bad habits

Why Behavior Nudges Don't Always Lead to Healthy Habits

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 08:00:06 +0000

In the 10 years since the illuminating book Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler and legal scholar Cass Sunstein was published, the idea of nudging people to make better decisions has become mainstream in everything from government to public health to personal habits.

A nudge is a way of subtly influencing choices without actually forbidding anything. One of the examples Thaler and Sunstein include in their book is the cafeteria that nudged diners into healthy eating habits by placing fruits and other healthy snacks at eye level, while putting chips and ice cream in harder-to-reach spots. No one was prevented from seeking out their favorite junk food, but the set up of the offerings encouraged diners to choose apple slices instead.

A similar successful nudge was the introduction of automatic 401(k) enrollment. When employees had to opt-in to their 401(k) program, participation was abysmal, since signing up for a retirement account is the kind of important-but-not-urgent task that many people procrastinate on. By making enrollment automatic, employees could productively ignore their 401(k), rather than ignore it at their peril. (See also: 401(k) or IRA? You Need Both)

But even though nudges have proven successful in several arenas, they're not perfect. In fact, nudges don't always work and can sometimes even backfire. Here's why nudges aren't always the best way to go about changing your habits.

Strong preferences

I'm an avid reader and a big supporter of public libraries. I'm at the library as often as twice a week. Despite this, I carry an average overdue fine balance of close to $10 at any one time, and I once wracked up an impressive $75 fine on a stack of books that remained in my library bag for weeks.

Over the years, I've tried various nudges to improve my on-time return rate. I've left books on the table by the door, set a Google calendar reminder, written my due dates on my paper calendar, left books in my car, and I've even placed "return library books" on my work to-do list. Not a single one of these nudges has worked.

What's going on here is that my preexisting preferences are far stronger than my nudges to return the books. I prefer to leave the house with just enough time to get where I'm going without an extra stop at the library and I prefer to keep working throughout the day without an interruption to return books. Those preferences will guide me no matter how insistent my nudge is, because a nudge does not take away my choices.

Strong preferences can also help to explain the phenomenon of non-compliant patients. No matter what nudges the medical profession has attempted to implement to improve patient compliance, many patients have such a strong preexisting preference to maintain their old eating and exercise habits that they'll simply ignore their doctor's recommendations. Even when it comes to taking medication, the preference to not take it is greater than even some financial nudges that pay patients to comply.

Though nudges can help to improve habits, they will not overcome strong preferences. (See also: How to Use Financial Anchors to Make Better Money Decisions)

Incomplete nudges

Sometimes nudges work, but only a little bit. That's because a nudge is encouraging a specific small behavior, when the overall outcome that you're trying to achieve is complex.

For instance, a grocery store increased its produce sales by 9 percent after installing green arrows pointing toward the produce section with a sign that said, "Follow the green arrow for your health." While it's certainly beneficial for shoppers to buy more produce, that's not the end of the beneficial habit. How many of those grocery shoppers let their purchased produce rot in their refrigerators? Particularly if their preexisting preference is for junk food?

Similarly, the cafeteria nudge that gets diners to choose apples instead of chips at lunchtime may be an incomplete nudge if the diner simply chooses unhealthy snacks for the rest of the day. The nudge within the cafeteria's confines may have worked, but it was incomplete in terms of helping to change the diner's overall eating habits.

Reactive behavior

The basis of the theory of nudging is that people aren't making the best decisions for themselves. This may be because people are distracted, overwhelmed, or suffering from cognitive biases. But if you're aware that someone is nudging you, it can be easy to feel as though the nudger doesn't think much of your intelligence.

When that happens, the fact that you're being nudged can cause you to choose another option out of stubbornness. Parents of small children are certainly familiar with this. If I give my son the choice of jeans or khakis, in an attempt to nudge him to choose long pants on a chilly day, he might refuse both and insist on wearing shorts just because I tried to influence his decision.

This refusal to comply with a nudge may explain what happened after New York City required restaurants to list the calorie content of all menu items. Instead of nudging consumers to choose lower-calorie items, this change prompted average restaurant-goers to buy slightly more calories. The nudge did not have its desired effect, in part because some diners probably felt resentful about the attempt to change their choices. This may have prompted them to either disregard the calorie counts, or gleefully indulge in the highest-calorie item they could find.

Over-saturation

I have an alarm that goes off every day at 7:30 a.m. to remind me to take my medication. My FitBit buzzes at 10 minutes to the hour if I haven't taken at least 250 steps that hour. My phone informs me at 9 p.m. every night that it's time for me to start getting ready for bed.

I ignore every single one of these nudges more often than I heed them.

Not only have I gotten used to these alarms, buzzers, and bells going off throughout my day, making them very easy to ignore, but I also know that there will be no immediate consequences if I don't take my medication, continue sitting for hours at a time, or stay up too late.

These nudges were more effective when I first set them — although my strong preexisting preferences made it difficult to comply even then. But now that my day is over-saturated in nudges that I've learned to ignore, the reminders are nothing more than momentary annoyances that I quickly turn off.

With the onslaught of nudges from our smartphones, wearable devices, and home assistants, all of these reminders can become nothing more than background noise.

Nudges are the start, not the end

Nudge theory has done a great deal to change the landscape of modern decision-making. But while nudges can help to steer decisions, they're still only gentle suggestions.

Even if you set up your environment to encourage better choices, you need to remember that habit-change requires commitment, not just nudges.

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Types of People Who Will Never Win at Money

Paul Michael — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 08:00:11 +0000

There are many factors that determine whether or not you'll be successful at managing money throughout your life. But of those many factors, your personal habits and character traits are perhaps the biggest.

If you look through this list and see yourself on here, it's time to make some changes; the sooner the better, in most cases. As we all know, time is money. The longer you wait to make the change, the more you have to lose.

These types of people will never truly win at money.

1. The procrastinator

A big offender in the money game is the procrastinator. These are the people who put off until tomorrow (which never comes) the most important money decisions and actions. For example, it's tough to set a budget and stick to it. A procrastinator will always find a reason why they shouldn't do it just yet.

The fact is, everyone should have a budget, whether they're just out of college or ready to enter retirement. And speaking of retiring, procrastinators also put off saving for that. The longer you have money in a 401(k) or IRA, the more compound interest works in your favor. And so the list goes on — procrastinating on everything from a savings account and college fund, to paying off debt and investing in the stock market. There's always plenty of time for these folks.

Of course, their lack of action always catches up with them. Don't be a procrastinator. Set your goals today, and start checking them off. Establish that budget. Open a savings account. Invest in yourself. You'll be so glad you did. (See also: 7 Biggest Ways Procrastination Hurts Your Finances)

2. The denier

Deniers go hand-in-hand with procrastinators, although in most cases, they're even worse. Deniers bury their heads in the sand and refuse to admit they have any kind of financial woes. Credit card debt? No problem, it's all free money anyway. No money to pay the bills? They'll find some extra cash next month and pay double. No emergency fund? Something will come along to bail them out of a tough spot. The pattern goes on.

