for everything, having a fall back plan or some backup is always crucial.

List of Most Common Financial Emergencies

Here are 9 of the most severe financial emergencies you are likely to encounter.

Major Medical Emergencies

Some health or medical emergencies are beyond our control, and no matter how much we try to stay healthy and fit, they still occur. Although we all want to believe that we won’t get sick, planning for such things before they happen is the best thing to do.

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7 Ways to Develop Financial Trust in Your Relationship

Harris Financial Coaching

If you find that you're constantly fighting about money or hiding how you spend money from your partner, it may be time to rethink your relationship goals and values. Fighting about money can create tension in a relationship and make it challenging to accomplish future goals. When one spouse gets frustrated with the other, it can seem like you're on an island all on your own, trying to resolve a difficult situation. How can couples develop and build financial trust in their relationship?

From creating a long-term goal to paying bills on time, here are several tips for developing financial trust in your relationship.

7 Ways to Develop Financial Trust in Your Relationship

Harris Financial Coaching

If you find that you're constantly fighting about money or hiding how you spend money from your partner, it may be time to rethink your relationship goals and values. Fighting about money can create tension in a relationship and make it challenging to accomplish future goals. When one spouse gets frustrated with the other, it can seem like you're on an island all on your own, trying to resolve a difficult situation. How can couples develop and build financial trust in their relationship?

From creating a long-term goal to paying bills on time, here are several tips for developing financial trust in your relationship.

Share a Joint Credit Card

Opening a joint credit card is a great way to build and develop financial trust. Being transparent and on the same page when it comes to handling money is a crucial aspect in any relationship.

This allows couples to develop a line of credit that'll benefit future investments if both parties maintain a good credit score. It also helps couples define their combined budget, savings, and expenses more than having completely separate finances.

- Gigi Ji, Head of Brand and Business Development, KOKOLU

Establish Clear Boundaries

Couples can develop and build financial trust in their relationship by establishing clear boundaries. In other words, couples need to define what's theirs and what's not clearly. This can help them avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings and prevent any nasty surprises when one partner wants to spend money on something they've already agreed not to do.

It's also important for couples to address any financial disagreements as soon as possible so they don't fester and become bigger problems later on. When couples ignore their financial disagreements, it can lead to resentment and even result in divorce. Therefore, I believe couples who can talk about their money issues openly and honestly are much more likely to find a solution that works for both parties. - Tiffany Homan, COO, Texas Divorce Laws

Have Regular, Transparent, and Productive Discussions

One way for couples to develop financial trust in their relationship is to have open and honest conversations about finances. This includes discussing each person's income, debts, expenses, savings goals, and any other financial matters that could affect the relationship. It's important for couples to be transparent with each other about their finances and to come up with a plan that works for both of them.

This could include setting a budget, discussing how to save money, and creating an emergency fund. Having these discussions can help couples build trust in each other and their financial decisions, as well as provide peace of mind knowing that both partners are on the same page. - Michael Alexis, CEO, Tiny Campfire

Be Open and Honest About Financial Situations

In marriage, finances are an important issue. One way for couples to build financial trust is by being open and honest about each of their financial situations. Couples should communicate with each other about their income, debts, and investments. They should also agree on a budget that works for both parties. This will ensure they're each aware of how much money is coming in and where it's going. - Jennie Miller, Co-Founder, Midss

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9 Unexpected Obstacles To Plan For Before It’s Too Late

Wealth Transfers: 9 Unexpected Obstacles To Plan For Before It’s Too Late

Jordan Rosenfeld Fri, January 24, 2025 GOBankingRates

If you find yourself in the lucky position of either passing along your wealth to your heirs or receiving a wealth transfer from a relative, this is an exciting thing, but it does come with some legal and financial concerns if not done well.

To save you and your beneficiaries from expensive hassles, experts offered nine obstacles to prepare for and get ahead of to avoid messy court battles or tax implications down the road.

Wealth Transfers: 9 Unexpected Obstacles To Plan For Before It’s Too Late

Jordan Rosenfeld Fri, January 24, 2025 GOBankingRates

If you find yourself in the lucky position of either passing along your wealth to your heirs or receiving a wealth transfer from a relative, this is an exciting thing, but it does come with some legal and financial concerns if not done well.

