“Moms don’t sleep. They just worry with their eyes closed.”
This quote is appropriate if you want to analyze the mother in a single sentence. Being a mother is not an easy task. A mother has to execute numerous responsibilities per day for the sake of running her family smoothly.
With the change of time, the person who has taken the most of the burden to change herself into the new woman is the modern mom. The modern mom has bestowed another responsibility, and that is she has to do a job along with her husband as the working mom to give the family financial stability.
Now it is obvious when a person has to juggle so many things, one of two things may remain in a disorganized state. There is no exception to the rules with modern moms too. One such example: many office-going moms become unable to execute organized finance for themselves.
Read this article to have a look at what are the ten financial mistakes moms are making now and how to rectify them:
1. Lethargy about planning a budget
The budget is probably that particular subject moms hate most. Months after months, they ignore the budget with the excuse that they will prepare a budget for the family later.
The real reason behind it is moms are getting used to living a chaotic life. But this is a very bad habit.
A budget can fulfill every aspect of your life. Be it saving for an emergency, investment for post-retirement life, the tuition fees for your college-going student, or even taking a yearly vacation!
What could be the ideal budget strategy for moms
For a mom who is learning budgeting strategies right now, adopting a 50/20/30 budget strategy may suit her best.
It is a simple after-tax payment strategy.
50% of your after-tax salary will go to fulfill your regular needs like grocery shopping.
20% of your post-tax salary is going for savings.
The remaining 30% of your budget you can use for luxury spending.
Experts usually recommend using the 50/20/30 simple budget rule for moms.
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2. Not building an emergency fund or having a back-up plan
Moms generally tend to depend on others when an emergency arises in their life. It is a very grave financial mistake that moms should avoid.
An intelligent mom should build her Emergency Fund with a solid back-up plan rather than depending on others.
So, what should a mom do to build her emergency fund?
Currently, online savings accounts are giving much better interest rates than brick-and-mortar banks. So, the ideal option for moms would be to open an online savings account.
On average, the interest rate for online savings accounts for July 2020 is 1%. Moms should open an online savings account as an emergency fund.
3. Letting the husband make every financial decision
Do you have any idea about the financial strength of your family? Do you know where your money is going off for investment purposes?
If your answer is no, you’re not alone.
A recent UBS survey has displayed that 59% of women between the ages of 20 and 34 let their husbands make financial decisions on their behalf.
The percentage goes down to 55% of women aged is above 50 who let their husbands make financial decisions on their behalf.
What would be ideal for a mom?
Moms should not let their husbands and adult children make all the financial decisions on their behalf. Personal finance is not rocket science. Take the help of the internet and read blogs written on personal finance to gain knowledge.
4. Depending too much on credit cards
A Fox business study reveals at least one in four women who are cardholders are not confident that they will repay their credit card bill in full every month. The number is almost double that of men: 26% of women in comparison to 14% of men.
Credit card debt is one particular fault that experts generally tell about women or moms.
So, what does a mom do in this particular situation?
Moms should understand that credit cards are a great financial tool. If not used properly, it may damage her and the family’s financial stability.
5. Not having a separate bank account
Moms usually think sharing bank accounts with husbands is lessening their burden.you’reou’re losing your financial independence.
A TD Bank survey has revealed that 42% of married couples who use a joint bank account also have their own savings account.
If you are still using a joint bank account with your husband or adult children, the time has come to think about opening your separate account.
So, what should mom do now?
You should open a bank account in your name. The benefit with a separate bank account and credit history is both will be created in your name.
Later if you apply for a secured loan like a home loan, your separate bank account and credit history will be helpful.
6. Pushing back retirement plans beyond everything
“Mother is the heartbeat in the home.” – Leeroy Brownlow
You will find thousands or more quotes on the greatness of mothers.
Indeed, moms are great. But the question is, can this greatness bring any financial wellbeing to her?
Moms tend to push back their retirement planning beyond everything for the family.
So, what is good for the mom?
The mom must realize the importance of the budget in all stages of life. A budget allows you to make separate financial sections and allocate money accordingly.
So, plan the budget and allocate some money for retirement savings.
7. Ignoring life insurance
Ignoring life insurance is the mistake that usually every mom makes. They do not think they require any life insurance policy.
Even modern working moms still do not realize the necessity of obtaining any life insurance policy.
Why is opting for a life insurance policy important?
God forbid, if something happens to you any day, then life insurance policies may prove fruitful for your children.
8. Thinking investment is only a man’s world
“Investment, and me? Oh! It’s completely a man’s world!”
Still, now, women suffer from the misjudgment that investment is only for men.
Sadly, the financial survey shows you the same report, too (Only 26% of American women invest in stocks). The women’s being judgemental with investment is only dragging them behind.
How can a woman be an investor?
Be courageous. Talk to your husband and financial strategists. Tell them you have an interest in the investment market. Start watching business channels regularly.
9. Never giving importance to financial literacy
Be it, men or women, none of them in America express interest in financial literacy.
But financial literacy is essential. Financial literacy will give you a solid foundation in your life.
Unfortunately, nearly half of Americans do not know how to handle a $400 emergency.
That is why moms should start learning about financial literacy.
Why is financial literacy necessary for moms?
Moms have their world and have their way of seeing the outside world. The financial literacy training can make her confident with monetary and economic issues.
With financial literacy, she will get ideas for managing money and avoiding debt.
10. Moms tend to under-value themselves
Be it office time or family time at home; moms tend to undervalue themselves.
The TIME report says women are a recognized workforce in America. Still, now, they are used to undervaluing themselves. It pushes them back from making financial decisions.
What should a mom do now?
Shrug off this habit, mom! Try to think independently. Being independent is the best way to stop making yourself undervalued and take every financial decision boldly.
These are the ten financial mistakes moms make, and these are the tips to correct them.
Moreover, moms should always remember that:
“Personal Finance is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge.” – Dave Ramsey
Author Bio
Valentina Wilson is a personal financial blogger. She loves to analyze personal financial matters and help others manage their finances in a better way. Traveling is also her passion. She loves to travel and explore different places by herself. To connect with her, go to her Twitter or visit Bestdebtconsolidation.org
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