in

15 Alarming Signs You’re Overspending

Close-up of Man Holding Coins in Hand
Photo by Nicola Barts on Pexels

You might not see it just yet, but there could be clues that you’re living beyond your means. Maybe you’re having a hard time tracking where your money disappears each month, or you’re stuck living paycheck to paycheck. These could be indicators that you’re spending more than you earn. If you’re concerned about overspending—here are 15 signs to watch for.

You’re always drowning in credit card debt.

money, cards, business
Photo by jarmoluk on Pixabay

One sign you might be overspending is if you’re just making the minimum payment on your credit card each month while your debt keeps stacking up. It’s way better to pay off your balance in full each month, so be sure to keep your spending in check to see what you can actually afford to pay off by the due date.

You have no clue where your money goes each month.

person holding black android smartphone
Photo by Emil Kalibradov on Unsplash

Do you finish up each month scratching your head about where your money went? A great way to get a handle on your spending is to whip up a budget that tracks everything you’re buying. This way, you can see where you’re blowing too much cash each month or find ways to save some dough instead of wasting it.

You plan your budget based only on your paycheck.

photo of dollar coins and banknotes
Photo by Mathieu Turle on Unsplash

It’s smart to have a budget and map out your spending based on what you earn each month. But you might not realize you’re coming up short because you’re not factoring in taxes and other costs before your paycheck lands in your bank account. Be sure to include line items in your budget for taxes, employment taxes like Social Security, and pre-tax deductions like contributions to your employer’s 401(k).

You keep missing bill due dates.

a man sitting at a desk with a laptop and papers
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Are you missing due dates on everything from cards to rent? You might have even had your utilities turned off because you failed to pay a bill. Paying a bill late can mean you’re spending too much on everyday stuff. And like other items on this list, any late fees or missed payments can really hit your bank account and your credit score.

Saving money feels impossible for you.

pink pig coin bank on brown wooden table
Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash

Saving money can be a solid way to pay for a short-term goal, like a vacation or something you really want. It can also go for your long-term goals, like buying a house or retiring early. But if you end the month with no cash left to save for those goals, it could be a sign that it’s time to rethink your spending habits.

You don’t have an emergency fund set up.

a woman sitting on the floor with her arms wrapped around her head
Photo by Carolina on Unsplash

You always need an emergency fund for surprise expenses like a car accident, health problems, or major home repairs. Without an emergency fund, you will end up leaning on credit cards to cover those extra costs. This could drag you deeper into a spending hole. Always save some cash for emergencies—you never know when you might need it.

Your debts outweigh what you own.

white and red wooden house miniature on brown table
Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash

Take a minute to sit down and jot down everything you own and everything you owe. Make sure to include assets like your savings account, home equity (what your home is worth minus the mortgage you still owe), and debts like credit cards or car loans. If you end up owing more than you actually own, that’s surely a warning sign.

You dread spending money on things you actually like.

fan of 100 U.S. dollar banknotes
Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

If you hate spending money on things you like but do it anyway, even though you know you can’t afford it, and it’ll just sink you deeper into debt, that’s a bad sign. It’s totally cool to treat yourself and splurge on new shoes or something for your place. But if you’re spending just to spend, take a second to pause and think before you make that purchase.

You’re buying a new car every few years.

shallow focus photo of person driving Honda car
Photo by emrecan arık on Unsplash

Buying a new car every few years can be a cool status symbol, but it might also be a big purchase you don’t really need. Instead, chat with a car dealer to see if you can score a lease-to-own deal that lets you buy the car outright once you’re done with the monthly payments. 

You feel the need to impress your friends.

women holding phone
Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash

Your friends might see your new shoes or car as signs of your success—but they could be covering up your overspending problems. You really need to pay attention to your spending and know what you can and can’t afford. Going overboard just to impress others will hurt your finances. Remember, don’t compare your life to anyone else’s.

Your housing costs are way too high.

white and gray wooden house with US flag
Photo by Craig Tidball on Unsplash

A general rule is to keep your housing costs under 30% of your paycheck. That can be tough if you live in an expensive city, and it’s even harder if you’re shelling out more than you can afford for a place. Since housing can eat up a big chunk of your cash, think about downsizing or moving to a cheaper area. 

You don’t have any financial goals to work toward.

man in gray crew neck t-shirt using macbook pro
Photo by Lala Azizli on Unsplash

Goals can really help you stay motivated on your way to financial success, like saving up for a house or setting aside enough cash to retire by a certain age. But if you can’t hit those goals because you’re overspending, that’s a warning sign. It’s also a red flag if you can’t even think of a goal because you’re living beyond your means.

Your credit score is in the basement.

woman in black long sleeve shirt sitting by the table
Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova on Unsplash

Your credit score has five parts: how much you owe, your payment history, how long you’ve had credit, any new credit accounts, and the types of credit you’ve got. If your score is low, it can mean you’re spending too much. This can also mess you up when you try to get loans later on. Just picture needing cash and getting denied—all because of a low credit score.

Your mental health is taking a hit.

a woman holding her head in her hands
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

You might be living beyond your means if you feel anxious every time the phone rings, thinking it’s a debt collector, or if you just shove your bills in a corner to avoid dealing with them. Taking charge of your spending habits can improve your mental health. Sit down and figure out what you need to do to get back on track.

You’re way too generous with your cash.

100 US dollar banknote
Photo by Vladimir Solomianyi on Unsplash

You might think it’s cool to loan money to friends even if you know they won’t pay you back or to give extra cash to family members who are struggling. But you need to remember to take care of your own finances first. Focus on your needs before helping others. Be nice to yourself and stick to your budget instead of overspending on someone else. 

Written by Lisa O

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *