10 Ways to Go Broke

RATE: 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.66 (53 Votes)

It's easy to find frugal advice on how to make and save money, but you rarely hear about the things you do to harm to your financial future. Sometimes we spend so much time scheming and planning for wealth, we forget to hang onto what we've already got. Before you break out the credit card or plan that expensive trip, check out these 10 ways you can easily -- and quickly -- go broke.

  1. Not Taking Care of Yourself - Unexpected medical bills for a serious illness or accident can decimate your savings and max out your credit cards quickly. If you fall behind on payments, you could destroy your credit or be forced to give up things like your car or home. Spend the money for annual check-ups, vitamins, a gym membership and health foods. Wear your seatbelt and look both ways before crossing the street - whatever it takes to keep you healthy and safe.
  1. Keeping All of Your Eggs in One Basket - Having all of your money tied up in one investment like a stock, property or trust fund gives you a higher risk of being completely wiped out financially if something goes wrong. Think about the disastrous results of the collapse of the banking system or the headline-making Ponzi schemes that left thousands without a dime. Diversifying your money will protect you in case of unexpected circumstances surrounding other investments.