You probably know at least a few deniers. Even when you give them subtle hints, they don't take them. Sadly, it can take a major life event, such as a layoff or a medical emergency, to bring them to their senses. And if you recognize some of these signs in yourself, it's time to take action. Talk to a financial adviser. Look at the unopened bills piling up on the counter. You can't solve any problem until you admit you have one. (See also: 7 Warning Signs You're In Debt Denial)

3. The leech

Leeches are only in it for short-term gain. In the long run, they end up being burned off the person they're sucking dry, and they're left for dead.

The problem with a money leech is that they can be the nicest people. They're friends and family. They're people you've known all your life. But they are usually only nice to you when they want something, which in most cases is cold, hard cash — and then they leech away until that supply is depleted.

Leeches see only targets, and they do not have a plan for creating their own sustainable supply of wealth. If you have a leech stuck to you, the best way to help is to scrape them off. Let them know that they cannot have money, but you're there to help in other ways. If you're reading this and thinking, "Uh oh … I sound like a leech," then you're already halfway there. Once you know you have an issue, you can resolve it. Get some career advice. Find steady streams of income that are generated by you, and not other people. (See also: 11 Money Habits That Make You Look Financially Immature)

4. The showoff

These people are obsessed with feeling superior financially. They'll do whatever it takes to feel bigger and look richer. Of course, it's all a facade. They have the latest iPhone, gold watches, and a new car every two years. But they are also buried by crippling debt, they're behind on important bills, and they have moths in their savings accounts.

It's not about keeping up with the Joneses, but doing way better than them. In the end, they are buried by their own vanity. Snapping a showoff out of it can be difficult, especially if they have been doing this their whole life. Even if they have a great career and a massive paycheck, the spending is outpacing the earning. Let them know that their possessions aren't as important as they are. Family comes before fashions. The real winners are people with a strong financial foundation and fewer pairs of shoes. (See also: 4 Money Lessons You Can Learn From the Joneses)

5. The martyr

The martyr is a tough one to come down on, because at the root of it all, they are really trying to do good. You know the martyr all too well: It's the mother who gives every cent she has to her son, who fritters it away on gambling and booze. It's the uncle who cashes in his 401(k) to help a friend out of yet another financial hole. It's the do-gooder that helps everyone with their money problems, but never has the money to eat out or take a vacation. Martyrs sacrifice their own financial security to make other people happy.

Martyrs need to understand that they cannot be there for others if they are drowning. If you know a martyr, it's time to give them some tough love. Of course they can help people out, when they really need it. But they need to take care of themselves and their own finances before throwing on a cape and coming to the rescue. (See also: Are You Ruining Your Retirement by Spoiling Your Kids?)

6. The defeatist

The defeatist has already lost the money game before they've even had a turn, because they're convinced nothing good will happen to them. They don't invest because they won't make any money. They don't take risks of any kind because they'll lose. They don't apply for a promotion at work because someone else will get it. The defeatist is a real drag, and it can be difficult to motivate them as they are so convinced that the deck is stacked against them.

Like so many wise people have said before, if you don't sow any seeds, there'll be no harvest to reap. Show a defeatist that good things can happen by going in with them on a good investment. Or, help them along with that promotion opportunity. If you believe nothing good will happen, ask yourself why. It happens to other people all the time. Are you being singled out by the universe? Or is it just a change in attitude that's needed? (See also: 7 Surprising Benefits of Failure)

7. The uninformed

They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Well, so is none at all when it comes to money.

The uninformed don't know how the market works, and what the difference is between a bond and a stock. They stay in the dark when it comes to interest rates, and the things they can do to improve their credit score (which, by the way, they also don't know). And in the end, being uninformed leads to missing out on serious money. From failing to research interest rates and investment opportunities, to not taking advantage of deals and life hacks, they are throwing away cash.

Sadly, the uninformed are often that way due to stubbornness or an unwillingness to learn. But the fact is, it's never too late to learn about money and budgeting. If you know someone like this, give them a nudge in the right direction. There are plenty of personal finance websites and forums that educate people quickly and easily. The library is also a great resource, and a local bank or credit union can offer advice for the greenest beginner. (See also: 12 Personal Finance Skills Everyone Should Master)

8. The hoarder

There are two ways that hoarders will never win at money. First, well, all of a hoarder's available money is tied up in stuff. They spend and spend and spend, and hoard away their purchases without ever using them. Rooms filled with products still in the bags with the receipts. Piles and piles of papers and books. There's so much clutter they have no time or space to think about anything else, especially the state of their finances.

If they do have money tucked away, they're hoarding that, too. They won't invest it. They won't diversify it. It may even be tucked in that old mattress, ready for a rainy day. Either way, hoarders are not doing themselves any favors. A hoarder needs help, and if they can break out of the cycle of spending and squirreling, they can find a path to a better financial future. (See also: 8 Ways Clutter Keeps You Poor)

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Guilty Pleasures That Are Killing Your Budget

Ashley Eneriz — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 09:00:09 +0000

When it comes to guilty pleasures, we all have a few. Some vices are fine to indulge in every once in a while — like that weekly caramel latte. However, splurging too much on these vices can rob our budget, and in some cases, our health. Here are six guilty pleasures that are destroying your budget.

1. Smoking

Smoking is famously detrimental to your health, of that we are all aware. But it's also a nightmare for your budget. The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.16, with most states charging between $5-$10 a pack. Smoke five packs a week, and you are looking at spending more than $1,600 a year on cigarettes.

Even if you label yourself a social smoker, and only smoke the occasional cigarette, you're risking getting addicted, or resurrecting a smoking addiction you've previously kicked. Your financial and physical health will both prosper by dropping this habit. (See also: Here's How Rich You'd Be If You Stopped Smoking)

2. Eating out for lunch

When you're rushing around in the morning, it seems easier to just buy lunch near your place of business. But shelling out your hard-earned cash every day of the workweek can quickly add up. According to a Visa survey, the average American spends $11.14 twice per week on eating lunch out. And that works out to be over $1,000 annually that you could be putting into an emergency fund, your 401(k), or your child's college fund while bringing a bag lunch to work instead.

3. Monthly subscriptions

How many subscriptions do you currently pay for each month that you can live without? Add up your magazine subscriptions, radio, books, TV subscriptions, meal deliveries, and any fun monthly boxes you receive each month. If you aren't using these subscriptions or can do without them, now is the time to cancel.

Canceling $150 worth of subscriptions and memberships a month will allow you to save $1,800 a year. Think about how far that $1,800 could go in your debt repayment quest. You could even plan a European vacation with your spouse with that money. Is a monthly box of makeup samples or dog treats really worth it? (See also: 7 Ways to Save on a European Getaway With Kids.)

