3 Financial Fibs You Tell Yourself

Sometimes the same (bad) advice gets repeated so often people assume it’s true. But there are some common personal finance beliefs that aren’t necessarily true. We’ve broken them down for you:

1. You Can’t Save Until You’re Debt-Free

This is a tough one. If you find yourself in debt, you can feel overwhelmed by your financial obligations. You hear people saying you need to pay off student loans, credit card debt and possibly a mortgage all at the same time as others encourage you to save. The truth is you can, and should, do both.

Think about what got you into debt in the first place. Often for credit card debt it’s unexpected expenses like medical costs, car repairs, etc. These unexpected expenses will likely come up again in the future (making them somewhat expected!). So that you don’t have to put those on a credit card, it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund.

Paying off debt is certainly a good priority and you want to eliminate high-interest debt as quickly as possible. But try to set aside at least a small amount each month for savings as you work toward your debt-free life. Decide on a target (usually three to 12 months’ worth of expenses) and work toward it bit by bit. An automatic deposit from your checking to a savings account of only $25 a week will get you there eventually.

The important thing is that you are preparing for the future while eliminating your past problems. It will be very disheartening to work hard and pay off debt only to have to dive in again if you need money fast for an unexpected expense.

2. Sales Are a Good Buy

Finding an item you love (whether it’s a pair of shoes or a power tool) with a reduced price is always exciting. But if you find you are buying things only because they are on sale, and not because you need them, this could be a problem.

Seeing sale signs can lure you into a store or toward a particular product but it’s a good idea to do some research before you spend. First, you want to make sure that the sale is actually a deal. For example, check to see if you can find that item somewhere else at a lower price. Next, pause before you pay to determine if you really need the product or if you are buying mostly because you feel as if you are saving money.

Even when buying something on sale you are still spending money. It’s a good idea to shop with a list whether you are in the grocery store or hitting the outlet malls. If you make the list ahead of time, you can also search for coupons and compare prices between stores. That way you can confidently make your purchases instead of regretting impulse buys later on.

3. Buying Is Always Better Than Renting

When it comes to real estate, many people maintain that buying a home is always a good idea. One of the common arguments is that you are building equity instead of throwing away money by renting.

Home ownership has its perks, but that doesn’t mean it is always the right choice. Owning a home can have some tax advantages and allow you to build wealth. But there are some downsides to owning too — like maintaining a home and paying for repairs and upkeep.

Some of the factors to consider include how long you plan to live in the home, how much you have for a down payment, your income, how much debt you have and where you live. The answer to these questions can help you determine whether it is best for you to buy or whether you should keep renting.