10 Bad Money Habits to Know and Avoid

Comment on other people's spending choices

If you invite your friends to go on vacation with you and they decline, comments like "But you make more than me" won't change their mind and will only make them angry.Also, don’t criticize other people behind their backs about how they spend their money. Maybe your co-worker got a haircut at a really expensive salon or bought a really cheap souvenir, but that’s their choice and their money.

Don't consider other people's financial situation when planning something.

If your friend is paying off debt or saving for an upcoming vacation, don’t insist they go to an expensive restaurant. It’s better to ask them where they’d like to go and decide together.

Don't care about other people's budgets when calling for contributions

If you want to chip in to buy a gift for a friend or co-worker, don’t assume that the amount you want will work for everyone. Imagine: Someone can only chip in $200,000, but you tell them they have to chip in $500,000. Ask everyone for their opinion on how much they can chip in, or consider what amount is reasonable for everyone.

Unfairly splitting the bill when dining out

When it comes time to split the bill at a restaurant or bar, make sure that no one person who didn’t order anything pays. Some people may eat less or even order a beer instead of an expensive meal, so don’t split the bill evenly. It’s easier to have each person pay for their own portion.

Not paying friends fairly for work

It's great if your friend is a great photographer or a great hairdresser, but a close relationship doesn't automatically mean you get a discount. They put in the time and effort to do their job, so you should pay them what they're worth.

Complain about money problems to people with lower incomes

You have been dreaming of a new TV for a long time but the price is still high and you have to wait. It is not a pleasant feeling but it is probably more unpleasant for the person who has been saving for 2 months and still can't afford to buy a microwave and has to listen to you complain.

Nosy about the prices of other people's items

Many people don't like being asked about their salary, but they don't mind asking questions like, "How much do you pay for your rent?" or "Are those shoes expensive?"... Keep these types of questions in mind if you don't want to embarrass others.

If someone asks you such questions, you don't have to answer, you can simply say "I don't like talking about that" or "Why do you want to know?".

Default

If you borrow money from someone, you should be clear about when you will pay it back and remember the due date. If you don't know the exact date, you should let the other person know. Don't be offended if someone refuses to lend you money. Friends are friends, no one is obligated to "sponsor" you.

Feel obliged to lend money to others

Some people don't lend money to family and friends, and they have good reasons for doing so. If you do decide to lend, make sure it doesn't negatively impact your budget or relationships.Don't be too hard on yourself. If you feel shy, say you need to save money for something or pay off debt.

Don't teach others about money

Even if you mean to help someone, don't give them advice on how to spend their money. You may be good at saving and making money, but advice is only valuable when people need it, so it's better to wait until they ask.