4. Buying lottery tickets

Whether you drop a few hundred dollars playing poker with friends or buy $10 worth of lottery tickets each week, this guilty pleasure adds up quickly. Even if your casual gambling habits only cost you $200 a year, think about how much more likely your $200 can yield a return if you invested it into the stock market or an ETF. (See also: 5 Ways to Safeguard Your Financial Future With Just $200)

5. Retail therapy

Retail therapy is a quick way to turn a frown upside down, for many people. It's also a quick way to spend tons of money. Even if you stick to seasonal sales and the clearance rack, it's easy to spend $100 on unneeded items in a single shopping spree. Feeling the need to shop like this once a month will drain you $1,200 a year, and you will probably be struggling with extra clutter, too.

Invest this $1,200 in your retirement account each year instead and that'll be one less thing (and a big one) causing you stress — that often leads you to retail therapy in the first place — effectively breaking this cycle and improving your financial health.

6. Daily lattes

Five-dollar lattes or blended coffee drinks seem like a drop of change in the bucket. Buy one 300 days out of the year, however, and your coffee habit runs up a $1,500 tab. Brew from home and in five years you'll have enough for a $7,500 down payment on a home instead. (See also: Here's How Rich You'd Be if You Stopped Drinking Expensive Coffee)

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Bad Money Habits Have You Quit?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 08:30:05 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Brittany, Kim, and Ashly for winning this week's contest!

It doesn't matter how high your income is — if you have bad money habits, your savings will eventually whittle away to nothing.

What bad money habits have you successfully quit? What was the turning point that convinced you it was time to kick this habit to the curb? How did you do it?

Tell us what bad money habits you have successfully quit and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Tell us what bad money habits you have successfully quit and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Factors That Could Keep You Broke Forever

Dr Penny Pincher — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 09:00:07 +0000

If you are perpetually penniless, you may feel that's just the hand you've been dealt when it comes to money.

The truth is, no one has to live their life permanently broke. And many people don't simply end up in the red due to poor luck. If you want to reach true financial security, you'll need to take a good, hard look at your money habits and identify the culprits of your struggling finances.

Here are some reasons you could stay broke forever.

1. You would rather look rich than be rich

One thing that keeps many people broke is spending money — and even taking on debt — to look like they are doing well. You want to drive a nice car and live in a nice house so that everyone will think you're successful, even though maintaining appearances is keeping you broke. It's an easy trap to fall into, and it's a vicious cycle to try and break free from.

Instead of spending your time worrying what your neighbors and friends on Facebook think, focus your energy on getting back on your feet. If you stop spending money to look rich, you can actually be rich someday. (See also: 4 Money Lessons You Can Learn From the Joneses)

2. You are not keeping track

You may feel that since you don't have any money, there's no point in keeping track of it. The reality is, no matter how much money you make, you need a budget. Operating without one can keep you in the red. If you don't have a way to oversee and manage your spending so that you have more money coming in than going out, you will be broke forever.

Start a budget today so you can understand how much money you have to work with and what you're spending it on. Use your findings to make more mindful choices about your expenses and spending habits. While you're at it, be sure to add a column for "savings," too. (See also: Stop Using These 5 Excuses Not to Budget)

3. You wait to start investing

When you are broke, you don't feel you have any "extra" money to send to nonessential things like investing. But investing is an essential. Instead of waiting until your finances get better to take a dip into the markets, you should really be making an effort ASAP. The longer you wait to invest, the longer it will take you to build wealth and reach financial independence.

You don't need to be wealthy to start. Invest now with whatever money you can come up with. Even a few dollars per day can make a huge difference. (See also: How Just $5 a Day Can Improve Your Financial Future)

4. You don't have a plan for getting ahead

If you are broke, something needs to change to make you un-broke. Making a real change requires more than simply hoping that things will change. You need to form a plan, followed by action to execute your plan and meet your goals. If you don't have a plan to improve your financial situation, you will never get ahead.

There's no reason to overwhelm yourself. Start small; plan on paying off your smallest credit card using the debt snowball method, and take steps to make it happen. You'd be surprised how great it will feel to achieve even a small financial goal, and you'll be inspired to tackle the next one.

5. You have given up

When your financial outlook is bleak, it's easy to get discouraged. But if you accept the state of being broke as your permanent reality and stop working to change things, you will probably stay broke.

Find inspiration from people who have managed to pull themselves out of bad financial situations. Read blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and listen to podcasts about debt repayment. Hearing about other people's success will inspire you to achieve your own financial freedom. (See also: How One Inspiring Couple Paid Off $48,000 in 2.5 Years)

6. You are addicted to debt

No money? No problem! You can still get almost anything you want just by swiping your card and signing your name on the dotted line. Does this sound familiar? If so, those credit card payments may be keeping you broke. If you continue using credit instead of money you actually have to buy things, interest payments will bury you. You will never get ahead financially.

Change your focus from accumulating things to accumulating wealth. Start by paying down your credit card accounts and resolving to make new purchases with cash. (See also: 5 Ways to Pay Off High Interest Credit Card Debt)

7. Lifestyle inflation is eating up your raises

Your annual raise can easily evaporate due to lifestyle inflation. Those extra dollars in your paycheck disappear from your account only to go toward more TV channels, a bigger house or apartment, a nicer car, a lavish vacation, and better food. The problem here is that once you upgrade your lifestyle, you don't want to go back. Your newer, "nicer" things become your new normal. But if your expenses keep ratcheting up as fast (or faster) than your income, you'll stay broke forever.

The key to battling lifestyle inflation is to recognize what is happening and prevent those little upgrades from sneaking in. If you get a pay raise, don't automatically set off on an online shopping spree; instead, send the extra dollars into an emergency fund, retirement account, or toward debt repayment. You'll be glad you did. (See also: How One Nice Thing Can Ruin Your Whole Budget)

8. You are piling up deferred expenses

I once lived in an old farmhouse that I was fixing up. I had a long list of upgrades and repairs that I needed to do as soon as I got some money. Eventually, I realized that those deferred expenses were keeping me broke — so I sold the farm. Your list of deferred expenses may look different from mine — maybe it's never-ending home improvement projects, or things you are waiting to buy for your hobby — but they are keeping your money tied up nonetheless.

Take a hard look at the deferred expenses that are standing in line waiting to take your money. Can you eliminate the root cause of these expenses and free up future dollars? Doing so just may be your ticket to financial freedom. (See also: The 10 Commandments of Reaching Financial Freedom)

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Behaviors That Risk Your Financial Security

Dan Rafter — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:30:05 +0000

Do you consistently spend more than you make? Do you go on shopping sprees to celebrate a raise or to soothe your disappointment at not getting a promotion? Maybe you're constantly charging gadgets or shoes you don't need to your credit card, telling yourself that you'll start whacking away at debt tomorrow.