To save you and your beneficiaries from expensive hassles, experts offered nine obstacles to prepare for and get ahead of to avoid messy court battles or tax implications down the road.

Not Laying Out a Vision

Kevin Landis, a CFP, chartered financial analyst and senior vice president with Wealth Enhancement Group, said there are two main types of wealth transfers for those who are not uber-wealthy. The first is beneficiary wealth, leaving your estate to your beneficiaries, and the second is legacy wealth, setting up something that “goes on in perpetuity” such as a trust. You want to decide what kind of wealth transfer is right for you and your beneficiaries ahead of time.

“The bottom line though is just [creating a] vision of what you’d like to see done with your money,” Landis said.

If you don’t leave instructions for your vision, you not only lose control over how your wealth will be disbursed, but you could leave your heirs with a messy legal process on their hands to figure it out, too.

Not Clarifying Tax-Qualified From Nonqualified Assets

Landis shared that the IRS considers wealth transfers such as IRA and 401(k) accounts as “tax qualified” because they have tax benefits. Nonqualified money includes such things as stocks, bonds, brokerage accounts and certificates of deposit (CD).

“So there’s a 10-year rule now that if the kids receive anything that’s tax-qualified, that money has to come out of that tax preferred environment within 10 years, but they lose up to a third of it in income taxes.”

With preplanning, heirs can create a strategy to offset some of that transferred income with other deductions to minimize taxes, he explained.

Not Getting Things in Writing

It’s not enough to just tell your beneficiaries what you want — it needs to be in writing, just in case anyone else contests the right to your money or assets, Landis said. Not having things in writing can send your estate to probate, a long, expensive and often protracted legal process that can also create bad blood among family members and other beneficiaries.

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The Most Common Banking Mistakes

I’m a Financial Advisor: Here Are the Most Common Banking Mistakes I See Among Clients

Laura Bogart GOBankingRates

Financial advisors have seen it all. From people who are burdened by six figures of credit card debt to millionaires, their clients span a range of backgrounds, income, stages in life, and relationships to money. That’s what makes their jobs equal parts challenging and rewarding.

However, as financial advisors gain experience, they come to observe a few general patterns in their clients’ banking and how they manage their finances. And in those patterns, there are some common mistakes. Fortunately, almost every mistake provides an opportunity for people to learn more and do better — if they know where to start.

The Most Common Banking Mistakes

I’m a Financial Advisor: Here Are the Most Common Banking Mistakes I See Among Clients

Laura Bogart GOBankingRates

Financial advisors have seen it all. From people who are burdened by six figures of credit card debt to millionaires, their clients span a range of backgrounds, income, stages in life, and relationships to money. That’s what makes their jobs equal parts challenging and rewarding.

However, as financial advisors gain experience, they come to observe a few general patterns in their clients’ banking and how they manage their finances. And in those patterns, there are some common mistakes. Fortunately, almost every mistake provides an opportunity for people to learn more and do better — if they know where to start.

GOBankingRates connected with a few financial advisors to learn more about the common money mistakes they’ve seen and to share their advice for avoiding them.

Taking a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Retirement

As the Founder and CEO of 11 Financial, Taylor Kovar has helped a lot of business owners achieve their financial goals over the years. However, he’s also seen that many of his clients, particularly business owners, are reluctant to retire completely, even as they reach the age where a lot of people are ready to sail off into the sunset professionally.

Though society often portrays retirement as carefree, there are also many individuals who want to stay involved in the businesses they’ve built, even part-time. Those people sometimes don’t realize they can factor continued income from their businesses into their retirement budgets. Worse, they may avoid budgeting for retirement altogether because they think it would mean giving up their passions. And if they choose to stay working, even at reduced hours, failing to account for taxes can become a costly mistake.

“It’s important to remind clients that retirement doesn’t have to look like the traditional model,” said Kovar. “They can create their own version that allows them to continue doing what they love, just at a different pace.”

Leaving Money in a Traditional Savings Account

For Andrea Woroch, a nationally recognized consumer finance and budgeting expert, one of the biggest, most frustrating errors people make is leaving money on the table by keeping it in a traditional savings account.

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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.

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.