©George Kamel Find Out: Dave Ramsey: This Common Monthly Payment Is Costing You Millions Learn More: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach ,000 “Using a credit card is not using your own money, even if you pay it off every month,” Kamel warned, since credit cards statistically lead to overspending. He recommended […]
Find Out: Dave Ramsey: This Common Monthly Payment Is Costing You Millions Learn More: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach ,000 “Using a credit card is not using your own money, even if you pay it off every month,” Kamel warned, since credit cards statistically lead to overspending. He recommended trying the following habits for 30 days to see how they can boost your finances. More From GOBankingRates Also, consider setting up automatic monthly transfers from your checking account to a savings account designated for your other savings goals. You may be less tempted to spend your savings if they aren’t mixed in with your spending money, enabling you to reach your financial goals faster. Start by setting up automatic 401(k) or individual retirement account contributions. If you’re younger than 50, you can contribute up to ,500 to your 401(k) and ,000 to an IRA this year. If your employer offers a match, all the more reason to contribute consistently.
- “Am I buying this for the right reason?”
- Forming new money habits isn’t easy, so if you start making excuses as you hone these habits over the next 30 days, Kamel wants you to ask one question: “Is the future I really want worth sacrificing a little now?”
- Managing your money and financially getting ahead can feel like an uphill battle. Recently, Ramsey Solutions money expert George Kamel posted a YouTube video explaining how adopting three simple habits can immediately improve your money skills, helping you to improve your financial situation and build wealth.
- Delete frequently used shopping apps from your phone to reduce the temptation.
- Many experts have investigated this spending pattern to understand why it occurs. A 2021 study by Drazen Prelec of the MIT Sloan School of Management and Sachin Banker of the University of Utah found that credit cards might encourage spending by triggering the brain’s reward networks, releasing feel-good chemicals every time a purchase is made.
Additionally, Kamel said asking the following questions before buying something can help keep your spending in check: If you’re over 50, you can also take advantage of catch-up contributions — an additional ,000 for your IRA and ,500 for your 401(k). Your 401(k) catch-up contribution limit is even higher — ,250 — if you’re employed and 60 to 63 years old. “Is this in my budget?” If you answer “yes” to all five questions, Kamel said you should go ahead and make the purchase — and track it. He also recommended waiting 48 hours before making any big purchase. This extra time can help you avoid the regret of a costly buy. Make online shopping less convenient by removing your saved credit card information from shopping sites and apps. “If you want to get better with your money, you have to pay attention to your money,” Kamel said.
- In addition to avoiding the feel-good influence of credit cards, Kamel also recommended the following:
- Explore More: 5 Frugal Habits Suze Orman Still Follows Even Though She Can Afford Almost Anything
- “Is this the best place and price to buy?”