These are all dangerous behaviors that can damage your financial health. And what's worse, many times we don't even realize how much damage these bad habits are inflicting on our bank accounts.

We all have bad habits. But the key lies in preventing them from turning into missed credit card payments, huge mounds of debt, and low credit scores. Here are four behaviors that could be damaging your financial health.

You're impulsive

Do you give into temptation whenever you see a dessert, even though you've sworn off sweets? Do you immediately purchase that trinket that catches your eye in the check-out lane? You might be a bit impulsive. Impulsive people struggle with discipline, and that can be a real challenge when it comes to building healthy finances.

Here's another example: Instead of waiting a few months to save up enough money to pay for a new laptop, you run out to the store to buy it with your credit card. Now you've added hundreds of dollars to your credit card debt. And this new debt comes with high interest. If you can't pay off your credit card balances in full each month, you'll end up paying much more for that laptop than you would have if you'd simply saved the money first.

How can you beat impulsive spending behavior? Create a monthly household budget. Look carefully at how much money you have left over to spend on extras. If the purchase you're dying to make doesn't fit into the money you have to spend, hold off on purchasing it. And if you do dip into that slush pile, know that you won't be able to spend as much the rest of the month. (See also: 5 Mental Biases That Are Keeping You Poor)

You celebrate, or commiserate, by spending

Did you earn a promotion at work? Did you get passed over for one? It might not matter. You might mark either occasion by spending a big chunk of money.

Some of us spend as a way to soothe our feelings when we're upset, to celebrate when we're glad, or both. This can become a big financial problem when these spending bouts bust your budget.

Learn to recognize what feelings trigger your spending urges. Find some other way to celebrate or soothe your emotions. This could mean calling a friend, exercising, or journaling. If you just want to escape, try watching a fun TV series or reading a good book. Don't let shopping be the only way you deal with emotional swings. (See also: 7 Effortless Ways to Prevent Budget-Busting Impulse Buys)

You let your spending swell as your economic situation improves

What should you do if you get a raise at work? The best financial answer is to take that extra money and use it to boost your savings or pay down high-interest credit card debt. Unfortunately, many of us instead start spending more.

We get a raise and we automatically raise our lifestyle to fit our new paycheck. Maybe we buy a more expensive car. We might start eating out more often. We might upgrade to a fancier TV or a top-of-the-line laptop. But don't start spending loads more just because you've gotten a raise. You'll never build your savings or improve your financial stability if you fall into this pattern.

When you do get a raise, it's OK to loosen your belt a little with a few small luxuries that you budget for. But most of your new income should go to increasing the money you devote to savings or paying off credit card debt. (See also: 9 Signs You're Suffering From Lifestyle Inflation)

You put things off

Are you a procrastinator? This can be a challenging habit when you're trying to improve your finances. For example, you might decide to start paying extra toward your credit card debt but not until the next month starts. In the meantime, because you plan to make improvements the following month, you figure it doesn't matter what you do this month.

The problem is, the extra money you give yourself permission to spend this month only makes your financial health that much worse. And for some people, next month never comes. They don't actually ever start making those extra payments.

If you have a financial goal, don't put it off. Write it down in a location where you can see it every day. And don't give yourself permission to hold off on tackling it. If you keep procrastinating, you'll simply build up more debt that you'll have to tackle anyway. Why not get to it today? (See also: 7 Biggest Ways Procrastination Hurts Your Finances)

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This article is from Dan Rafter of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Ways to Keep Boredom from Destroying Your Budget

Paul Michael — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:00:05 +0000

Bored, bored, bored; most of us find those words repeating in our head at some point during the week. The trouble is, when you’re bored, you look for ways to relieve the boredom. And these days, that can lead to some poor money decisions. Here’s how to avoid the lure of blowing your monthly budget just to escape the monotony.

1. Find a go-to “boredom beater” activity

If you know you’re going to have spells of boredom in the future, put something together now to combat it. Make a list of books you want to read, and go get them from the library. Fill an empty drawer with cheap jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku books, and adult coloring books. Thrift stores can be a great source for many of these items (although you may be taking a risk purchasing a used jigsaw puzzle). (See also: 15 Frugal Ways to Battle Boredom)

2. Plan something you would like to do

Making plans is something we all enjoy doing. Whether it’s a weekend away, a trip to Europe, or figuring out your next home remodeling project, it’s fun to think about the future. You can keep it realistic, or you can put together your “dream vacation.” You can make a bucket list, featuring everything you want to try in your lifetime. Use the internet to research delicious foods and incredible restaurants. Search for “experiences of a lifetime.” Not only does this put you in a positive frame of mind, it gives you a reason to start saving for something special. And the best part is, planning doesn’t cost you anything.

3. Avoid any and all online shopping sites

“I’m really bored … maybe I’ll see what’s new on Amazon.” That’s a big mistake right there. Even if the initial intention was just to window shop, the prospect of instant gratification and enticing deals can lure you in. Before you know it, you’ve put a bunch of items in your shopping cart, searched for a few promo codes, and checked out with that “What just happened?” feeling. If you absolutely must go online shopping when you’re bored, keep a list handy that contains items you know you will need. A birthday gift for a friend or family member. Cleaning supplies. Household stuff. At least then, you’ll be checking a chore off your list. (See also: How to Prevent a Drunken Online Shopping Spree)

4. Don’t raid the pantry or fridge

You’re bored, not hungry, and there’s a big difference. One of the reasons smokers put on weight when they quit is not because they’re hungry, but because they feel the need to do something with their hands. When you’re bored, you’re looking for something to do to eat up some time and busy yourself, so you may think, hey … why not actually eat? But if you budgeted correctly, you’re using up food meant for a different time; like, an actual meal. Do this often, and not only will you have to spend more on food than you planned, but you’ll gain weight.

5. Don’t go to the movies

Who doesn’t love a night at the cinema? If you’re bored, the idea of getting out of the house to see a new movie may be very appealing to you. And, if you have money set aside in your budget for that, go ahead. But if you’ve already used that up, or there isn’t a movie you really want to see, don’t go.

The average price of a movie ticket these days is around $9, although it can be less at off-peak times, or much more for 3D and IMAX. Then you’ve got the snacks, which are very hard to resist. Throw in a small popcorn and soda and that’s another $11–$13. You’re over $20 in the hole for this boredom buster.

Instead, check out some of the new releases at the local library or Redbox. The library is free, although the newest titles are often reserved for months. Redbox costs between $1.50–$2 depending on your choice of DVD or Blu-ray. However, search online for codes that can get you a free night’s rental. Just remember to take the disc back the next day.

6. Have a game night

Board games. Video games. Charades. As long as you already have free access to your choice of games, inviting friends or family over to have some fun is a great way to kill boredom without spending a nickel. If you don’t have any games in the house, or are bored with the ones you have, take a trip to the nearest thrift store. There is usually a huge selection of pre-owned games of all types.

