There’s a clear distinction between being a spendthrift and a savvy saver.

The key lies in your habits. Careless spending can leave you penniless, while smart money habits can set you up for life.

If you want to be more disciplined with money as you age, there are certain habits you need to kick to the curb.

In this piece, we’ll explore the seven habits you need to say goodbye to, if you want to secure your financial future. And no, it doesn’t mean saying goodbye to coffee or vacations. It’s all about balance and smart choices. 

Let’s get started.

1) Impulsive buying

One of the most notorious habits that can hold you back from financial discipline is impulsive buying.

We’ve all been there; it’s easy to get swept away by an online sale or a bargain in a store. But these unplanned purchases can add up quickly, eating into your savings and leaving you with less money for the things that really matter.

Impulsive buying is often driven by emotions rather than needs. It’s a quick fix for a bad day or a way to celebrate a good one. It’s the thrill of snagging a deal, even if it’s something you don’t really need.

If you want to be more disciplined with your money as you age, it’s crucial to recognize and resist these urges. Ask yourself, do you really need this item? Can you afford it without affecting your budget?

Every dollar saved is a step closer to financial freedom. So next time you’re tempted by that flashy sale sign, take a moment to pause and think. It could make all the difference in your financial future.

2) Living beyond your means

Living beyond your means is a habit that can seriously derail your financial discipline. I speak from personal experience.

There was a time when I was constantly chasing the latest trends, eating out more than necessary, and spending money on things that brought instant but fleeting joy. At the end of each month, I’d often find myself wondering where all my money went.

I realized that I was living a lifestyle that was beyond my financial capacity. It was not only unsustainable but also stressful. Every unexpected expense became a source of anxiety, and saving money seemed like a distant dream.

So, I made a conscious decision to cut back. I started budgeting and tracking my expenses, distinguishing between needs and wants. It wasn’t easy to let go of old habits, but slowly, I started seeing the difference in my bank balance.

Living within your means doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. It’s about making informed decisions and prioritizing what’s important to you. Trust me, it’s worth it in the long run.

3) Not budgeting

Budgeting is one of the most effective tools for managing your money – yet, surprisingly, only one-third of Americans actually maintain a detailed budget.

This habit is often overlooked because it seems tedious or restrictive. But in reality, a budget is your financial roadmap. It helps you see where your money is going, allowing you to make adjustments and prioritize your spending.

Without a budget, it’s easy to lose track of your expenses and end up spending more than you earn. It can also lead to savings being neglected or debt accumulating.

If you want to improve your financial discipline as you age, start budgeting. It doesn’t have to be overly complex. A simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app can help you monitor your income, expenses, and savings. The key is consistency. Make it a habit to review and update your budget regularly.

4) Ignoring small expenses

It’s easy to dismiss small, frequent expenses as insignificant – a morning coffee here, a fast food meal there. But over time, these little costs can add up and take a significant chunk out of your budget.

These are often called ‘leaky bucket’ expenses. Just as a bucket with a small hole can eventually empty all its water, these seemingly minor expenditures can slowly but surely drain your finances.

If you want to be more disciplined with money as you get older, start paying attention to these small expenses. Every dollar counts when it comes to saving and investing for the future. So next time you’re about to make a small purchase, consider if it’s truly necessary or if it’s just a habit that needs changing.

5) Relying on credit

Credit cards and loans can seem like an easy way out when finances are tight. But I’ve learned the hard way that relying on credit can lead to a cycle of debt that’s difficult to escape.

I remember when I got my first credit card. The freedom to buy now and pay later was intoxicating. But soon, the interest charges started piling up, and before I knew it, I was struggling to make the minimum payments.

That’s when I realized the danger of credit dependence. It’s not just about the money you owe; it’s also about the added stress and the lost opportunities to invest or save.

Breaking free from this habit was tough but necessary. It involved cutting back on expenses, making a plan to pay off my debts, and resisting the temptation of easy credit.

If you want to be more disciplined with your money as you get older, be cautious with credit. Use it wisely and responsibly, always mindful of the potential pitfalls.

6) Procrastinating on saving

It’s easy to put off saving money, especially when you’re young. You might think you have plenty of time to start saving for retirement or that you’ll start saving once you earn more. But the truth is, the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.

Procrastination can be a significant barrier to financial discipline. It’s a habit that stems from the belief that there will always be more time in the future. But time is one of the most valuable assets when it comes to saving and investing.

Compound interest – the process by which interest is earned on both the initial amount saved and the interest already accrued – works best over long periods. The earlier you start, the more money you can accumulate.

So if you want to be more disciplined with your money as you get older, stop procrastinating and start saving now. Even small amounts can make a big difference over time.

7) Neglecting financial education

The most critical habit to break if you want to be more disciplined with money is neglecting your financial education. Money management isn’t something we’re born knowing. It’s a skill that needs to be learned and nurtured.

Many people shy away from learning about finances because it seems complicated or intimidating. But understanding the basics of budgeting, investing, taxes, and retirement planning can empower you to make informed decisions and avoid common financial pitfalls.

There are plenty of resources available – books, podcasts, online courses – that can help you enhance your financial literacy. So make a commitment to continuous learning. Your future self will thank you.

Final thoughts: It’s about control

Renowned investor Warren Buffet once shared a profound insight. He said, “Do not save what is left after spending; instead spend what is left after saving.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of financial discipline.

The seven habits we’ve discussed – impulsive buying, living beyond your means, ignoring budgeting and small expenses, relying on credit, procrastinating on saving, and neglecting financial education – all revolve around this concept of control.

Breaking these habits isn’t about depriving yourself or living a life of austerity. It’s about making conscious choices, prioritizing your needs over wants, and understanding the value of every dollar.

As you reflect on these habits, consider which ones resonate with you. Which ones are holding you back from achieving financial discipline? Remember, change begins with awareness. And every step you take towards breaking these habits brings you closer to a secure and stress-free financial future.