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Writer's pictureKathryn Hauer, CFP®, EA

Avoiding Financial Delusions to Achieve Financial Wellness

house on a bridge

“The house of delusions is cheap to build, but draughty to live in, and ready at any instant to fall.” Poet A.E. Houseman in an 1892 speech at University College, London


Many people hold misconceptions about money that can seriously harm their financial health. Financial delusions don't exist in isolation. They tend to reinforce each other, creating a web of misconceptions that can severely impact financial health. Let's explore some common financial delusions, why they're problematic, and how to correct them.


How Financial Delusions Exacerbate Problems


"I Don't Need a Budget"

Why it hurts: Without a budget, you're flying blind. You can't optimize your spending or saving if you don't track where your money goes. You might think you’re doing fine because you meet your monthly bills, but you don’t realize you spend over $500 per month on takeout.


Fix: Start tracking your expenses and create a realistic budget. There are many free apps available to help with this.


The "I don't need a budget" delusion often pairs with "I deserve to spend on whatever I want," which can lead to overspending and debt accumulation.


"I'll Start Saving for Retirement Later"

Why it hurts: The power of stock market returns and interest means that starting late can cost you hundreds of thousands in potential retirement savings. If you put off saving until age 40, missing out on 15 years of growth compared to someone who started at 25.


Fix: Start saving for retirement now, even if it's just a small amount. Increase your contributions as your income grows.


Believing "I'll start saving for retirement later" frequently goes hand-in-hand with "An unexpected windfall will solve all my financial problems." This pairing can result in inadequate retirement savings and a lack of financial security.


"Credit Cards Are Free Money"

Why it hurts: This mindset leads to high-interest debt that can take years to pay off. If you regularly max out your credit cards and pay only the minimum, you could incur thousands in debt at 20% interest.


Fix: Only use credit cards for planned purchases you can pay off in full each month. Treat them as a convenient payment method, not a loan.


The "Credit cards are free money" delusion can worsen the problems caused by "I don't need a budget," leading to a cycle of debt and financial stress.


"I Deserve to Spend on Whatever I Want"

Why it hurts: This attitude prioritizes short-term gratification over long-term financial security. You can get into this fix if you spend money on wants, like expensive clothes or vacations rather than required expenses like rent.


Fix: Reframe your thinking. You deserve financial stability and peace of mind more than temporary luxuries.


"Investing Is Too Risky/Complicated for Me"

Why it hurts: Avoiding investing means missing out on potential long-term growth and failing to outpace inflation.


Fix: Start with simple, low-cost index funds. Educate yourself about basic investing principles through reputable financial websites or books.


The belief that "Investing is too risky/complicated for me" can reinforce the idea that "Renting is just throwing money away," as people might rush into homeownership without considering other investment options.


"A High Income Means I'm Financially Secure"

Why it hurts: High income doesn't guarantee wealth if it's paired with high spending. Many high earners live paycheck to paycheck.


Fix: Focus on your savings rate rather than your income. Aim to save and invest a significant portion of your earnings, regardless of how much you make.


The misconception that "A high income means I'm financially secure" often leads to lifestyle inflation, which can prevent saving and investing, feeding into the delusion that "I don't earn enough to save anything."


"Renting is Just Throwing Money Away"

Why it hurts: This belief can push people into homeownership before they're financially ready, or in markets where renting might be more economical.


Fix: Consider the full costs of homeownership (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance) and compare them to renting. Sometimes renting and investing the difference can be more financially advantageous.


"I Need to Time the Market to Be a Successful Investor"

Why it hurts: Attempting to time the market often leads to buying high and selling low, reducing overall returns.


Fix: Adopt a long-term investment strategy. Regular contributions to a diversified portfolio often outperform attempts at market timing.


"I Don't Earn Enough to Save Anything"

Why it hurts: This mindset becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, preventing people from building any financial cushion.


Fix: Start with tiny savings goals, even just $5 or $10 a week. As you build the habit, look for ways to increase your income or reduce expenses to save more.


"An Unexpected Windfall Will Solve My Financial Problems"

Why it hurts: Relying on unlikely events (inheritance, lottery win) can prevent people from taking necessary action to improve their finances. For example, if you avoid budgeting or saving because you expect a large inheritance you could be in a bind if it doesn’t come through.


Fix: Take control of your financial future. Make plans based on your current situation and income, not on hypothetical windfalls.


Breaking free from these interconnected delusions requires a holistic approach to financial management. It involves not just addressing individual misconceptions but understanding how they relate to each other and impact overall financial health.


By cultivating financial literacy, practicing mindful money management, and regularly reassessing your financial beliefs and behaviors, you can break free from delusions and build a stronger, more secure financial future.


Strategies for Overcoming Financial Delusions

You can fix the problems that financial delusions can bring. Here are some methods.


Gain Education and Self-Awareness

  • Educate yourself about personal finance through books, reputable websites, or courses.

  • Conduct a honest self-assessment of your financial beliefs and behaviors.

  • Keep a financial journal to track your thoughts and decisions about money.


Set Clear, Realistic Goals

  •   Establish short-term, medium-term, and long-term financial goals.

  •   Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

  •   Regularly review and adjust your goals as your life circumstances change.


Develop a Comprehensive Financial Plan

  • Create a detailed budget that accounts for all income and expenses.

  • Plan for emergencies with an adequate emergency fund.

  • Include strategies for debt repayment, saving, and investing.


Seek Professional Advice

  • Consider consulting a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

  • Look for fee-only advisors to avoid conflicts of interest.

  • Don't be afraid to get second opinions on major financial decisions.


Practice Mindful Spending

  • Before making purchases, especially large ones, wait 24-48 hours to ensure it aligns with your values and goals.

  • Regularly review subscriptions and recurring expenses to eliminate unnecessary costs.


Cultivate a Growth Mindset

  • View financial setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.

  • Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.


Building and Maintaining a Strong Financial Foundation

Financial delusions can significantly impact economic well-being, often in ways that are shrouded in unawareness. By identifying and addressing misconceptions, you take control of your financial future and build lasting wealth and security. Every step towards financial literacy and responsible money management is a step towards a brighter financial future.


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