We all like to think we’ve got a firm grip on things and we know what we’re doing. But when it comes to managing your money, it’s surprisingly easy to sabotage yourself and trip over your own shoelaces.
Don’t feel bad — we all do it. No one can keep track of everything, right?
Without realizing it, many of us are doing little things (or big things) every day that are holding us back from financial prosperity. Here are some common money missteps that you can easily fix.
Not all these tips will work for you, but some will, so be sure to check them all out.
1. You’re not diversifying your investments
Putting all your money in one place – stocks, bonds, crypto, whatever – is a recipe for losing wealth, not building it. Diversification is key to financial security. Here’s an easy way to start: Buy gold and/or other precious metals. Those investments typically do well when the stock market decides to tumble.
But be careful who you deal with. Not all gold dealers are on the up-and-up, and some of them are only too happy to sell you gold and silver at vastly inflated prices.
Oxford Gold Group, on the other hand, has a 4.9-star rating (out of five stars) on Trustpilot, where 96% of reviewers call the company “excellent” and 4% call it “great.” It also has an AA rating with the Business Consumer Alliance and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
They’ll allow you to invest in a gold IRA that adheres to IRS regulations. They also offer gold bars and coins, as well as silver (including silver IRAs), platinum and palladium.
If you’ve ever thought of investing in gold, give Oxford Gold a try.
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2. You’re not planning ahead for old age
Here’s hoping that your retirement years are active, healthy and vibrant and that you’re able to function as you always have, right up to the time you shuffle off this mortal coil.
But don’t bet on it. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 7 in 10 people who turn 65 today will probably need some kind of long-term care.
“But won’t Medicare take care of all that?” Nope. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term custodial care — and paying for it out of pocket could take a huge chunk of your retirement savings. That plus inflation could mean near or total depletion of your nest egg.
Without long-term care insurance, your options aren’t great: running through savings, borrowing money, burdening your family with your care, and possibly losing independence because you can’t live on your own.
One place to find long-term care insurance is GoldenCare (unless you live in the four states where GoldenCare doesn’t operate: Alaska, Florida, Hawaii and Washington).
At least check it out and see if it’s a fit. Because planning today could mean a more secure tomorrow.
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3. You’re not protecting your family
There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your family, right? Well, if something happens to you, who’s going to pay the mortgage or college bills? This is why life insurance is so important.
Not everybody needs insurance. If your kids are grown and you have a nice, fat bank account, there’s really no need. But if your family would have a hard time getting along without you, life insurance is definitely something you should look into. Just don’t pay too much for it by buying the wrong kind, or buying from a commissioned salesperson.
Shopping for life insurance used to be a long, complicated process. Now? Not so much. For example, Ethos is a company that lets you apply online in minutes without getting off the couch. There are no medical exams, no blood tests. You can get term life insurance ranging from $20,000 to $2 million. And it may cost as little as $7 a month: less than you might be spending now on coffee.
Simply answer a few online health questions and get a personalized quote in less than 5 minutes. This could be the most important thing you ever do for the people you love.
And Ethos is rock-solid: They’ve protected more than 100,000 families and provided more than $34 billion in coverage. So, why not check it out? Click here right now for a quick, free quote from Ethos.
4. You’re not growing your money with a pro
Here’s another self-imposed obstacle: If you don’t have a financial adviser, you could be missing out on some serious financial gains.
A Vanguard study found that, on average, a hypothetical $500,000 investment over 25 years would grow to $1.7 million if you manage it yourself, but more than $3.4 million if you work with a financial adviser. That’s twice as much!
If you’ve got at least $100,000 in investments, check out a free service called SmartAsset. You fill out a short questionnaire and instantly get matched with up to three vetted financial advisers in your area, all legally bound to work in your best interests.
Even if you don’t want help picking investments, an adviser can help lower your tax burden, create a comprehensive financial plan for you, maximize your Social Security, and serve as a second pair of eyes to make sure you’re on the right track.
Using SmartAsset only takes a few minutes, and in many cases you’ll be offered a free consultation.
Please carefully review the methodologies employed in the Vanguard white paper, “Putting a value on your value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha.”
5. You’re not dealing with your debt
Worrying about debt is probably the worst way you can spend your time, and paying interest and late fees is the worst way you can spend your money.
