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How To Tell if You Are Spending Too Much Money

There are so many people in debt right now due to excessive spending habits. There are many Americans in debt from using credit cards, and spending too much money in general. Here are some key points on how to tell if you’re spending too much money.

Top 11 signs that mean you are probably struggling due to excessive spending:

1) You use your credit card for most of your purchases

Do you find yourself using your credit cards more often than you’d like to admit?

If you find that you’re using your credit card for almost everything you buy, then it’s likely you’re spending too much money. If you find yourself using credit cards to pay for groceries or other basic necessities, then this is a sign that you’re spending too much money. This is especially true if you’re only making the minimum payments on your credit card debt each month.

For times when you shouldn’t use your credit card check out this article.

2) You don’t have any savings

 If you don’t have any savings, it’s likely that you’re spending too much money. If you find that you are spending all of your money and not putting any away into savings, this is a problem. You should be aiming to save at least 10% of your income. You should be setting aside money each month into savings so that you have a cushion in case of an emergency.

How much savings should I have?

A good rule of thumb is to have at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved. This may seem like a lot, but it’s important to have a cushion in case of an emergency.

How to save for emergency money?

Start by setting aside a small amount of money each week or month into a savings account. Make sure that you don’t touch this money unless it’s for an emergency. If you find that you need to use this money for non-emergency purposes, make sure to replenish it as soon as possible. Plan out your savings with our savings goal calculator.

3) You’re always spending more than you make

If you’re spending more money than you’re bringing in each month, then it’s time to cut back on your spending. This is a sure sign that you’re spending too much money and need to live within your means.

Living paycheck to paycheck is not fun, but many people struggle with this. If you find that you’re always spending more than you make, then it’s time to take a look at your spending habits and see where you can cut back.

4)  You have a lot of credit card debt

If you have a lot of credit card debt, it’s another sign that you’re spending too much money. Credit card companies typically charge high interest rates, so it’s important to pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible.

What is a high interest rate?

A high interest rate is typically any interest rate above 15%.

How can I pay off my credit card debt?

There are a few different ways to pay off your credit card debt. You can either make more than the minimum payment each month, transfer your balance to a lower interest rate credit card, or consolidate your debt with a personal loan. Check out Nerdwallet’s article here on how to pay off credit card debt.

Photo by Jannis Lucas

5) You frequently buy things you can’t afford

 If you find yourself buying things that you can’t afford, then it’s time to reign in your spending. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you need to buy it. Only purchase items that you know you can afford and will use.

If you find yourself buying things that you later cannot pay for, then it’s time to cut back on your spending.

Try using second-hand sites like The Real Real, Depop, or buying direct from production for things like furniture from Spoken

6) You never seem to have any money left over at the end of the month

 Are you always scrambling to come up with the money to pay your bills? This is a major sign that you’re spending too much money.

If you find that there’s never any money left over at the end of the month, it’s likely that you’re spending too much money. Review your spending habits and see where you can cut back.

What is good to cut back on?

Some things that you may want to cut back on include eating out, buying coffee every day, shopping for clothes, and going to the movies. You can use our free budget planning calculator to prevent this.

7) You’re always borrowing money from friends or family

 If you find that you’re always borrowing money from friends or family, it’s a sign that you’re spending too much money.

8) You rely on loans to make ends meet

 If you find yourself having to take out loans frequently, it’s a sign that you’re spending too much money. Loans should be used sparingly and only for emergencies.

If you’re using payday loans or other short-term loans, it’s likely that you’re spending too much money. These types of loans typically have high interest rates and fees, so it’s important to only use them as a last resort.

What is a payday loan?

A payday loan is a short-term, high-interest loan that is typically used to tide someone over until their next paycheck.

What is a short-term loan?

A short-term loan is a loan that has to be paid back within a short period of time, typically within one year.

Photo by Alexei Maridashvili

9) You’re constantly stressed about money

If you’re constantly worrying about money, it’s another sign that you’re spending too much money. Money stress can lead to health problems, so it’s important to get your spending under control.

