Climbing out of financial debt does not have to be difficult if one handles their resources and spending well. To do this, it is important to set realistic goals and expectations while also ensuring that they align with the current financial situation. Some mistakes, however, can complicate and prolong the debt repayment process. Here are five such mistakes to avoid so that one can achieve financial freedom sooner rather than later: 1. Not adjusting expenses One way to lower the ratio of debt to savings is to change spending habits. For example, one can consider preparing food at home rather than dining out, using cash instead of credit cards, avoiding unnecessary expenses, or splitting rent. While these changes may seem insignificant, they can help speed up debt repayment. 2. Tampering with the retirement plan Some retirement plans like 401(k) allow investors to withdraw money prematurely from the account. This might tempt one to use this money to pay off debt, but it is not a wise move. Early withdrawals come with penalties, and the purpose of the account is to secure life after retirement. Further, the investment here grows steadily, so the longer the money stays in the account, the better the returns.

Food delivery services are growing exponentially, thanks to people’s changing preferences and fast-paced lifestyles. Customers can now order via two sources: restaurants that offer their own delivery and third-party platforms that act as a mediator to connect consumers with local restaurants. Both operate online and are pretty straightforward. However, some mistakes on the part of consumers can lead to financial losses or health issues. Here are a few such mistakes to avoid. Not evaluating a delivery service thoroughly One should consider several factors before zeroing on a third-party delivery service or restaurant. For instance, one should evaluate their packaging, safety measures (to avoid food contamination), cost-effectiveness, customer service, refund policies, food tracking options, and reputation. Reading through online reviews of other customers who have already used a platform can give an idea about its service and credibility. Ordering only when hungry There are a few issues with this approach. One may end up making the wrong food choices in a hurry and experience frustration or impatience until the food arrives. Ordering at the last minute also means one may not eat when hungry, leading to loss of appetite when the food actually gets delivered. Not eating when hungry can also increase the production of cortisol in the body, causing stress.

A lot of hard work goes into saving money. It takes extensive planning, budgeting, and mindful spending. So, it is crucial that people put their money in the right savings account. Having a savings account is a great way of earning interest and moving faster towards one’s financial goal. However, people tend to make mistakes when selecting a savings account. Here are three mistakes to avoid while opening a savings account. Not shopping around It is always necessary to shop around for the kind of interest, perks, and security each bank or other financial organization has to offer. Avoid investing in the first one that catches the eye. Compare multiple savings accounts from different places to arrive at the right choice. Also, keep an eye on the fees, customer service, accessibility, interest rate, and any additional benefits. This research can go a long way in helping make the right decision. Only focusing on the interest There are times when people select a savings account that comes with an attractive interest rate. But later on, it could cost them in terms of fees for the account. While some savings accounts demand a one-time fee, others come with the caveat of an annual charge.

Debit cards are a common and convenient form of payment. They are a hassle-free and stress-free payment method and do not require loans or credits. People who are not fond of digital transactions can turn to debit cards for their needs. But before going down that path, it is essential to learn about the safe practices of using a debit card. One should avoid these common debit card mistakes for safe use. 1. Failing to check hidden fees Debit cards are associated with an existing bank account and usually do not carry any fees. However, some banks might add annual fees to the discussion. People need to ensure that the card they select does not carry any additional charges. Thoroughly read any paperwork before signing up for the card, and ensure no other hidden terms or fees exist. 2. Not having a plan Make sure to plan out expenses. Try segregating purchases and expenses based on the perks of using a debit card. People with more than one debit card can find this rewarding, as it can maximize their savings and rewards. For instance, customers planning to make a substantial purchase that they may have to return, should use credit cards instead of debit cards.

Buy now pay later, also called BNPL, is a convenient way for individuals to purchase items at the moment and pay for them gradually. This method of paying has become quite popular, especially for expensive electronics, as it allows one to get their dream device without feeling overburdened with its cost. It is paramount to be cautious when dealing with credit. Therefore, when opting for BNPL, it is necessary to avoid certain errors, such as: Ignoring the terms and conditions Many people find reading terms and conditions to be a tedious task. However, when it comes to money, ignoring them can be a costly mistake. This is especially true for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) purchases. It is essential to carefully review all the plan details before agreeing. For example, if buying a phone, one should read the plan and understand what will be required to pay, how many installments to make, and what happens upon missing a payment. One should know several other important details before signing up for a BNPL plan. Missing payments One does not necessarily miss payment deadlines on purpose. It could happen due to several reasons, like busy schedules. However, if one forgets to pay or misses a deadline, the receiving company may charge late payment fees.

Most individuals who smoke know that it can pose a risk to their health. They are also aware that they should quit smoking, and if they do, their lungs will only get better. However, they might not know how to quit smoking for good or struggle to do so. Thankfully, there are quite a few ways that can help one quit for good. Some of these are mentioned below. 1. Start preparing The first step to quitting smoking is to find a strong enough reason that can motivate them to give up the habit. It can be anything; an individual may want to focus on their health. Once they have a solid reason and motivation to quit, they can pick a date to quit cold turkey or gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. This is a choice that should be made after talking to a doctor and factoring in one’s behavior patterns. Once the choice is made, individuals should get rid of smoke trays and any cigarettes lying around. Some people find it easier to distract themselves by eating something. 2. Seek support There are numerous offline and online support groups that people who are looking to quit smoking can benefit from.

Feet are often neglected when it comes to caring for the body, but if one faces issues with the limb, one will find it hard to move, run, or do any number of things. The constant strain on feet can increase tension and discomfort, affecting overall health. So, it’s a good idea to massage the feet on a routine basis and care for them. Here are four benefits of getting the feet massaged regularly: Helps with healthier feet Since a massage can help stimulate the feet, it may promote better foot health. A good massage helps relieve stiffness and tension and promotes better circulation and flexibility in one’s feet. The therapeutic measure could also help prevent foot-related complications like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and flat feet. Relieves nausea and pain Experts indicate that a foot massage could help relieve symptoms like nausea and pain, especially if the person experiences it because of emotional distress or sickness. Applying pressure to the top of the foot, below the area where the big toe meets the second toe, could stimulate organs, like the large intestines, heart, and stomach, which helps alleviate nausea and pain. Decreases blood pressure Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually triggered by lack of exercise, stress, and poor eating habits.

Foot massages can be incredibly soothing, especially after a long day at work. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to schedule a professional massage. In such cases, a foot massager can come in handy to help one unwind. Moreover, a foot massager is a convenient and cost-effective daily solution at home. However, one may make a few common mistakes while using a foot massager, and one should avoid them at all costs. Massaging for long While electric foot massagers can be very soothing, overuse or prolonged use can lead to discomfort and injury. For those new to using these devices, it is recommended to limit sessions to 10-15 minutes. As one becomes more experienced with foot massage, longer sessions may be possible, but it is generally advised to keep sessions shorter for maximum effectiveness. Exerting too much pressure Sometimes, one may apply too much pressure to certain parts of the feet that specifically hurt or are sore. It is a good idea to adjust the pressure and intensity of the massage for different parts, but pressure should be applied as needed. Not researching other options Selecting a foot massager requires considerable brand and product research because several types are available. Being fixated on a brand can limit one’s options.