If you’ve got a problem, the sooner you deal with it, the better.
National Debt Relief is one of the most respected providers of debt relief in the U.S.
They’ve helped more than 500,000 people, are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and also are top-rated by Top Consumer Reviews, Top Ten Reviews, ConsumersAdvocate.org and ConsumerAffairs.
You simply fill out a form on the company website, then a debt coach will call you to learn more about your situation. If they can help you, they’ll set you up with an affordable plan that works for you — and give you an estimate of when you can expect to be debt-free. There’s no upfront fee and no obligation to get started.
National Debt Relief can help you with almost any unsecured debt, like credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, repossessions … even some student loan debt. Ready to start a new, happier chapter of your life?
6. You’re letting home repairs wreck your budget
Home repairs aren’t cheap. Whether it’s a leaky roof or a broken appliance, your home can quickly become a nightmare and cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to keep up.
But you don’t have to worry. Luckily, with a home warranty company called American Home Shield, you can safeguard yourself against giant repair bills. From home appliances to electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, it can all be protected.
AHS protects your stuff no matter the age. Their plans cover up to 23 appliances and systems, and if they can’t repair it, they’ll replace it. That’s why American Home Shield is America’s top home warranty company with more than 17,000 contractors and 2 million members.
All over America, homeowners are choosing AHS for the savings, service and peace of mind that it delivers
Shop a Plan That Fits Your Budget
7. You think real estate investing is for the rich
Real estate has long been a path to wealth. But you need to be wealthy to get started, right?
Wrong. For as little as $10, Fundrise can get you started. Fundrise lets you buy into real estate properties the same way stocks let you buy into companies.
In effect, you’re a landlord without having to run background checks or serve eviction notices. While not a guarantee of future results, Fundrise investors have earned an average of 25% within three years; if they held on for five years, the increase was more than 50%.
People are always going to need a place to live – and recent rent jumps make real estate investing more profitable. Rent prices went up almost 18% in 2021, according to data from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Take two minutes and check it out.
Note: This is a testimonial in partnership with Fundrise. We earn a commission from partner links on moneytalksnews.com. All opinions are our own.
8. You’re vulnerable to high vet bills
Your pet is more than just an animal, they are a member of your family.
Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses can happen, leaving you with hefty vet bills. That’s where Lemonade comes in. With customizable plans and affordable premiums, you can ensure your pet gets the care they need without breaking the bank.
Lemonade Pet insurance is not your average pet insurance. They use technology to make the process seamless and efficient, with around half of claims settled instantly. Plus, unclaimed premiums are donated to charity, including animal rights organizations. You can feel good about protecting your pet while also contributing to a good cause.
Visit Lemonade’s website today to get a personalized quote for your furry friend and take the first step in securing their health and well-being.
9. You’re paying an extra $610 for car insurance
If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably paying too much for car insurance. But shopping around for a better deal is such a hassle.
Well, it used to be.
Now you can just check out Provide Insurance, the largest online marketplace for insurance in the U.S. Provide Insurance lets you compare quotes from more than 175 different carriers in minutes.
All you have to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your driving history. Then Provide will show you the best options for your needs and budget.
You could save up to $610 a year on car insurance by using Provide Insurance. That’s money you could use for other things, like investing, saving or paying off debt.
Don’t let your current insurer overcharge you. Try Provide Insurance today and see how much you can save on car insurance.
10. You’re not earning enough on your savings
What’s the difference between 0.5% and 4% interest?
If you’re like a lot of savers, you’ll say, “Who cares? Neither one amounts to much.” But that’s a mistake, and the longer you make it, the more it will cost you.
Example: Put aside $500 a month for 30 years at 0.5% interest, and you’ll end up with $195,000. Nice!
But if you can raise that rate to 4%, you’ll end up with more like $350,000. Nicer!
Doesn’t it make sense to earn an extra $155,000 with no additional effort and with no additional risk? That’s exactly why it pays to shop around and find the highest-paying FDIC-insured savings account.
Especially when it’s so simple. There are tons of free online comparison sites that can help you find top rates on insured savings in seconds. So, take a few seconds and check it out.
Get a Higher Interest Rate Today
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