If you go to Goodwill, look for color tags that give you either 50 percent off or the item for just 99 cents. Of course, it goes without saying that you should open the box and check the contents first. Make sure the game has all the pieces, but don’t worry too much about instructions. These days you can find them free online, ready to print out and use in an instant.

7. Go on free tours

Whatever town or city you’re in, you have access to tours of a wide variety of places. In some cities you can tour the United States Mint facility. You can visit local breweries or wineries, candy companies, and even car manufacturing plants. These free tours vary from state to state, but a great resource is FactoryToursUsa.com. On a tour, you'll go around in a group with a guide explaining the history of the company and the step-by-step process that goes into the products being made. Plus, many of these tours offer freebies at the end, or as you’re walking around. Free beer? Free candy? Now that’s not boring at all. (See also: 9 Free Things to Do in Any City You Visit)

8. Get out and do something that costs nothing

There are plenty of ways to escape the house and not open your wallet. For starters, a simple walk around the neighborhood can be a great way to relieve boredom. Grab your phone and some headphones, play some music, and explore your local area. If you’re feeling up to it, turn it into an exercise session instead. Jog, do pushups, run up and down steps. Find a way to turn that foray out of the house into something that will do you good.

If you’re in the right part of the country, you could try a hike, hit a bike trail, or maybe grab a tent and a few supplies and go camping. If you own a dog, take him or her on a walk. This is also a good chance to meet your neighbors. If you see one outside and you’ve never found the time to say hello, strike up a conversation. You may find you have a lot in common. Get inventive. Imagine you don’t have one penny to your name. Now, what can you do to entertain yourself?

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

3 Mistakes That Make a Bad Credit Situation Worse

Toni Husbands — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:00:07 +0000

While bad credit isn't an indictment of a person's character, it can certainly be a struggle in today's economy. Those with bad credit know that financial life becomes more challenging and can be more expensive in general.

Your credit is officially bad if you're one of 68 million Americans with a FICO score that hovers near 600 or below. The good news is there are practical steps people can take to improve their credit scores. Paying your bills on time and working diligently to pay off debts are good ways to start.

But people with bad credit need to, above all else, be patient. Falling into the lure of quick fixes can lead to the following mistakes and compound your problem of poor credit. (See also: 5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Fast)

1. Falling for debt relief or credit repair scams

The Federal Trade Commission released a survey in 2013 showing that of the 25 million people victimized by fraud, an estimated 1.5 million and 1.7 million Americans were scammed by debt relief or credit repair scams, respectively.

Often the disreputable agencies behind these scams prey on people in dire financial circumstances by promising overnight fixes and charging large sums of money upfront before any work has been completed — both of which are illegal.

The FTC warns consumers to avoid working with any debt relief or credit repair agency that sets off red flags. Notable warning signs include a company that:

Insists you pay money upfront to do any work on your behalf.
Requires that you don't contact the credit reporting companies directly.
Suggests you dispute accurate information on your credit report.
Tells you to falsify any information on your applications for credit or a loan.
Will not explain your legal rights when explaining their services.

Cleaning up your credit will be the result of improved financial habits like paying your monthly bills in a timely manner and making more than the minimum payments. These improved habits will need to be consistent over a period of time. Knowing this will help those with poor credit resist the temptation to seek quick fixes and be taken advantage of by predators. (See also: How to Spot a Credit Repair Scam)

2. Not learning how to use credit responsibly

It's understandable that 68 million Americans fall into the poor credit bucket. But, your story doesn't need to stop there. Those with poor credit must take the initiative to educate themselves about the benefits of good credit and to learn what concrete steps are needed to fix their credit.

The largest factors that make up your credit score are payment history (35 percent) and how much you owe (30 percent). Again, paying on time and paying down your balances is the best thing you can do to improve your credit score.

If you prefer to work with a professional, opt for nonprofit credit counselors. To ensure you are working with a reputable agency:

Locate a local service from associations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Check with your state's attorney general and the FTC to ensure there are no complaints or pending regulatory action against the agency. While a complaint doesn't necessarily signify a fraudulent agency, do your own research.
Make sure you understand what services the counselor performs and know your rights as a consumer before you sign any agreements. (See also: 5 Signs It's Time to See a Credit Counselor)

3. Avoiding the problem and hoping that things will get better

This by far is the worst action someone with poor credit can take. Problems neglected will only get progressively worse and cost more time and energy to address in the future — when avoiding them is no longer an option. Whether you face a lawsuit, a wage garnishment, or are eventually forced to file bankruptcy, financial issues that have resulted in poor credit will eventually bubble up to the top of your must-do list.

It's best to contact your creditors directly if you have trouble paying. Set up a payment arrangement or request a change in the terms of your payment agreement. Changing the due date and requesting an interest rate reduction are simple requests that can often be addressed by customer service representatives. (See also: 4 Ways to Negotiate Credit Card Debt)

Know that burying your head in the sand will not help and is an unproductive mistake that people with bad credit make. Work with the creditor involved or a reputable credit counselor to arrange a workable solution. (See also: How to Rebuild Your Credit in 8 Simple Steps)

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This article is from Toni Husbands of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Job

Samantha Stauf — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:30:16 +0000

You've been fired — again. Are you starting to sense a pattern? The solution to any problem is to look at the root cause. While the job might simply not have been a good fit, people who have suffered a string of job terminations might want to consider that they may be a small part of the problem.

No, I'm not saying you deserved to be fired — but you may be engaging in sloppy or naive behaviors that don't do you any favors in the workplace.

Here are five bad behaviors that might be sabotaging your job.

1. Sharing your future career plans

Do you have grand plans to escape your current job? Do you plan to jump ship in two or three months?

Stop and think before you mention it to any coworkers — including those you consider friends. Word gets around the office quickly, and sooner or later, the news will make its way to management.

Next time the higher-ups need to lay someone off, individuals with one foot out the door might be the first to go. Even if you don't seriously plan to start sending out resumes tomorrow, your company won't be incentivized to keep someone around that they suspect is actively looking for another job.

Can you afford to be pre-emptively fired? If you can't, wait until you actually have a new position lined up and intend to put in your two weeks' notice.

2. Engaging in gossip

Unfortunately, people can be pretty mean, and high school behaviors aren't always left in the past. Water cooler gossip runs rampant in many professional settings, but don't let that be an excuse to join in. As tempting as gossip can be, you need to steer far, far away from it.

Unfounded rumors and gossip can hurt not only your coworkers, but come back to bite you as well. If you're constantly earning a reputation as a big mouth and a backstabber, none of your colleagues will want you around — and management probably won't, either. (See also: 8 Career Moves That Prove You're Finally a Grown-Up)

3. Imitating your coworkers' bad habits

Your colleagues may have some bad habits. They might watch movies on their computer, or mess around on Twitter all day while on the job. Don't assume that because they're getting away with it, it's fine for you to do the same.

