GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.

These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.

This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.

woman looking at sale while shopping

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.

it’s possible for you to read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.

Also see10 frugal habits to start now for a full emergency fund in 2025.

facebook sharing button

Dont wait to do something good for your finances.

Do it as soon as you’re able to.

But this can be problematic since, in most cases, working toward and achieving those goals takes time.

twitter sharing button

The longer you wait to get started, the harder it is to get to where you oughta be.

This leads to avoidance rather than a tangible solution.

Heres my theory, she said.

linkedin sharing button

I dont think people always are like Oh, yeah, the credit card companies are for me.

I dont think they always think that.

I think they believe [they] have no other option.

email sharing button

Its essentially like viewing your credit card as a last line of defense if something comes up.

The better habit, however, is to start saving up for the unexpected.

Just because its on sale doesnt mean its a good deal, Kamel said.

Labels that advertise sales can trick consumers into buying more.

If youve budgeted for a specific sale, thats a different matter altogether.

But if you havent or the discounted item isnt a must-buy, its usually better to hold off.

But as Kamel pointed out, it can be a hard habit to break.

To avoid this, its important to cultivate contentment.

And if youre living month to month, thats money you dont have.

According to a CNETsurvey, Americans spend an average of $91 monthly on subscriptions.

Sharing Personal Information Online

Its all too easy to let your private financial information end up online.

You might not even be able to fully avoid it.

If you must have your financial information online, do so with caution.

Use secure websites and only share with companies or sites you trust.

To protect your privacy,Consumer Reportssuggests limiting the information your devises share with apps.

You may also need to contact specific companies to prevent your information from being shared with third parties.

These small purchases might seem nominal, but they can add up over time.

If you have the money, you’ve got the option to treat yourself.

Just do so with awareness of how its impacting you now and in the long term.

Letting FOMO Control Your Financial Decisions

FOMO is the fear of missing out.

Its a common problem in many areas of life, including money.

When you let FOMO control your decision making, you might make bad financial decisions.

This could mean pulling from your emergency fund to pay for a fun outing.

Be aware of your budget and your bank account.

More From GOBankingRates

Share This Article:

The Latest inMoney