We all work for different reasons, a lot of us work for our vacation, some work to pay off loans, most work for retirement. There are lots of ways that you can make these goals either sink or swim. But there are a few common mistakes that can easily knock you off the course of where you’d like to be.

Some may seem like common sense, but it is amazing how we seem to think that something is simple when we see it on paper, yet we are guilty of the sins that they are talking about. These sins can be a definite detriment to plans for your golden years, so it is time to not just nod along in agreement as you read, but to take some thought about making new habits that could positively sway your future plans.

Have you ever heard the saying “Champagne tastes on a beer budget”? Yes, it’s a cute little play on words, but when we take that message to heart it means living beyond your means. This is the easiest way to jeopardize a strong retirement. While living beyond your means can hurt you, you don’t need to deprive yourself; in fact depriving yourself can lead to overspending in the future when you ‘treat’ yourself. There are great resources out there to help you take advantage of local free or cheap events in your community, such as movies in the park, local bands, and art events.

Everyone wants to be making more money; I am sure it would be hard to find anyone asking their Boss to take some of my paycheck back. You will be more likely to make wise decisions if you learn to be satisfied with what you have. This takes some learning, as well as well as the creation of some good habits. If you learn to comfortably and happily live within your means you will be able to budget your time towards making more money in the future. Also, if you do the research and learn what your job skills are worth you will be able to have an educated conversation with your boss, perhaps allowing you to achieve a raise.

When you have the knowledge of your worth- even if you are happy in your working environment- you might be able to pass your resume around and find a company that can afford to pay you more for your skill set.

One of the largest investments that people make when they don’t have the funds is the cost of putting their children through college. It could be advantageous to examine all of your options towards funding their education. There are a multitude of scholarship and grant opportunities available that have been put into place so that this financial burden does not fall solely onto the shoulders of the parents. There is a federal system available that evaluates grant opportunities available through the government, and many state lotteries offer scholarship programs available for students with good grades.

You don’t need to make retirement planning an obsessive concern, but it does need to be towards the top of your list, planning for your tomorrow will give you a little peace of mind today.

Author Bio: “Your” Money Matters By Carl Hampton “Your” Money Matters By Carl Hampton From the Author of “From Credit Despair To Credit Millionaire” http://www.CarlHampton.com

Category: Society
Keywords: Retirement planning, money management, budgeting, budget pitfalls, personal money management