There may be more to the story than you realize. Maybe management doesn't care if your coworkers are messing around on Twitter, because they do their job well and turn in assignments on time. Maybe office politics are at play. Maybe your office mates are just good at not getting caught. Regardless of their situation, if you're regularly following in their footsteps and slacking off, you could be putting your job at serious risk.

4. Inability to take criticism with grace

No one is immune to criticism, and at many jobs, you'll be subject to regular performance reviews. Savvy professionals should keep an open mind, make note of the manager's suggestions, and work to create an actionable plan to improve their performance.

Workers should, in most cases, never:

Blame everyone else without looking at their own part in a problem.
Verbally attack the manager.
Deny knowing about an issue if the manager has brought it up a dozen times.
Refuse to acknowledge a problem and discuss improvement.
Act put-upon, as if expectations of doing an assigned task is a hardship, or;
Try to shift the subject by bringing up coworkers' issues.

If you don't quite understand why the manager has an issue, you can initiate a respectful discussion. Just make sure that the manager understands the discussion is to help you grasp the problem, so a solution can be properly discussed.

If you genuinely believe the change isn't needed, it might be better to concede for now. Do it the manager's way. You can fight the battle to change any inefficient norms later. (See also: Ace Your Next Performance Review With These 7 Tricks)

5. Bad attitude

Yes, jobs can be soul-sucking grinds. Yes, the managers might be slimy ladder climbers. Yes, you might feel that the organization takes every chance to whittle away at your quality of life.

No, you shouldn't aggressively express your displeasure with every word and action.

Why? One individual with a bad attitude can insidiously infect the quality of the entire workplace. An unhappy employee can pass on their discontent and anger to their coworkers. Weeks of murmurs about all the perceived problems will eventually negatively affect everyone around you.

A bad attitude can also lead to subpar work and rude behavior toward customers or coworkers; both of which can eventually lead to a job termination.

No one expects you to be upbeat and perky all the time. Just try to rein in the attitude a tad.

By eliminating a few bad habits, you'll be on the road to a less ruinous career path. (See also: How to Keep a Personal Problem From Hurting Your Career)

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This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Turn Your Buyer's Remorse Into Better Financial Habits

Dan Rafter — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 08:00:05 +0000

You race home with a new flat-screen TV, or you excitedly drive off the dealer's lot with a pricey new car. You think it'll bring you joy, but it doesn't; you get home and buyer's remorse sets in.

We're all familiar with that sinking feeling that comes when we spend money on something we probably shouldn't have. But what if there was a way to spin buyer's remorse into a learning opportunity? What if that feeling could actually inspire you to develop better financial habits?

The good news is it can.

Why you get buyer's remorse

Before you learn how to harness buyer's remorse for good, it's important to realize why you get it in the first place.

The most obvious answer, of course, is that you get this feeling because you've spent money on an item that doesn't give you the happiness you expected it to provide. The amount of money doesn't always matter. You can experience buyer's remorse from a huge purchase, such as a home, or from something as small as a latte on the way to work. (See also: Why Do We Feel Buyer's Remorse, Anyway?)

Using that sinking feeling for good

If you've made a purchase you now regret, don't fall into too deep of a funk. Instead, use that feeling of buyer's remorse to change your spending habits for the better.

Before heading out to any store, make a list of what you want to buy and only buy the items on that list. As you stare at the magazines, candies, and individual-sized bottles of soda near the cash register, keep looking at the list. Did you buy everything on it? Yes? Then you're done shopping.

If you're ready to make a big purchase, such as a house or car, doing the proper research beforehand can help you avoid buyer's remorse. Reading online reviews, talking with friends, and comparison shopping can all help. And if you think this is simply too much work, take a look at the most recent item you purchased that gave you buyer's remorse. Does that item give you any pleasure today? If not, remember that lousy feeling. A little research is a lot less painful than a bout of buyer's remorse.

You can also use the feeling of buyer's remorse for a bit of self-examination. Sometimes we get buyer's remorse not because we bought the wrong item, but because we overspend as a way to make ourselves feel better. Problem is, this rarely works and often leaves us in debt.

Look at the things that give you pleasure that don't involve buying anything. Maybe you feel good when you take your kids to the park. Maybe a daily bike ride boosts your spirits. You might feel joy from playing cards with friends or sitting on the front porch and chatting with your neighbors. Spend more time doing these activities — ones that don't cost you any money — instead of relying on making new purchases. You'll experience a lot less buyer's remorse. (See also: 6 Ways to Avoid Buyer's Remorse)

Confirmation bias and the decoy effect

Finally, use your buyer's remorse to recognize two key retail strategies that often lead consumers to overspend in the first place: confirmation bias and the decoy effect.

Confirmation bias is a condition in which you are apt to believe information that conforms to your prior beliefs. You ignore everything else. Marketers know about this bias, and aren't afraid to take advantage of it. Maybe you rent an apartment. That apartment might fit nicely in your budget, but deep down you want to own your own home.

You are then more likely to believe the ads from local real estate agents telling you that owning a home is part of the American dream and a good way to build wealth over time. At the same time, you might ignore any marketing promoting the benefits of renting, because you would rather believe the information you're seeing about homeownership.

You're more likely to experience buyer's remorse if you immediately buy an item — even something as big as a new home — based on this advertising. Resist the urge to purchase something just because the company behind it, or the person selling it, tells you it's the best choice. Instead, try to look objectively at your choices and your finances, and keep an open mind to find the best option for you.

The decoy effect is a bit simpler, but still effective. This is when retailers place a lower-priced item next to one that is higher-priced. You see this and you automatically assume that the lower-priced item is a good deal. Unfortunately, this isn't always true. That lower-priced item might still be priced too high, and it might not provide you with any pleasure when you get it home.

Do your research before entering a store, or stick to your list of items to buy, and you'll lessen your odds of falling victim to the decoy effect. Even better, your risk of buyer's remorse will also drop. (See also: 5 Mental Biases That Are Keeping You Poor)

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This article is from Dan Rafter of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Reliving Past Money Mistakes Hurts Your Financial Future

Emily Guy Birken — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 09:00:06 +0000

Past money mistakes are a little like zombies: Just when you think you've finally destroyed them, they rise again.

It's time for you let those old mistakes go. Not only does focusing on your past money mistakes make you feel bad without actually improving the situation, but spending time thinking about your past misjudgements makes you more likely to repeat them.

Here's how focusing on past money mistakes keeps you shambling from one bad financial decision to the next, and how you can avoid that fate.

Shame can be a downward spiral

In many cases, when you are focused on a money mistake you made in the past, you are using the word "should" to describe what happened. For instance, you might be thinking something like:

I shouldn't have co-signed a loan with my shiftless brother-in-law.
I should have started saving for retirement much earlier.
I shouldn't have used student loans to go on spring break.

