Don’t Be Fooled: 10 Financial Myths to Ignore

Some financial advice is worth hanging on to. Other pieces of advice are best left ignored. Here are ten financial myths to let go in one ear and out the other.

Always Share Money With Your Partner

A common belief is that it’s always best for partners to share their money 50/50, regardless of the situation. In fact, I believe that couples should do that.

However, it’s outdated advice. Studies show that financial abuse is pervasive. That’s not to mention that reports reveal that financial abuse occurs in 99 percent of domestic violence cases.

Every couple should do what’s best for them. Transparency is what wins out, not always splitting things down the line because it’s an outdated axiom.

Don’t Spend Money on Fun Things When Paying Off Debt

You shouldn’t spend on something when you’re in debt, correct? Wrong! Paying off debt, especially high-interest debt is a long slog.

Having an occasional splurge lightens the load and motivates you to continue with payments. After all, you have to enjoy life every once in a while. Just ensure you’re not racking up more debt while doing it.

Job Hopping Hurts Your Career

Gone are the days where you work four decades for the same employer and get a gold watch when you retire. Sure, changing jobs every few months can be a warning sign to potential employers.

Reports indicate that more people are changing jobs, and quicker. Many of the reasons point back to two main culprits – pay and satisfaction. There’s little sense to stay in a role that doesn’t challenge you or pay what you’re worth.

Done wisely, job hopping can truly benefit many in their careers.

Avoid Credit Cards

Credit cards are evil, or so Dave Ramsey would have you believe. Yes, credit card debt can be debilitating. That doesn’t mean they are evil, or shouldn’t be used.

Credit cards are a helpful tool to manage your finances. Rewards credit cards, for example, can be a fantastic way to get cash back on items you were already planning to purchase.

You can also use them to travel hack. As long as you pay the card off in full each month, there’s no reason to avoid having a credit card.

A House is Always a Good Investment

I heard this all the time as a child – you must buy a house when you’re older. It’s the only way to build wealth, right? Incorrect.

In fact, Redfin recently reported that purchasing a home is cheaper than renting in only four U.S. cities. Those are Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Houston.

If you don’t live in one of those cities, expect buying a house to be more expensive. Yes, owning a home can be a good thing, but that’s certainly not always the case.

All Debt is Bad

I hate debt. I avoid it at all costs, but that doesn’t mean that all debt is bad. When used prudently, debt can be the leverage you need to create wealth.

Owning a business is one example. Going to college in a lucrative career field is another. Yes, debt can be suffocating, but wisdom may dictate otherwise.

Always Go to College

College can be a wonderful experience for many students. But, it’s an expensive journey if you don’t have a plan.

Taking a gap year to learn more about what you want can be a great thing. Furthermore, pursuing a skilled trade is nothing to scoff at if college isn’t for you. Numerous trades can pay a six-figure salary, if you know what you’re doing. As with anything in personal finance, having a plan is essential.

Don’t Start Investing Until You’ve Paid Off Your Debt

Some money experts preach the dangers of debt so strongly that they say you shouldn’t do anything financially until your debt is gone.

But, since money invested generally grows over time, and because of the power of compound interest, waiting to invest until your debt is gone could hurt you in the long run.

Instead, do both at the same time. Devote some of your resources to paying off your debt and others toward investing.

Since you can start with as little as $500, there’s no reason not to invest while you still have debt.

Buy a Boat

Boating can be fun, but it’s very expensive. Some people say that buying a boat sends a signal to others that you have arrived financially. That reasoning doesn’t justify the cost.

Not only may it not communicate that to others, but it could derail you from achieving your financial goals with the money you’ll have to sink into it.

Always Choose to DIY

Older generations preach the need to do it yourself when trying to save money around the house. That may come from experiencing lean, or worse, times.

While understandable, going DIY isn’t always the best. You may need a skilled trade person to fix the item. Or, you can earn more in the same amount of time and come out ahead. If you’re busy, you may value time just as much, if not more, than cash.

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