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It’s wise to care about your money, but some habits that seem helpful can backfire. Certain ways of saving or trying to get ahead might even end up costing more. Here are six money habits that sound smart but can hurt your finances.

Paying Only the Minimum on Credit Cards

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Paying just the minimum on your credit card lets the balance grow because of interest. Over time, you lose more money to fees. Paying more than the minimum each month helps lower your balance and saves you money on interest.

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Chasing Every Sale

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Snagging a good deal can be satisfying, but buying things just because they’re on sale doesn’t always add up to big savings. If you’re spending on stuff you don’t need, your “savings” quickly disappear. Buying less, even at full price, can cost you less in the end than snapping up every bargain.

Using Coupons for the Sake of it

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Clipping coupons and entering promo codes can make you feel like a smart spender. But sometimes, those discounts push you to try brands you wouldn’t pick or buy items you don’t actually want. If you pile up on things you didn’t plan to purchase, your coupon habit turns into extra spending.

Buying in Bulk Without a Real Need

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Bulk shopping works when you know you’ll use everything, but stocking up too much can hurt your budget. Food goes bad, products take up space, and deals lose their worth if half of what you buy ends up in the trash. Buy in bulk when it truly fits your routine, not just because it looks like a great deal.

Transferring Balances Just to Get Reward Points

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Credit card companies love tempting you with big sign-up rewards or cashback offers for transferring debt—but these perks sometimes come with new fees or high interest after a short window. If you transfer balances just for the bonus, you may find yourself paying more than you saved. Always check the fine print before moving money around.

Focusing Only on Short-Term Savings

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Saving money here and there feels good, but ignoring long-term goals can trip you up. If you’re skipping retirement contributions or putting off bigger financial plans just to free up cash today, you’re shortchanging yourself. Try to balance saving money now with habits that help you build security for the future.

Rethinking Habits Before They Add Up

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Watching your spending is smart, but some habits that seem responsible can still cost you. Check your money routines from time to time, and be open to changing them. Making a switch early can help you avoid bigger costs later.

10 Bad Spending Habits Keeping You Stuck in the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle

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Living paycheck to paycheck can feel like a never-ending loop. You work hard, but there’s never quite enough left at the end of the month. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to get ahead, your spending habits may be one of the biggest culprits. Here are 10 habits that may be draining your wallet and keeping you in financial frustration. 10 Bad Spending Habits Keeping You Stuck in the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle