1. What are common money mistakes that can prevent financial freedom?
see all the answers below
2. Why is it a mistake to spend money before it’s in your account?
3. How can you start a business without borrowing money?
4. Why is paying yourself first essential for financial success?
5. How can you avoid letting money strain your relationships?
Ready to ditch the financial stress and take control of your future? 2024 is your year to conquer your finances, but first, let’s clear the path of some common money mistakes that can trip you up. Buckle up, savers, and get ready to learn!
1. Money Mistakes and Your Mindset:
Borrowing for Beginnings: Launching a business with borrowed money is like planting seeds in cement. Prioritise bootstrapping, grants, or alternative funding until your business thrives.
- Example: Sarah dreams of opening a bakery. She takes out a large loan for equipment and rent, but business could be faster. Now, she’s drowning in debt.
- Fix: Start small with home baking, part-time kitchen rentals, or crowdfunding. Test your idea before taking on debt.
Spending on Promises: Don’t count chickens before they hatch! Live within your means, not someone else’s expectations. Spending based on anticipated income is a recipe for debt.
- Example: John gets a verbal promise of a bonus and buys a new TV. The bonus is cancelled, leaving him in debt.
- Fix: Wait for money to be in your account before spending. Create a budget and save up for big purchases.
What are common money mistakes that can prevent financial freedom?
Common money mistakes include borrowing too soon to start a business, spending money based on anticipated income, saving only leftover amounts, and failing to invest. These errors can lead to debt, missed financial opportunities, and stagnated growth.
Saving Leftovers, Not Priorities: Pay yourself first! Automate a set amount to monthly savings, treating it like a non-negotiable bill. Leftovers rarely lead to wealth.
- Example: Maria plans to save whatever’s left after paying bills, but there’s rarely anything left.
- Fix: Set a savings goal and automate transfers to treat savings like a bill.
Begging for Bucks, Not Brains: Learn from the wealthy, not just their wallets. Seek mentorship and wisdom, not handouts. Your ideas and hard work are your most valuable assets.
- Example: Tom asks a successful entrepreneur for funding but is offered mentorship instead. He misses out on valuable advice.
- Fix: Seek knowledge and guidance, not just cash. Build relationships with successful mentors.
Why is it a mistake to spend money before it’s in your account?
Spending money based on anticipated income, like promised bonuses, can lead to debt if the income doesn’t materialise. Always wait until money is in your account before making big purchases to avoid financial strain.
Hoarding Seeds, Not Planting Them: Saving is significant, but investing is how you grow wealth. Explore safe and diverse investment options to make your money work for you.
- Example: Lisa diligently saves but keeps it in a low-interest account. Inflation erodes its value.
- Fix: Explore investments like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to earn higher returns.
2. Money Matters and Relationships:
Lending with Strings Attached: Only lend what you can afford to lose. Don’t let money jeopardise friendships or peace of mind. Lend with clear expectations and understanding.
- Example: Ben lends Mark a significant sum, but Mark can’t repay it on time, straining their friendship.
- Fix: Only lend what you’re comfortable losing and set clear expectations upfront.
Guaranteeing Trouble: Only co-sign if you’re prepared to pay. Financial burdens shouldn’t strain relationships. Advise the borrower to seek alternative solutions.
- Example: Anna co-signs a loan for her friend, who defaults, leaving Anna responsible for the debt.
- Fix: Only co-sign if you’re prepared to pay the total amount. Suggest alternative solutions to the borrower.
How can you start a business without borrowing money?
Bootstrapping your business is often a better choice than borrowing. This could involve starting small, seeking grants, renting part-time spaces, or crowdfunding. Testing your business idea before taking on debt reduces financial risks.
Being Everyone’s Savior: You’re not Robin Hood! Saying “no” to financial demands isn’t selfishness; it’s responsible financial management. Prioritise your stability first.
- Example: Peter constantly helps friends financially, sacrificing his savings and goals.
- Fix: Learn to say “no” without guilt. Prioritise your financial stability first.
3. Money Habits and Your Spending:
Easy Access, Easy Spending: Keep temptation at bay! Store cash in a safe place you won’t use immediately. Out of sight, out of mind for impulsive purchases.
- Example: Jessica carries a large amount of cash, making it easy to overspend on impulse purchases.
- Fix Store cash you won’t use immediately in a safe, less accessible place.
Impulse Buys in Hiding: Socks, under pillows, and travel bags are impulse-buying magnets! Find secure and inconspicuous places to keep your money.