These "should" statements aren't necessarily wrong — they're just useless. You are probably correct that you should have acted differently in the past, but since it's impossible to go back in time, all you are doing is making yourself feel bad for something you can't change.

This thought process can cause further financial damage, too. For instance, if you feel like you should have started saving for retirement earlier, that fact is only going to make you feel terrible about not having done so. From there, it's an easy jump to think that there is no point in starting now since you are already so far behind. (See also: 7 Retirement Planning Steps Late Starters Must Make)

Ask yourself "Now what?"

Feeling ashamed of the things you've done in the past is a form of sunk cost fallacy. Sunk costs are the time, money, or resources that have already been spent and can't be recouped. The sunk cost fallacy is when we value sunk costs over future choices.

When you're feeling ashamed of a past decision, you're overvaluing that past decision and allowing it to affect your current emotional state and decisions. Instead of simply thinking "I shouldn't have co-signed that loan," it makes more sense to complete the thought. "I shouldn't have done it, but I did — so now what?"

Instead of getting caught in your shaming thought process, asking yourself "Now what?" allows you to start making decisions based on what the situation actually is.

Trying to learn from mistakes can backfire

What if you are focusing on your past mistakes in an attempt to learn from them? You understand that you can't change the past, but you can certainly learn from it, right?

Well, not necessarily, according to a 2016 New York University study. When you focus on trying to figure out why you made a mistake in the past while trying to make a similar decision in the present, you don't have as much mental bandwidth to devote to the decision at hand. Thinking about your past mistake "triggers a cascade of computations" which distract from the decision at hand, Roozbeh Kiani, assistant professor at New York University's Center for Neural Science, told The Atlantic in 2016.

Let your brain reset

The best way to keep yourself from being distracted by your past mistakes when making a similar decision in the present is to take a little time away from the problem. In Kiani's study, participants didn't get overwhelmed by negative feedback after a mistake if they took a break before trying the task again.

So, think about something else for a while and come back to your financial issue after you've let your brain reset. That will help you make a more rational decision.

You can fall for feel-good mistakes again

Another major problem with letting ourselves focus on past mistakes is that our brains are wired to repeat actions that were rewarding once, even if they are no longer rewarding — anyone who has tried to kick a sugar, cigarette, or debt habit can attest to that. (See also: It's Never Too Late to Fix These 5 Money Mistakes From Your Past)

According to Susan Courtney, a cognitive neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University and a co-author of a 2016 study into this phenomenon, this can be a hard thing to overcome. "When my gaze drifts toward the doughnuts in the mailroom," she told The Atlantic, "that triggers a thought process of what it would be like to taste that doughnut. That makes it harder to resist."

If you are regretting past mistakes that felt great at the time, focusing on those past mistakes will do nothing but further entrench your interest in them and awareness of them. The more you think about how much you regret buying all of those shoes (which you enjoyed at the time), the more likely it is that your attention will be caught by shoe sales in the future — making it that much harder to change your spending habits.

Focus on the future

Rather than thinking about these felt-good-at-the-time mistakes, it makes more sense to think through what you want your future to look like. That kind of thought process will not only distract you from the enticing potential mistakes that surround you, it can potentially also start charting a different neural wiring that will reward you for intelligent financial behavior.

Letting go of your mistakes

Past financial mistakes don't need to keep coming back to haunt you. Let go of your shame, take a break from thinking about your finances, and don't assume that obsessing over old mistakes will help you learn from them. Instead, focus on your future and let your past stay in the past. (See also: 20 Money Mistakes Everyone Makes But No One Talks About)

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Types of Overspenders — Which One Are You?

Dan Rafter — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 09:00:11 +0000

Plenty of us overspend each month. Some of us overspend so much and so regularly that we end up with overwhelming credit card bills, missed loan payments, and black marks on our credit reports.

One of the keys to gaining control over unhealthy spending habits is to recognize why you spend too much. There are different types of overspenders, and they break their budgets each month for different reasons. Recognizing those reasons can be the first step in fighting back against your bad financial habits.

A growing problem

The numbers from Northwestern Mutual's 2017 Planning and Progress Study show that many U.S. residents have a spending problem. According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of U.S. consumers are struggling with debt, owing an average $37,000 — not counting their mortgage payments. (See also: 6 Old School Tools to Help You Stay on Budget)

The survey found that, after paying for necessities such as housing, food, and transportation, Americans spend about 40 percent of what’s left every month on discretionary expenses like travel, hobbies, and entertainment; they spend only an average 33 percent on paying off debt.

What type of overspender are you? The odds are that you’ll recognize yourself as one of the following.

1. The compulsive spender

Do you find yourself buying a new fitness tracker just because you've had a bad day at work? Does an argument with your spouse send you fleeing to the clothing store? You might be a compulsive shopper, one who overspends as a way to tamp down unwanted negative feelings. You might not even use the items you buy — just spending money on them is enough to provide you with temporary emotional relief.

2. The deal shopper

Do you find it impossible to turn away from a deal, even if you don't need the items that are on sale? Then you might be a compulsive bargain hunter. There's nothing wrong with looking for deals when you are shopping. But you shouldn't buy items if you don't need them, no matter how low their prices are.

3. Keeping up with the Joneses (or anyone else)

Did you buy that expensive car not because you needed it, but because you thought it would look good in your driveway? Then you might be obsessed with "keeping up with" your neighbors, family members, or friends. For you, spending too much is all about maintaining the right image. You want everyone else to know how well you are doing. Unfortunately, it's expensive to keep up with everyone else. Spending too much just to bolster your image can leave you with loads of debt.

4. The secret shopper

Maybe you’ve taken out a new credit card without telling your spouse. Or maybe you purchase expensive gadgets and electronics and hide them in the back of your closet. This type of overspending can result in serious trust issues in your relationships, and could ruin friendships or marriages. (See also: 4 Ways to Stop Your Spouse From Overspending)

5. The extravagant gift giver

Do you think buying your friends or family members new toys, expensive restaurant meals, and high-end wines will make them like you more? Do you routinely overspend just so you can give the best presents each holiday season? Then you might be overspending as a way to get others to like you. This, of course, doesn’t work: People won’t like you any more or less no matter how much you spend on them.

Breaking the cycle

How do you beat your overspending habits? The first step is to create a household budget listing how much money you earn each month, and how much you can afford to spend. Once you’ve done this, you’ll at least know when you are overspending on individual budget items.

Next, it’s important to recognize why you overspend. Does it make you feel powerful and in control? Does it make you feel wealthier than you are? Does it make up for a day of headaches and stress at work?

Once you know what triggers your overspending, you can watch for those familiar urges. Instead of mindlessly overspending, you can replace the temptation to use shopping as a de-stressor by adopting other coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques that won’t break the bank.

