Breaking Free from Common Money Habits That Hold You Back
- Mattel FCU
- Apr 1
- 1 min read
Could your financial habits be quietly sabotaging your goals? Sometimes, the biggest obstacles to saving and building wealth are patterns we don’t even realize we have. Here are some common money habits to break—and what to do instead:
Emotional Spending: Shopping when you're stressed or bored may feel comforting, but it often leads to regret. Try redirecting those feelings into healthier outlets like exercise, journaling, or calling a friend.
Ignoring Your Budget: If you’re not tracking your spending, you may be overspending without knowing it. Use budgeting apps to keep things simple and stay on track.
Only Paying the Minimum on Debt: Paying only the minimum prolongs repayment and costs more in interest. Increase your payments—even slightly—to make faster progress.
Neglecting Emergency Savings: Relying on credit cards for unexpected expenses can spiral into debt. Aim to build a small emergency fund first, even if it’s just $500.
Living Without Financial Goals: Without clear targets, it’s easy to overspend. Set achievable goals like saving for a vacation or paying down a specific debt.
Breaking these habits takes time, but small changes can lead to lasting financial freedom.