- Example: Tom hides money in socks and under pillows, but those hiding spots tempt him to spend it.
- Fix: Find secure, less tempting places to keep money, like a locked box or savings account.
Why is paying yourself first essential for financial success?
Paying yourself first ensures that saving is a priority rather than an afterthought. Automating savings as a fixed expense helps you build wealth over time, whereas saving whatever is leftover is unreliable and ineffective
Wanting vs. Needing: Differentiate between desires and actual necessities. Before buying, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Save yourself from unnecessary spending.
- For example, Maria buys a new dress for every event, even though she has a closet full of options.
- Fix: Question every purchase: “Do I really need this?” Distinguish wants from needs.
Overpaying for Convenience: Shop around and compare prices! Don’t let convenience close your eyes to potential savings. A little effort can stretch your budget further.
- Example: John always buys groceries at the nearest store, even though it’s more expensive.
- Fix: Shop around and compare prices to find better deals and save money.
4. Balancing Your Financial Future:
Living Above Your Means: Housing shouldn’t eat up your income. Downsize, share accommodations or find ways to adjust your housing expenses if they exceed a third of your income.
- Example: Sarah spends half her income on rent, leaving little for other expenses or savings.
- Fix: Downsize, share accommodations, or find ways to reduce housing costs.
Tunnel Vision: Short vs. Long Term: Balance immediate needs with future goals. Don’t sacrifice future security for instant gratification, but also ensure you’re comfortable and well-supported in the present.
- Example: Tom prioritises immediate gratification and spending on luxuries but neglects retirement savings.
- Fix: Balance short-term needs with long-term goals. Save for retirement while still enjoying life today.
How can you avoid letting money strain your relationships?
Only lend money you’re comfortable losing, and avoid co-signing loans unless you’re prepared to pay the full amount. Set clear expectations and boundaries to prevent financial misunderstandings from damaging relationships.
Remember, financial success is a journey, not a destination. These tips are your launchpad to a prosperous 2024. Learn from your mistakes, apply these insights, and build a solid financial foundation. Share your own money mishaps and triumphs in the comments below! Let’s support each other on this path to financial freedom.
I had made some mistakes about financial management and priorities, thanks for the publication. I will put them into use this year.
A simple and easy approach to saving. Your examples made it easy to comprehend.
wow,
This is awesome, reading this article is the best way to start 2024 and I believe at the end of the year I’ll be proud of myself.
Thank you for this article SAS.
Insightful.
Your holistic post on avoiding common money mistakes for financial freedom is incredibly insightful. Focusing on responsible lending is just one gem in a treasure trove of valuable advice. Keep guiding us toward financial well-being!
Thank you for discussing the benefits of freelancing and the various platforms available for finding freelance work. It’s a flexible way to make money on your own terms.
Hi Sam, thanks for sharing; I wish I saw this post earlier though it is better late than never.
It happened that I lend a friend some few bucks because she sounded distressed that period but now, getting back my money seems difficult as she didn’t kept to her promise.
I don’t want it to spoil out friendship, what do you suggest I do?
Sam Soyombo’s blog, “Master Your Money in 2024,” was a game-changer for me. I learned how to avoid common money mistakes, prioritize savings, and balance short-term needs with long-term goals. Sam’s practical examples and solutions helped me identify areas for improvement in my financial habits. Thank you, Sam, for sharing your expertise and empowering me to take control of my finances. Your guidance has inspired me to make positive changes and work towards financial freedom.
As a Nigerian student, I’ve learned the importance of starting small and testing ideas before committing to financial risks. Many businesses fail because of excessive borrowing without validating market demand. It’s crucial to bootstrap or seek alternative funding sources initially, such as grants or crowdfunding, to avoid drowning in debt like Sarah did with her bakery.
But then, there’s this question I have to ask which is;
What steps can Nigerian students take to access alternative funding sources like grants or crowdfunding for their business ventures?
This blog post is a comprehensive guide to mastering personal finance in 2024, highlighting crucial strategies to avoid common money mistakes and achieve financial freedom. The emphasis on mindset, such as avoiding borrowing for startups without a solid plan and not overspending based on future promises, offers practical advice to prevent debt and financial stress.
The discussion on balancing savings and investment underscores the importance of growing wealth through informed choices rather than mere hoarding. Additionally, the advice on managing relationships and spending habits like lending responsibly, avoiding impulse buys, and differentiating between wants and needs provides actionable steps for maintaining financial stability.
Overall, this post is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to build a solid financial foundation and navigate their financial journey effectively in the coming year.