How can I tell if I am stressed about money?

Some signs that you may be stressed about money include frequently worrying about money, feeling anxious about your financial situation, and avoiding talking about money.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take a step back and assess your spending habits.

10) You’ve been late on bill payments

If you’ve been late on any bill payments, it means that you don’t have enough money to cover your expenses. This is a sign that you need to cut back on your spending and live within your means.

11) You shop impulsively

Do you tend to buy things on a whim without really thinking about it? This is another sign that you might have a spending problem. If you can, try to wait 24 hours before making a purchase to see if you still want it.

Some tips to stop impulse buying include only carrying cash with you, avoiding online shopping, and unsubscribing from marketing emails.

Now that you have identified that you are spending too much money, what do you do about your spending habits?

There are a few things you can do to get your spending under control:

1. Track your spending

One of the best ways to get a handle on your spending is to track it. This means writing down everything you spend for a month so that you can see where your money is going.

2. Make a budget

Once you know where your money is going, you can start to make a budget. A budget will help you make sure that you’re spending within your means and not overspending.

How to actually stick to a budget?

Some tips to stick to your budget include setting spending limits for yourself, tracking your progress, and avoiding temptation.

Once you have a budget in place, you can start to cut back on unnecessary expenses. This may mean eating out less often, cutting back on shopping, or canceling subscriptions that you don’t use.

3. Find ways to save money

Once you have a budget in place, look for ways to save money. This may include couponing, shopping at thrift stores, or cooking at home more.

4. Live below your means

One of the best ways to stop spending too much money is to live below your means. This means spending less than you make so that you can save money each month.

5. Make a plan

If you find that you’re having trouble sticking to your budget, make a spending plan. This will help you make sure that you’re spending money on things that are important to you and not wasting money.

If you find that you’re spending too much money, it’s important to take steps to get your spending under control. By tracking your spending, making a budget, and finding ways to save money, you can get your spending under control and start living within your means.

How to talk to your partner about spending too much money?

If you’re in a relationship, it’s important to talk to your partner about spending too much money. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to be open and honest with each other about your finances.

Some tips for talking to your partner about spending too much money include being direct, staying calm, and listening to their concerns. It’s also important to come up with a plan together on how you can both save money and live within your means.

No one wants to admit that they’re spending too much money. But if you’re constantly worrying about money, it’s important to take a step back and assess your spending habits. By tracking your spending, making a budget, and finding ways to save money, you can get your spending under control and start living within your means. 

You can also check out more tips here for The Ascent’s take on how to talk to your partner. 

Takeaways:

How can you tell if you’re spending too much money? Here are some key indicators:

You have more credit card debt than you can afford to pay off each month.

You regularly spend more money than you make.

You use credit cards to pay for necessities like groceries or rent.

You find yourself borrowing money from friends or family to make ends meet.

There are a few key things to look out for that can help you determine if you’re spending too much money. First, keep track of your spending patterns over time. If you notice that you’re spending more and more each month, it’s a good indication that you’re spending too much. Additionally, pay attention to how much debt you’re accumulating. If you’re using credit cards to finance your spending, it’s likely that you’re spending beyond your means. Finally, consider your lifestyle and whether or not your spending is sustainable. If you’re constantly struggling to make ends meet or sacrificing other important areas of your life in order to afford your lifestyle, it’s a good sign that you’re spending too much money.

If any of these sound familiar, then it’s time to take a step back and reassess your spending habits. Excessive spending can lead to serious financial problems down the road, so it’s important to be aware of your spending patterns and make changes as necessary. To help start, use our FREE budget planning calculator.

If you think you might have a spending problem, there are ways to help you get it under control. Talk to a financial advisor or counselor who can help you develop a budget and spending plan. There are also many helpful books and articles on the subject. Just remember, you are not alone and there is help available. With a little effort, you can get your spending under control and start saving for your future.

Getting an outsider’s perspective is sometimes useful. Connect with one of our financial planners today for a second opinion. You are not alone!

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