She Strengthens

Financial Faux Pas: 6 Times I Let Laziness Get the Best of Me

The Wake-Up Call

I recently had a heart-stopping moment when I tried to log into my online credit card account, only to find myself locked out. Panic set in as I imagined the worst-case scenario: someone had stolen my card and gained access to my account. Luckily, it was just a false alarm, but it was a stark reminder of the importance of staying on top of my finances.

The Root of the Problem

I’ve come to realize that my laziness and forgetfulness have led to some costly mistakes in the past. It’s time to own up to them and make a change. Here are six times I let my lack of attention to detail get in the way of being financially responsible:

Mistake #1: Overlooking Financial Aid

During my first two years of college, I failed to notice a crucial piece of missing paperwork that prevented me from receiving financial aid. It wasn’t until I took the initiative to investigate that I discovered the error and was able to get my tuition covered. If only I had been more diligent from the start!

Mistake #2: Library Fines Galore

I used to frequent the library, but my love for free books and movies turned into a costly habit. I’d borrow books and forget to return them, racking up late fees that eventually added up to a hefty fine. It’s a mistake I won’t soon forget, and one that’s left me too embarrassed to return to that library.

Mistake #3: Disputing an Uber Charge

When an Uber driver canceled on me without reason, I was charged for the ride despite not receiving any service. I should have called to dispute the charge immediately, but my procrastination meant I missed the window to reverse the payment. It’s a mistake I won’t make again.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Cancel Amazon Prime

I signed up for Amazon Prime two years ago, intending to cancel before the six-month trial expired. But I forgot, and now I’m still paying for a membership that’s mostly used by my family and friends. It’s a waste of money that could be better spent elsewhere.

Mistake #5: Deposit Debacle

When I first started using mobile banking, I accidentally deposited checks into my savings account instead of my checking account. This oversight led to two separate overdraft fees, a costly mistake that could have been avoided with a little more attention to detail.

Mistake #6: Failing to Ship on Time

As a side-hustler on Poshmark, I once made a sale but forgot to ship the item on time. The buyer canceled the order, and I was left with an unsold item and a valuable lesson learned. It’s a reminder that staying organized and following through on commitments is crucial to success.

The Takeaway

These mistakes have taught me the importance of staying on top of my finances and being more mindful of my actions. From now on, I’m making a conscious effort to write down all the little tasks I need to complete and tackle them immediately. It’s time to take control of my financial responsibilities and avoid making the same mistakes twice.