Get Financially Fit! | Bad Money Habits

We've heard it time and time again—don't spend more than you earn. There are other not-so-obvious habits that can lead your finances astray. Kathryn Vasel, reporter for CNNMoney, shares with us bad money habits that are keeping us from getting rich.

It's no secret that spending more than you earn is bad for your budget. But there are some not-so-obvious habits that can lead your finances astray.

"The easiest way to becoming a millionaire for most people besides discipline is automation, priorities and goal setting," said Cary Carbonaro, a certified financial planner and managing director at United Capital.

Here are financial habits that money experts said can hurt your long-term savings:

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Get Financially Fit! | Ways to Save Money

Keep track of your spending. At least once a month, use credit card, checking, and other records to review what you've purchased. Then, ask yourself if it makes sense to reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account. America Saves shares with us 54 Ways to Save Money: http://ow.ly/sj972.

Get Financially Fit! | Reduce Spending

WESTconsin Credit Union partners with Accel Members Financial Counseling to provide members with access to financial education and counseling services. These services are free of charge to all WESTconsin members. Accel, a financial counseling program, has been helping individuals for more than 40 years. Accel offers a variety of resources and tools such as the "How Americans Overspend" infographic below.

The first rule of personal finance is to spend less than you earn.  Pretty simple, right?  Unfortunately, this basic rule can be difficult to follow.  It takes discipline.  Here are some tips to help you reduce spending.  Day after day, these small savings can add up to big savings.

Get Financially Fit! | Spending Habits

Does it seem like your paycheck is spent before you even get it? Perhaps it is time to take a look at your spending habits. Karen Cordaway, contributor to U.S. News and World Report and writer on her website, MoneySavingEnthusiast.com, shares with us 5 Tips for Better Spending Habits.

While 2016 is in full swing, if you haven't thought about a resolution yet, don't give up. Maybe it's time to make one that has the potential to stick. If you're often wondering how money slips out of your wallet, consider becoming the crash test dummy for better spending habits. Test drive some of these ideas below to develop better ones.

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GUEST POST | Breaking Down Spooky Halloween Spending

INFOGRAPHIC: Breaking Down Spooky Halloween Spending
by Quinn Buchanan

It may not get as much press as Christmas, but Americans spends serious cash on Halloween. To keep the festivities from making your finances frightful come November, we break it down for you.

(Click here to enlarge.)

GOBankingRates | 5 Signs You Have a Spending Problem

5 Signs You Have a Spending Problem

By Cameron Huddleston

July 31, 2015

One in five Americans spent more than what they earned in the last 12 months, according to a Federal Reserve Board survey released in May. Some might be relying on credit or dipping into savings to cover their spending because they are having trouble making ends meet. And, some might be simply living beyond their means.

Regardless of the reason your spending exceeds your income, “overspending is harmful because it could be a sign you’re out of control with your finances,” said Leslie H. Tayne, an attorney who concentrates in debt resolution solutions and author of “Life & Debt.” Your overspending might be making it hard to pay bills, have money for emergencies and save for the future. It could also lead to serious consequences, such as bankruptcy.

Here are five warning signs that indicate you are spending too much, how your overspending can hurt you and how to get your spending under control: