1. Not being able to save where it actually matters
Saving is one of the basics of life. However, if we save, and it doesn’t matter, why save? The key to saving is saving where it actually counts and actually matters. Investing is definitely important but don’t burden yourself.
2. Focusing on the next generation’s future (ie. education) and forgetting about retirement
It’s great to focus and pay attention to your kids. Retirement is also a big factor and you don’t want to put that off until later. Make sure you invest your time and money on your retirement also.
3. Forgetting about insurance
Insurance is a valuable resource and tool in today’s day and age. Why lose focus on it? Later in life, around your 40’s and 50’s, you can’t be sure what will happen. Instead of assuming everything will work out exactly as you’ve planned, be careful, and invest in your insurance, as it will provide you with extensive coverage and peace of mind.
4. What about Long-Term Disability Insurance?
When talking about mistakes, we must talk about long-term disability insurance. Many neglect this aspect of life. Statistics show that over 25% of Americans will be disabled before retirement. Do something before this takes a toll on you. It is always an advantage to be safe rather than be sorry. Make the right choice. Get that long-term disability insurance in check and working for you. You’ll be happy you did.
5. Forgetting to discuss money as marriage plans approach
Marriage is an expensive time in anybody’s life. Forgetting to discuss what money will be invested and spent is a huge mistake especially during a time when saving money is of great value.
6. Spending absurdly on that wedding we talked about
We all dream of having the perfect marriage with the bright and fancy colors. However, going overboard, when financial discretion should be shown, is a mistake many 20-somethings make. Don’t let it happen to you. Conserve when you can. Spend when it’s necessary and when it adds significant value. Don’t uselessly spend money where it doesn’t need to be spent. This can become a huge mistake that is sometimes irreparable.
7. Wasting endless amounts of money on the first child
There is a huge difference between pampering and providing what your child really needs. A first child is every parents dream, but spending too much on the first child deprives the children who are born later. What if you spend so much on the first kid, and then forget to do it, or not have enough money for the rest of the kids? You don’t want to let this happen as all kids deserve to be treated equally. So, make you sure conserve some of your money here.
8. Car crazy
We all dream of the perfect car that looks amazing, speeds, and shimmers on the highway. However, spending excessively on that particular dream car, may lead you to doom. Don’t let yourself go all out on it. Conserve here again so you won’t regret later on in life especially when your thirties arrive.
9. Graduate School
Graduate School is a wonderful place to continue your education, knowledge, and build on your resume. However, having said that, don’t just waste money there, if you don’t really know what to do in life. If you have a clear plan, go all out to graduate school and secure your place. However, Graduate School is primarily expensive and is not for the masses. If you think you can do it, great! If not, disregard this option and continue working.
10. Getting a job for money’s sake
Don’t do this. Money will come and go. Prepare for the next phase of your life but don’t push away dreams and aspirations for the sake of money. Money isn’t everything in the world. It is a safety net but it isn’t everything. You can’t buy away your love or dreams, so don’t do this. Instead do something you love, and then hope to make a ton of money in the future. Just don’t do it for the present moment. Think about your long term goals.
