Separating fact from fiction in the world of personal finance.
As a money coach, I encounter every type of financial information available. Some of it is amazing advice, but unfortunately, there is also an awful lot of hogwash.
I've recently got my fill of sound and, if I'm honest, some outright dangerous misinformation and I want to set the record straight.
Clear as mud, finding gems in the money misinformation, I'm here to help you navigate the murky waters of financial advice. Not all money advice is created equal; unfortunately, there's a lot of outright wrong 'guidance' out there. Let's cut through the Noise and bust some of the most pervasive money myths that drive me absolutely crazy.
1. "Renting is just throwing money away."
Every time I hear this, I cringe. Renting is not throwing money away. It's paying for a place to live, which is essential. Owning a home comes with its own set of costs—maintenance, property taxes, and mortgage interest. Sometimes, renting can be a smarter financial move, especially if it allows you to save and invest the difference.
Renting also gives you time and space to consider whether, when, or where you might want to buy. It also prevents the millstone of debt from tying itself around your neck. The last recession caught a generation off guard and indentured them for over a decade.
If buying a forever home is not for you right now, renting could very well be your smart and even financially better choice.
2. "Credit cards are inherently bad."
Credit cards themselves aren't bad; it's how you use them that matters. When managed responsibly, credit cards can be an excellent tool for building credit, earning rewards, and managing cash flow. The key is paying the balance in full monthly to avoid interest charges.
Credit cards also act as an extra layer of protection from scammers when buying online.
3. "You need to be wealthy to invest."
This is one of the most damaging myths out there. You don't need to be wealthy to start investing. With the advent of micro-investing platforms and low-cost trading, you can start investing with as little as €20. The earlier you start, the more you can benefit from compound interest.
The most recent Irish CSO stats show that only 10.5% of Irish people own shares. Investing in yourself has never been easier and has a low cost. I'm launching an Investing for Beginners course soon, so if you want to learn how to invest for yourself, make sure you’re on my email list and you'll be the first to know when it's launched.
4. "Debt is always bad."
Not all debt is created equal. While high-interest consumer debt can be detrimental, taking on debt to invest in education, a home, or a business can be beneficial if managed properly.
Good debt can help you build wealth over time. It is debt that gives back like a car loan to get you to your job so you can earn money or a mortgage to provide a safe place to live.
Bad debt, on the other hand, is something draining, like putting online shopping or a meal out on your credit card and forgetting to pay it off in time.
5. "You should always buy new over used."
Buying new isn't always the best financial decision for cars, gadgets, or even clothes. Depreciation can significantly reduce the value of new items almost immediately.
Being clever with your purchases and buying gently used items can save you much money without sacrificing quality.
6. "Savings accounts are the best place for your money."
While having an emergency fund is essential, keeping all your money in a savings account isn't the best strategy for growing wealth. Savings accounts offer minimal interest rates that rarely keep up with inflation. If your savings account cannot keep up with inflation, you are essentially losing money.
As a rule of thumb, savings is good and necessary if you need the money in the short term or it acts as a buffer between you and your investing money.
Any money, including those above and beyond that, should be invested in stocks, bonds, funds, or real estate, which can provide much higher returns.
7. "You should follow 'one-size-fits-all' financial advice."
This one makes my stomach churn! Personal finance is just that—personal. What works for one person might not work for another. Factors like your income, family situation, and financial goals mean your strategy must be tailored to you. Always question advice that claims to work for everyone.
8. "Retirement means stopping work entirely."
Retirement doesn't have to mean the end of work. Aim for life 2.0. Many people want to continue to work part-time, pursue passion projects, or even start new businesses. Retirement should be about financial freedom and having the choice to work on your terms.
If you take nothing else from this post, I'd love you to reframe what retirement is and see it as your chance to try something outrageous and out there that will light you up in ways you could only imagine.
9. "Talking about money is taboo."
Sex, sex, sex! Shout it from the rooftops, heck, have it on the rooftops. But don't dare sully the world with talk of dirty money.
This myth is probably the most harmful because it prevents us from learning and growing financially. It implies that there is something to be guilty about. Having open discussions about money with friends, family, and financial advisors can lead to better financial decisions and dispel common myths.
Knowledge is power, and talking about money is one of the most empowering things you can do.
Navigating the Noise of Money Misinformation
In a world full of financial misinformation, it's crucial to discern what advice is valuable and what is not. Personal finance is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It requires a nuanced approach that considers your unique circumstances and goals.
Final Thoughts
Don't let these common money myths steer you wrong. Challenge conventional wisdom, do your research, and always seek advice that aligns with your personal financial situation. Remember, the goal is to make informed decisions that lead to financial freedom and security.
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