News & Trending Money News

15 Signs You’re Actually in Worse Financial Shape Than You Think

Are you in deeper financial trouble than you care to admit?

documents in the womans hands
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

It’s never fun to feel behind in your finances. But there’s good news if you’re struggling with any aspect of money management.

Here are some signs that you’re struggling with money — and, more importantly, how to finally get ahead financially.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

You’re worried your card will be declined

Jelena/Adobe woman using credit card

It isn’t enjoyable to be at the checkout in a store and wonder if the card reader will decline your payment.

Many people have experienced that feeling at least once in their life, so you’re not alone if that’s your current reality. But it doesn’t have to be.

Take time to figure out your credit card balances, plan for repayment, and crush any outstanding debt. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief next time you check out.

You’re juggling bill payments

KMPZZZ/Adobe young woman stressed by calculating expenses on table

The bill shuffle is all too common. Each month, you carefully calculate how to pay your bills without hitting zero in your checking account.

It takes a lot of energy to juggle bills, but it also takes innovation, so if you’re making it work, give yourself a pat on the back.

To avoid the bill shuffle, though, review your income and expenses. Cut unnecessary costs, and look for ways to make extra money if possible.

Your bank account has less than $100

Ozgur Coskun/Adobe hundred of new Benjamin Franklin 100 dollar bills

Your account balance has no magic number, but $100 signifies that you can handle a minor emergency or withdraw cash in a pinch.

If your bank account is lower than that, it might be time to cut back on expenses and save more. The peace of mind is worth it.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

You have constant money stress

StockPhotoPro/Adobe young stressed woman suffering from insomnia

If money stress fills your days, it’s time to make changes. Seeking credible financial advice and making incremental changes can set you on the right path.

Some financial situations are out of your control, but it's worth the effort if you can do anything to reduce your financial stress. You deserve to live as stress-free as possible.

You don’t know how to access your retirement account

Cozine/Adobe hand putting coins in glass jar with retro alarm clock

This one is tricky because retirement accounts are complicated, especially if you have more than one.

But the good news is that the fix is simple: Make time to gather the paperwork, create online accounts, and call the companies if you need additional help.

Plus, once you finish, you’ll never need to set up access again. Just keep your usernames and passwords secure and accessible.

You’ve never set up a retirement account

Sutthiphong/Adobe interest rate and dividend concept

Some people luck out and their employer sets up a retirement on their behalf.

But if that isn’t your situation, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and start saving for retirement.

Options include high-earning savings accounts, personal 401(k) plans, Roth IRAs, and more. No matter how much you make, you can always contribute.

You don’t have an emergency fund

Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe jlass jar labeled

Emergency funds are usually three to six months of expenses. But if you're just getting started, the amount is less important than its existence.

Start small and prepare yourself financially. Every dollar counts.

You often go over budget

JohnKwan/Adobe determine the monthly budget for our home

If you regularly go over budget, your finances might be worse than you think.

Audit your finances and determine how much you earn each month, how much you spend, and how much you save.

What you find might surprise you. From there, you can make changes.

You don’t know what you spend each month

Nattakorn/Adobe customer using credit card for payment to owner

It’s hard to track what you spend, especially if you use a combination of credit cards, cash, and debit cards.

But even though it’s hard, it’s crucial. Once you know what you spend, you can make informed decisions about your money.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Other people easily influence you

djile/Adobe friends sitting on the beach singing and playing guitar

Family, friends, and coworkers influence everyone. But it might be time for a change if you find yourself trying to keep up with other people’s spending.

It’s easy to get swept up in new purchases, but saving can be just as enjoyable with practice.

You only save at the end of the month

hankimage9/Adobe financial settlement date

If you only save what you have left each month, your finances might need help.

You probably save less, too, because you let expenses pile up and eat into potential savings.

Make saving your top goal and set aside money at the beginning of the month. In other words, pay yourself first! It takes the guesswork out of savings.

You shop online multiple times a day

leszekglasner/Adobe asian woman making online payment using laptop for shopping at home

Like most people, you probably have your credit card information saved on your favorite websites.

If you place multiple orders each day, your finances might be in worse shape than you think. Start by logging how many orders you place, then adjust from there.

You spend as much as you earn

Chan2545/Adobe woman hands holding a wallet with dollar currency

If you regularly spend as much as you earn, it might be time for changes.

It’s usually a good idea to save money monthly to prepare for future goals, retirement, and emergencies. Even if it’s a small amount, it still counts.

You feel overwhelmed by money goals

cn0ra/Adobe financial goals on notepad with calculator

If reaching money goals feels impossible, you might be in worse financial shape than you realize.

Money goals are the backbone of financial planning, so feeling comfortable with them is essential.

Soon, you might set a goal to get out of debt or save 10% of your income. But for now, start with a small goal; once you reach it, create your next one.

You consider yourself “bad” with money

Rawpixel.com/Adobe man stressed while working on laptop

If you think of yourself as bad with money, you might be holding yourself back from financial success.

There are a lot of reasons why money can feel stressful. Still, you’re more capable and intelligent than you realize.

Start small and work on your money mindset a bit each day.

Bottom line

Drobot Dean/Adobe young couple using laptop and analyzing finances

It’s easy to fall into the trap of bad money habits. But with minor changes and the right mindset, you can create a better financial future.

It’s worth the effort, and your future self will thank you.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details