Mistakes are made with money everyday by everyone when it comes to personal finances basics. The wealthiest people in the world make mistakes, the middle class makes mistakes and the poor make money mistakes. Therein lies the biggest problem. When the less money you have, the more damaging those mistakes are. What are the biggest money mistakes people make? Let’s find out.

1. Neglecting Your Credit Scores

These three-digit numbers are more important today than ever, specially today with more and more people defaulting on their debts. Money lenders are extremely cautious about to whom they will lend money.

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Written by Gary Foreman

“Never make predictions, especially about the future.” – Casey Stengel

For years Casey Stengel managed in baseball’s big leagues. Some of his quotes are legendary. But, given our current economy, I’d have to take exception to his advice. At least as it applies to our personal finances.

Let’s look at some current information. Unemployment is at 9.8%. Nearly double what it was at the beginning of 2009. Hiring remains anemic.

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 I don’t think I’m alone when I say that college was a great experience. It was a period of time that gave me a ‘ticket’ for a rewarding and successful future. I was pretty good about budgeting myself during those three years by trying to limit myself from joining my classmates at the pub on those random Tuesday afternoon’s. I learned things about myself that I didn’t know and met great people along the way. Those were people with whom I shared similar interests and goals and we also shared a common bond – we managed to accumulate some college debt.

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            One of the first areas to look at when learning to manage your money is your personal net worth. This simple calculation will give you an idea of weather or not you are moving in the right direction. Think of it as a financial feedback mechanism. I would go so far as to say that this is the single most important piece of information you will need to know. If you just learn what this is and how to calculate it, you will be further ahead than most of the population. Lets look at how to calculate your personal net worth, as well as how you can get your free personal net worth calculator.

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Please read the disclaimer before you continue.   

           What comes first, the harvest or the planting? To any person this would be a rather stupid question. Obviously you will need to plant a seed before you can harvest it. Then why do most people have this concept in reverse when it comes to money management? Most people spend money before they make it, or they want to reap the benefits of a large harvest without planting any seeds. To put it bluntly, most people want to spend like the wealthy while working or investing like the poor. I’m not judging or comparing; I’m, just simply saying that if you want to spend like a wealthy person, you should probably make money like the wealthy person. Most wealthy people I have met or read about say they view money as potential or opportunity. Just like a farmer would see the oak tree instead of just an acorn, wealthy people see things like vacation homes and time with family instead of money. Wealthy people are farmers, planting and harvesting seeds of money. A healthy farm would allow you to quit your job.

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