You might even seek professional help — not just from a financial adviser, but from a therapist who can help you identify and control the triggers that lead to your overspending.

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This article is from Dan Rafter of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Simple Ways to End Bad Spending Habits

Amy Lu — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 08:00:10 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on simple ways to end bad spending habits, green moves that will help you save money, and weird things you can sell on eBay.

10 Unprofessional Habits That Could Kill Your Career

Kentin Waits — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 09:00:09 +0000

If you're like most people, you've put a lot of time, energy, and money into your career. And you know that getting ahead in that career takes conscious (sometimes herculean) effort. With all you've invested, don't let a few bad habits drag you down the corporate ladder. Here are 10 unprofessional habits that could kill your career.

1. Ignoring the finer points of email

Sure, it's quick and casual, but electronic communication comes with its own set of rules. Crafting long-winded emails, not responding to messages in a timely fashion, typing in all caps, and forgetting to include fundamentals — like a personal salutation, or a please and a thank you — are all email no-no's. (See also: 10 Things You Should Never Say in a Work Email)

2. Using grade school grammar

In speech or in writing, stupid grammar mistakes can make you look uneducated and hurt your professional prospects. Polish your image by reviewing the fundamentals of good grammar, becoming more aware of how you communicate, and proofreading every word you write.

3. Dressing for a demotion

Though most work environments are casual these days, that doesn't mean anything goes. If you're confusing business casual with clubwear, wearing wrinkled shirts and slacks, and letting your pant cuffs drag on the floor, you're dressing for a demotion. Pay attention to wardrobe fundamentals like condition, fit, cleanliness, seasonality, and suitability. (See also: Build a Work Wardrobe for Any Job on a Budget)

4. Constant questioning

Asking questions is smart up to a point, but cross that invisible line and you become a drain on management. When given a new assignment or a different set of responsibilities, get all the information you can up front and then show your initiative by figuring out the rest as you go along.

5. Always being late

Arriving chronically late to work or meetings shows a disregard for your professional commitments, your coworkers' time, and your job in general. Protect your professional image by being punctual, or even better, showing up a few minutes early.

6. Taking sides in office politics

Nearly every workplace suffers from a bit of office politics. Choosing sides carries two risks: First, it takes your eye off the most crucial aspects of your job — performing well, learning all you can, and moving up. Second, you could simply align yourself with the wrong (that is, losing) side and suffer the direct or indirect consequences. Stay employed by diligently avoiding office politics goofs.

7. Displaying terrible table manners

Client dinners, lunch meetings, and all-day networking events are part of modern work life and opportunities to showcase your professional refinement. If your eating style is reminiscent of a bear fresh out of hibernation, it might be time to brush up on the basics of good table manners. (See also: 13 Things People With Good Table Manners Never Do)

8. Swearing like a sailor

No offense to professional sailors, but swearing in most work settings is a career-limiting communication habit. Even if it's the norm where you work, using profanity shows that you're not articulate enough to come up with more acceptable language. It may also make you appear quick to anger and unable to work through challenges constructively.

9. Bringin' the drama

How do you make tear-filled stories of sudden breakups, unfair arrests, and credit card problems even worse? You share those stories on the job and get fired. Constantly bringing personal issues into the workplace implies a problem with boundaries and a lack of professional focus. Save the drama for close friends and only discuss it outside of work.

10. Proselytizing

Proselytizing is just a fancy word for promoting a particular belief or attempting to convert people from one religion to another. Living your faith is one thing, but pushing it at work is quite another. Belief systems are intensely personal — the result of life experience, cultural influences, and long family histories. Don't alienate your coworkers or risk your job by making your personal faith a professional matter.

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Signs Your Takeout Habit Has Gone Too Far

Carrie Kirby — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:00:14 +0000

Takeout. Delivery. The very words get my stomach growling. The promise of a tasty dinner with no prep work and no dishes to wash — not to mention a meal where family members all get to choose their own dishes — is so tantalizing that I would order out every night if I could afford it. And apps and websites such as DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats, Seamless, and Foodler make succumbing to temptation even easier.

Can you afford all this takeout and delivery, though? Probably not, because even if you're rolling in cash, eating restaurant food every night can take its toll on your health and your cooking skills — and especially your budget.

So, is it time to delete those food delivery apps from your phone? If more than three of these sounds like you, the answer is a double yes with extra cheese. (See also: All the Modern Ways You Can Order Pizza)

1. Deliveries have turned your home into a traffic hot spot

You keep having to change the batteries in your doorbell. The city put a five-minute loading zone at the curb in front of your house. Single neighbors who can't hit the delivery minimum on their own frequently piggyback on your orders. And the first time they told you they couldn't meet the delivery minimum, you were utterly baffled as to what that struggle must feel like since it's never been a problem for you.

2. Takeout containers are piling up

Your kids are able to make three-bedroom igloos in the backyard out of white Styrofoam containers. Your building has a sign in the hallway forbidding pizza boxes in the trash chute, and it mentions you by name. You have come up with 10,000 uses for spare wooden chopsticks and have dedicated kitchen drawers for condiment packets and plastic cutlery. Instead of a tablecloth, your dining room table is protected by a thick, cushiony layer of receipts. And your kids bring their lunches to school in large white or brown bags with your address scribbled on them in Sharpie.

3. You know the delivery drivers too well

You know to never order sushi on a Tuesday because that driver lets the dipping sauce slosh all over the tempura. When you went two weeks without ordering, the DoorDash driver stopped by to check on you. You're so tight with the drivers that they stop by your house between deliveries to use your bathroom or play a quick game of cribbage.

4. Your addiction has changed your relationship with technology

Your phone is so full of restaurant phone numbers that you have accidentally ordered at least three kinds of cuisine with your butt. When your phone rings, you immediately open your front door. (This is why you always sound disappointed if it's a friend calling.) Your mother spoofed her number to appear as Gary's Gyros on your caller ID, just so you'll take her calls.

5. You find yourself going to great lengths to maintain the thrill that drew you to takeout to begin with

You keep a stash of foreign currency so you can tip natively for each ethnic cuisine. (The drivers hate you for this.) When a new takeout place opens in town, you ferret out their phone number before they open for business so you can place the first order.

6. You have forgotten the food gathering skills you'd need to survive in the wild

You just found out that your oven doesn't work — and you've been living in your home for 12 years. Last time you were in a grocery store, Nestle Quik was still sold in a metal can.

7. You and your family are way too good at ordering takeout

You just ordered a No. 4, a No. 17, and a double order of No. 23 — without consulting the menu. Your baby's first words were, "extra spicy." Ordering online takes less than 10 seconds because your favorite meal is already saved for every area restaurant.

Have you gone too far?

If you recognized yourself in any three of the above — seek help. At the least seek out some frugal dining advice that's only a click away:

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: