15 Common Money Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

January 2026 • 5 min read

Most money problems come from the same mistakes. Here are 15 to avoid.

Spending Mistakes

  1. Not tracking spending: You can't fix what you don't measure
  2. Lifestyle inflation: Spending every raise
  3. Subscription creep: $10/month × 20 services = $200/month
  4. Impulse buying: Buying before thinking
  5. Keeping up appearances: Spending to impress others

Saving Mistakes

  1. No emergency fund: One surprise = new debt
  2. Saving what's left: Save first, spend what's left
  3. Not automating: Willpower fails; automation doesn't

Debt Mistakes

  1. Only paying minimums: You'll pay forever
  2. Ignoring interest rates: 24% APR is an emergency
  3. Co-signing loans: You will pay

Planning Mistakes

  1. No budget: Flying blind
  2. Ignoring retirement: Future you needs money too
  3. No financial goals: Saving without purpose
  4. Not talking about money: Especially with partners

Start with tracking. Use Pocket Clear to fix mistake #1 today.

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