Hey there,

After years of helping people get their finances in order—friends, clients, even some very smart coworkers—I’ve noticed some patterns.

Certain money habits show up again and again… and they’re usually causing more stress than they solve.

So today, I want to share 3 things I avoid with my own money, because I’ve seen what happens when people fall into these traps.

Let’s jump in 👇

❌ 1. Carrying a Credit Card Balance “Just in Case”

Some people think keeping a small balance on their card builds credit or keeps the account active, or maybe you simply don't have your cards set to auto-pay and forget to pay.

But here’s the truth: that balance is likely costing them 20% or more in interest. That’s like setting money on fire each month—just in case.🔥

✅ What I Do Instead:

I use credit cards for the rewards (because yes, free money is a thing)—but I treat them like a debit card.

And while some people will tell you credit cards are evil... they’re actually a central part of my financial strategy.

The key? Set up auto-pay to cover the full statement balance, not just the minimum.

Paying the minimum is one of the most expensive habits you can have.

Unless you’re currently paying down existing credit card debt with a specific plan, you should always choose the auto-pay option highlighted in red. That’s the one that pays your full statement balance—not just the minimum or a random amount.

The other options? You can skip those. They’re not built with your best interest in mind.

💳 Don’t have a credit score yet? It can be tricky to get approved for a traditional credit card—but you’re not out of luck. Start with a starter card designed for building credit from scratch, like this one from Discover.

I’ll be diving deeper into how to choose and use credit cards wisely in an upcoming newsletter—stay tuned!

❌ 2. Ignoring a 401(k) or IRA Because It “Feels Complicated”

A lot of people put off retirement investing—not because they don’t care, but because the terms are confusing: 401(k), Roth, traditional, pre-tax, post-tax… it’s enough to make anyone freeze up.

But here’s the truth: I’ve seen plenty of people hit their 30s or 40s wishing they’d started just a few years earlier. Time matters more than perfection.

✅ What I Do Instead:

I contribute to retirement accounts consistently—because the earlier you start, the easier it gets.

💡 Starter Tip:
Don’t stress about picking the “perfect” investment. Just start with a target-date fund or a low-cost S&P 500 index fund, and aim to contribute at least enough to get your employer match (that’s free money!).

Even 3–5% is a solid starting point.

📈 Pro move:
Set your contributions to auto-increase each year. You’ll barely notice the change, and your future self will seriously thank you.

❌ 3. Taking Financial Advice from TikTok or Strangers on the Internet

I genuinely love that more people are talking about money online—but I’ve also seen far too many rushed decisions based on viral, one-size-fits-all advice from creators who don’t know your goals, your income, or your risk tolerance.

Tips like “buy this stock now!” or “invest like the rich do” might sound exciting, but they rarely come with the context or responsibility real financial planning requires.

✅ What I Do Instead:

I stick to timeless principles:

💬 Need help figuring out your next move?

If any of this hit close to home—know that you’re not alone. These mistakes are common, but they’re also fixable.

And hey, if I still feel like just another “random person on the internet,” I get it. Stick around, keep reading, and feel free to hit reply and introduce yourself. Let’s change that.

You can always reply to this email with a question, or book a 1-on-1 coaching session with me here:

👉 Schedule a Call

To smarter decisions and less financial stress,

P.S. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission. No extra cost to you, and I only share what I trust!