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you have to have it! You need it now!
These are all thoughts and wants that will put you into debt. You see the new decor item you want or that black dress and you pull out the credit card…
Don’t do it! It is not worth it! I know I am the voice you don’t want to hear. But saving up for the wants and the must haves will actually benefit you.
By the time you save up the item might be on sale which is a win-win. Also saving up the money before you purchase means avoiding the debt, the interest and the stress.
10 Things You Need To Avoid For Debt Free Living:
1. The must have it impulse
You know the one I am talking about. The it will look really good next to… Or I have the perfect shoes to go with that dress.
Avoid the impulse, save the money and set the goal for being debt free.
2. The constant need to be entertained
You do not need to be, nor do your children need to be entertained every minute of the day with the latest gadgets, toys, movies and adventures.
Make a plan, save up for the latest gadgets, concerts, vacations and more.
3. Eating out all the time
Our family was guilty of this and it helped put us into debt. Skip the eating out and try some home cooking.
Simple, easy to make meals will keep your bank account in the green instead of the red.
4. The coffee shop curse
As adults we have come to love tea and coffee. What else is great is when someone else makes it exactly the way you want it with a side of pastry and adult conversation.
Serve me up a good latte, seated on the coffee shop patio during a warm spring day and I am a happy mom. But… it can get pricey and it can easily put you into debt.
I am not saying skip the coffee shop altogether. Opt for making coffee at home more often.
5. The keeping up and comparing
In the age of social media and “this is my glossy you want to be here reality”. It’s so easy to get sucked into wanting what someone else has or what their Instagram was about.
Social media is a mecca of the best and the photo edited. Skip the need to keep up and compare. Be you and go after your dreams and your wants. Just save up for them first.
Related stop living paycheck to paycheck Posts:
- Save Money On Household Expenses With Over 275 Frugal Tips
- How To Save Money When Things Are Tight
- Secret Must Haves Of A Frugal Home
6. I don’t need a budget, I am good with my money
Even millionaires have budgets. Budgets and knowing where your money is will help keep you out of debt.
7. It is big and beautiful and it suits my needs
Don’t be house poor. Yes, it is big, beautiful and it holds all your stuff. But can you pay for it and still live the life you want to lead?
8. It is brand new, I just drove it off the lot
Did you know that a brand new vehicle depreciates in value 10% the moment you drive it off the lot? Plus do you really need those big payments?
A used vehicle will save you a bundle of cash and still get you from place to place.
9. I want to be seen
Having the best of the best will get you seen and it will also show you the value of debt. If you want to get noticed for whatever your reason do it on the cheap.
Dress up a vintage outfit. Try a new shade of lipstick. Don’t go into debt simply to impress people, you aren’t really sure you want to impress.
10. They have been real good today and it is only one toy
I have been guilty of this and so have most parents. You are out running errands and the kids have been so good that you treat them to a toy and maybe lunch.
This action in its own right is not a problem. It becomes a problem if it happens over and over again and puts you into debt.
Setting limits, keeping a spare toy on hand and yummy snacks in the car will help you out of the overspending in a pinch.
Don’t let these 10 things keep you from being debt free.
Updated January 31, 2020