5 Ways You Sabotage Your Hopes of Getting Rich

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Stressed man considering his credit card debt
pathdoc / Shutterstock.com

“If only my income was greater,” or “If only I had a million bucks.” Sound familiar?

Well, even if one of those things was true, you’d probably do the same thing you’re doing now: Spend too much!

It is no secret that many Americans spend much more than they earn. That is why household credit card debt is through the roof — over $1 trillion.

By contrast, the relatively few great savers in our nation let their money work for them. They build up wealth over a long period of time, even if they don’t make a great salary.

Seeing modest savings grow into a financial fortune is a joy the habitual spender never will know.

Following are some possible reasons why you can’t save a dollar — and why your money will never work for you unless you change your ways now.

1. You will not face your situation

Stressed woman calculating income or expenses
Phovoir / Shutterstock.com

When was the last time you sat down and really assessed your financial situation?

If it has been a long while, take action now. Sometime in the next two weeks, do an in-depth financial evaluation.

Start by reviewing your bank statements. Where is your money really going? Much of it probably goes to pay bills, but does the rest go into a savings account or investments? Or do you waste it?

Regardless of where the problem lies, now is the time to get to the root of it and start making changes.

During your financial self-evaluation, look at your credit card statements and see how much you actually owe. Pay special attention to the amount of cash you are throwing away each month on interest.

Once you have a clear picture of how much you owe, start tracking your expenses. Keep receipts for every purchase you make in the next 30 days.

At the end of that period, scrutinize your receipts. That should give you a clearer idea of the problem areas.

Then, you’ll be ready to set up a new spending plan. Check out “The Secret to Achieving Your Dreams Without Making a Budget.”

2. You refuse to discipline your desires

Happy man hugging his laptop because he loves the internet and his service provider
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com

Perhaps your philosophy is “If I want it, I buy it” — even if your bank account advises otherwise. After all, you work hard, so why not enjoy life?

Unfortunately, there’s a slight problem with that approach: While tomorrow is not promised to any of us, adopting a short-term mentality toward your money is nothing short of foolhardy.

If you spend like a maniac now, with a reckless disregard for your wallet, you will surely pay for it many times over later on.

Take a look at “7 Ways to Trick Yourself Into Saving Money” to get back on track.

3. You are addicted to debt

Worried woman holding credit cards
Pintau Studio / Shutterstock.com

Many people never learn to make do with what they have. Instead, they create a posh lifestyle supplemented by any and every ounce of credit on which they can get their hands.

As a result, they have a staggering amount of debt.

I’m not suggesting you should live in a hovel or a dive. But you must learn how to be disciplined with your money before you borrow from a credit card company.

If credit card debt seems like a normal part of life, you may have a problem. Still in doubt? Take a look at “11 Signs You Have Too Much Credit Card Debt.”

4. You let the wrong things motivate you

Man peeking out window at neighbor's house
Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.com

As humans, we are wired to want more. But what is your motivation for coveting material goods?

Are you one of those people who always eyes the proverbial Joneses, looking at the new car parked in their driveway?

Imagine for a moment that it is you who owns that shiny new thing. Do you really think it would make you happy? Is your desire for the new car sincere? Or is it simply envy of a lifestyle displayed by the aforementioned neighbor or your favorite celebrity on TV?

If you want material goods for the wrong reasons — such as to fill a hole in your soul — no amount of money will ever be enough.

And remember, things aren’t always how they appear. The family you envy could be robbing Peter to pay Paul, and falling deeper into debt to live in their dream home and drive that car.

5. You have lost hope

Sick and depressed woman
fizkes / Shutterstock.com

If you are locked into a cycle of runaway spending and soaring debt, it’s easy to throw in the towel and just accept that you will be poor forever. But that is no way to live.

Is there still hope of turning things around? Most definitely. The first step to a solution is acknowledging that you have a problem.

Then, take action. Read “8 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Debt ASAP.” Once you’ve gotten your financial house in order and begin to save, you will feel like you’re in control of your life again.

Eventually, you just may save enough to begin to enjoy the finer things in life in a financially responsible manner.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.