Hey there, Super Savers!
If you've ever looked at your bank statement and thought, "Wait, where did all my money go?" — you're not alone. Budget slip-ups happen to the best of us. Even the most frugal among us have moments where our wallets get caught in the crossfire of convenience, emotion, or plain ol' forgetfulness. But here's the good news: every mistake is a chance to learn, grow, and save smarter.
Let’s talk about five of the most common money mistakes, how to avoid them moving forward, and most importantly, how to forgive yourself for falling into these budget traps. Because even Mario sometimes falls into a pit — the key is getting back up, grabbing that extra life, and keeping it moving!
1. Not Having a Plan (a.k.a. "Budgeting? Never Heard of Her")
When you're not tracking your income and expenses, it's easy for money to disappear faster than the last slice of pizza on game night. Winging it can feel freeing at first — until your account hits zero days before payday.
How to Avoid It:
Start small. Create a simple budget using a notebook, a free app, or a printable template. Know what's coming in, what must go out, and what you want to spend on extras. Having a plan makes every dollar feel like a teammate with a purpose.How to Forgive Yourself:
Maybe you didn’t grow up learning how to budget. That’s not your fault. Give yourself credit for recognizing the gap — now you’re filling it. That’s growth, not failure.2. Impulse Buying (a.k.a. “Target Got Me Again”)
Raise your hand if you’ve gone to the store for toothpaste and left with candles, snacks, and a novelty mug you swear you needed. 🙋♀️ It happens!
How to Avoid It:
Stick to a list when shopping. If you see something tempting, take a photo and walk away. Give it 24 hours. If you still want it and it fits in your budget, you can come back for it.How to Forgive Yourself:
Impulse buys don’t make you weak — they make you human. Recognize what triggered the purchase (stress, boredom, a good sale?) and look for patterns. Forgiveness starts when you trade shame for curiosity.3. Eating Out Too Often (a.k.a. “Death by DoorDash”)
Fast food and delivery are delicious, but when convenience becomes a habit, your budget takes a beating.
How to Avoid It:
Try prepping easy meals on your day off or doubling dinner to have leftovers for lunch. Stock up on budget-friendly frozen meals or grab-and-go snacks for busy nights.How to Forgive Yourself:
Sometimes you just need a burger and fries — no judgment. Forgive the past and focus on progress, not perfection. Even cutting back by one takeout meal a week is a win!4. Not Using What You Already Have (a.k.a. “Forgot I Bought That!”)
Ever bought something only to find a twin hiding in your closet? Overspending can happen when we don’t check our stash first.
How to Avoid It:
Make it a habit to “shop your home” before buying more. That means checking the pantry, the closet, and under the bathroom sink. Use what you have before you restock.How to Forgive Yourself:
Clutter and chaos happen. Life gets busy. You're not wasteful — you’re learning to slow down and be intentional. That’s something to celebrate.5. Ignoring Small Subscriptions (a.k.a. “Death by a Thousand Charges”)
Five bucks here, ten bucks there — it adds up faster than you’d think. Those forgotten subscriptions can slowly siphon away your savings.
How to Avoid It:
Review your bank statement or digital wallet monthly. Cancel what you’re not actively using. Better yet, use a calendar reminder to reassess every quarter.How to Forgive Yourself:
You didn’t waste money on purpose — you just got busy. You’re doing better now, and that matters. Canceling that $6 mystery charge is a win. High-five yourself.Final Thought: Grace is a Budget Tool, Too
Super Savers, making money mistakes doesn’t mean you’re bad with money — it means you’re learning. It means you're trying. And trying is the first step toward thriving. The real power move isn’t avoiding mistakes altogether (spoiler alert: nobody does that). The move is recognizing them, learning from them, and moving forward with grace and intention.
So the next time you overspend, skip the budget, or forget to cancel a subscription, take a breath. You’re not alone. And your next smart money decision is only one choice away.
Keep saving smart and living well!
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