Money & Finance

Do you want to get out of debt and stay that way? Then here are seven money mistakes to avoid, from the financial experts at MoneyTalksNews.com:

• Money mistake #1: Not having a goal. Think of your financial goals like a destination. You wouldn’t plan a trip without knowing where you’re going, so why save money without knowing what it’s for? Whatever the goal is, write it down and remind yourself of it often so you won’t lose sight of what you’re working toward.
• Money mistake #2: Not having a budget. The experts say a budget is the single greatest tool you have to accomplishing your money goals. Without one, spending can easily get out of control.
• Money mistake #3: Tying your self-esteem to your possessions. A fancy car doesn’t make you cool, and neither does a $200 pair of jeans. Basically, you can look rich or be rich. Your choice.
• Money mistake #4: Following the crowd. When everyone was buying up real estate a couple years ago, some people sat back and waited for the bust to come. When it did, they snapped up homes at bargain basement prices. The experts say buy when everyone’s selling and sell when everyone’s buying.
• Money mistake #5: Starting to save too late. If you start saving $150 a month at age 25, you can have well over $300,000 by the time you’re 55. If you start at 45, you’d have to save almost $2,000 every month to get the same amount.
• Money mistake #6: Buying a new car. A new car drops in value the second you drive it off the lot. That means you’re paying more in interest than the investment is worth.
• Money mistake #7: Buying more house than you can afford. Any house that gets you in over your head isn’t a good investment. The rule is your mortgage, taxes and insurance should be no more than a quarter of your total income.