5 Money Mistakes Keeping You Broke—And How to Fix Them

In this episode, we discuss the top five money mistakes that keep you broke and then provide practical tips for avoiding them once and for all.

We also talk about an effective three-bucket system for financial management, the risks of “YOLO” and “FOMO” mindsets on long-term financial well-being, the significance of questioning societal spending norms, and more.

Enjoy the episode!

Connect:
Website: https://www.inkosiwealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamSalenaKulkarni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertystrategist/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomWarrior

TIME STAMPS: 

0:00 – Wealth Creation Strategies for Self-Made Individuals

1:11 – Money Mistakes and Financial Management

4:28 – Budgeting and Financial Management Strategies

10:22 – Financial Priorities and Mindful Spending

15:13 – Living a Rich Life, Budgeting, and Social Media Influence

19:55 – Common Financial Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

You’ve probably come across countless articles, books, and podcasts that discuss the various pitfalls people face when it comes to money management. 

But today, we’re diving into the subject to understand these challenges better and provide actionable insights on navigating them. 

Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about money, so let me share with you the top five common mistakes and how to overcome them.

1. Zero Money Management Skills 

You’d be surprised at how many people go about their daily lives without understanding where their money goes. 

Just throwing your earnings into a single bank account and hoping for the best isn’t going to cut it. 

You have to keep a tab on your expenses, monitor your savings, and set aside a certain percentage of your income for future investments.

Remember, the key isn’t necessarily to earn more (although that’s always great) but to manage what you have effectively.

2. No Delayed Gratification

We live in a world of instant results. And while that’s fantastic in many ways, it’s detrimental when applied to our financial habits. 

For instance, acquiring fast, bad debt because you wanted something immediately can lead to long-term financial strain.

Delayed gratification might seem old-fashioned, but it’s the foundation for sound financial decisions. 

Saving up for what you want or prioritising needs over wants allows you to evaluate and make smarter purchasing choices.

3. The ‘Avo Toast’ Lifestyle

Ramit Sethi, the brain behind “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” talks about this concept extensively. 

His approach to “living your rich life” means spending money on what adds value to your life and mercilessly cutting out anything that doesn’t.

But remember that you need to get your basic costs and essentials in order before deciding what your “rich life” entails.

Focus on spending on what genuinely brings you joy and value. 

Re-evaluate lifestyle choices that don’t align with your financial goals and be ready to make the necessary adjustments.

4. The Social Media Effect or Keeping Up With The Joneses

Comparing yourself to others, especially in the age of social media, can be emotionally and financially draining. 

When you constantly aim to replicate someone else’s lifestyle, you lose sight of your own goals.

So, differentiate between genuine desires and societal pressures. 

Focus on what matters to you, not what appears to be the norm or what might impress others.

5.Neglecting Your Future Self

A prevalent mindset, especially among the younger generation, is living for today without much thought for the future. 

While enjoying the present is great, not planning for the future can have dire consequences.

Start investing early, even if it’s a small amount. It’s not about finding one-off successful investments but about consistent returns over time. 

Compound interest is a powerful tool; the earlier you begin, the better off you’ll be.

Final Words

Life, with all its challenges, is complex. Whether it’s navigating personal relationships, societal pressures, or financial hurdles, understanding these complexities is critical. 

Start thinking about your financial future today, even if you’re just out of school. 

The steps you take today can determine your financial freedom tomorrow. Take note that it’s not just about managing money; it’s about managing your future.