10 Horrible Habits That Keep You from Growing Rich

For most people, success doesn’t come without first developing good financial habits. But sometimes what’s more important is acknowledging bad financial habits that need to be dropped. When you recognize counterproductive behaviors and eliminate them, you can achieve much more with your money.

10 Horrible Habits That Keep You from Growing Rich

1. Living without an emergency fund.
2. Forgetting about retirement.
3. Not maxing out a savings match at work.
4. Being too conservative with your investments.
5. Making impulse purchases.
6. Not being a savvy spender.
7. Only paying the minimum on credit cards.
8. Carrying high-interest debt.
9. Not having a debt reduction plan.
10. Caring what others think.

Here's more detail about 10 horrible habits that can keep you from growing rich and sabotage your financial future.

1. Living without an emergency fund.

Life is full of financial surprises and costly emergencies. The antidote is having cash in an FDIC-insured savings account, known as an emergency fund.

Having a cash cushion to fall back on helps you reduce stress, navigate financial hardships, and avoid going into debt. Even a tiny emergency fund is better than nothing.

Commit to putting away a set amount on a regular basis, such as $100 a month or $50 a week. Automate your savings with a separate direct deposit that puts a flat amount or a percentage of each paycheck in the bank. Just ask your employer to set it up.

If you’re self-employed, create a recurring transfer that moves money from your checking into a savings account on a monthly or weekly basis. Out of sight means out of mind.

If money is tight, try working overtime, getting a second job, or starting a business on the side. It doesn’t have to be forever—just until you reach a savings goal. I recommend having a minimum of $1,000 on hand; however, working up to three to six months’ worth of living expenses is the best goal.

2. Forgetting about retirement.

It can be difficult to think about your golden years when you’re a new graduate or in an entry-level job. But when you start investing early, you lock in your ability to grow rich. In fact, it’s almost like getting your retirement at a fire sale.

One of the most important factors in how much you accumulate depends on when you start investing, even if you don’t have much to invest.

One of the most important factors in how much you...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips