In the age of credit cards and mobile payments, it’s easier than ever to buy stuff you can’t pay for right away while supporting a lifestyle you can’t really afford.
Let’s take a look at seven red flags that might mean you’re living beyond your means, and the steps you can take to get back on track.
- You’re carrying a credit card balance from month-to-month
If you have a high credit card balance and you’re paying just the minimum each month, you can end up carrying this balance for years while paying a lot in interest. You might also be tempted to make more purchases on this card since it already has a balance.
The fix: Try to make double payments and stop using the card until the debt is paid off.
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- You stress about bills
Monthly bills should be planned into your budget. You should be able to pay them easily without any stress.
The fix: Take a look at your monthly budget and find ways to cut back.
- You can’t save 5% of your monthly income
If you can’t put away at least 5% of your monthly income into savings, you’re living beyond your means.
The fix: Again, trim your expenses and restructure your budget to include at least 5% for savings.
- You don’t have emergency and rainy-day funds
Ideally, you should have an emergency fund to cover major unexpected expenses, and a rainy-day fund for smaller ones.
The fix: Start building your funds now by putting away as much as you possibly can each month. Open a MyLife Savings account for a go-to rainy day fund that will even give you an extra savings boost on your first $500.
- Your mortgage payment eats up more than 30% of your monthly income
Most financial experts agree that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of your take-home pay.
The fix: You have two choices here:
Find ways to boost income. Seek a raise at your current job, freelance for hire, or find another side hustle for extra cash.
Scale back your mortgage payments. Consider a refinance. Speak to the USALLIANCE Home Lending Team today to see if this is right for you. If your mortgage is crippling your budget, consider downsizing to a smaller and cheaper place.
- You lease a car you can’t afford to buy or finance
Can you afford to pay for or finance your car? If the answer is no, you’re in financial trouble.
The fix: Downgrade your vehicle to one you can actually afford.
- Your financial decisions are influenced by your friends’ spending habits
Thanks to the hyper-sharing culture of social media, the pressure to keep up is stronger than ever. If you find yourself making financial decisions based on your friends’ choices, you’re likely spending more than you can afford.
The fix: Stop looking over your shoulder and keep your eyes on your own life and your own wallet.
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