HERE'S HOW YOU CAN AVOID SOME COMMON MONEY MISTAKES IN THE NEW YEAR

While personal finance strategies can vary based on individual circumstances, here are some personal finance mistakes you should try to steer clear of in 2024.

- Nisreen Mamaji

Not making a budget: The most common mistake people make is that they don’t closely track their inflows and outflows. Often, this can lead to mismanaged finances. So, establishing a realistic budget that includes all your income, expenses, and savings goals, should be the first key step for your financial plan. You must regularly review and adjust your budget as needed. A good thumb rule is to spend 50% of your income on necessities, 30% on wants and invest 20% of your income.

Overspending: Despite making a budget, it is not uncommon for people to end up spending more than what they can afford. The prevalence of online shopping and easy access to credit has contributed to a culture of overspending and impulse buying. Uncontrolled spending habits can lead to unnecessary debt and put you off track from your financial goals.

In 2024, practice mindful spending. Differentiate between needs and wants. Avoid making impulsive purchases. Before buying something, take time to evaluate its necessity and affordability. Consider implementing a waiting period, such as 24 hours, before making non-essential purchases to avoid impulse buying.