10 Financial Decisions You’ll Regret 10 Years From Now

When it comes to the decisions we make with our money, our choices today create the reality of our tomorrow. They are the building blocks that shape our future.

---
Recent videos:

12 Simple Decisions to Make Today Better than Yesterday

21 Things To Do In the Morning Before Checking Your Phone

---
Most popular videos:

3 Things to Buy to be Happier, According to Science

Top 10 Things to Declutter Right Now

---
You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

---

Timestamps:

0:00 - 10 financial decisions you’ll regret making:
0:35 - 1. Spending too much money on a car.
1:01 - 2. Not saving for retirement.
1:33 - 3. Spoiling your kids.
2:06 - 4. Not having an emergency fund.
2:29 - 5. Not learning how to budget.
2:48 - 6. Not investing in the stock market.
3:30 - 7. Buying too much house.
3:55 - 8. Carrying a credit card balance.
4:26 - 9. Not paying your taxes.
4:56 - 10. Not investing in your health.

[parkerposey]

1-Spending more for a car
2- Not saving for retirement
3-Spoiling your children
4-Not having an emergency fund
5- Not learning how to budget
6- Not investing in stock market
7-Buying too much house
8- Carrying a credit card balance
9- Not paying your taxes
10- Not investing into your health
✨✨✨✨✨✨

[kakylong]

Joshua, Thank you for this reminder. My Hubby & I went for a ride today & saw some gorgeous houses. I pulled 2 of them up just to see how much they were worth. 1 was almost $600, 000 & the other was $1.5 million. We talked & said we were glad for our 768 sq ft house that is pd for & easy to clean. 😊

[Newbill]

Probably the best top 10 list (of this type) I’ve ever encountered.

[donnamullins]

You are so correct. My Mother always said, "if you purchase anything on a credit card you must be able to pay it off at the end of the month" and "no matter the amount always save for a rainy day". Thank you.

[Debbiesdilemmas]

So glad my husband and I had this mindset when we married almost 35 years ago. I would hate to have the stress of financial burdens at this time in our lives.

[janethunt]

We bought a house 7 minutes further out than the most desirable neighborhood 17 years ago for $100, 000 less than it would have been there. Not having that additional debt has allowed us to travel abundantly, which is our passion.

[timothyswauger]

I totally agree with the “not spoiling your kids”. My brother constantly pampered and spoiled his daughter and never said no to her while she was growing up and now she is 24 years old and still has the mindset and sense of entitlement as a child.

[bethmcgarvey]

I'll agree we don't need a mansion. Whatever house you get, put on a lot extra of down payment and ALWAYS PAY EXTRA. It's that compound interest he said. Even if it is only $50 or $100 some months, it really, really adds up. I paid off a house in 4 1/2 years which was a wonderful feeling and thank goodness I did since I had major health problems and lost my job a year later.

[deljay]

Darn it! We overspent on a house and it's far from our dream home. Now budgeting is tough😔

[mmmbopbear]

Student loan debt would be on my list. I never had any, but I see how it has put my friends' lives on hold and made crawling out of that debt hole seem hopeless.

[backpackingtony]

I’m in my forties and follow all your suggestions. No debt, six figures in savings and investments. I only wish I had done all this in my twenties.

[amalj]

Amazing advice! We overspent on our home & now have been house poor for a few years 😢

[Debbiesdilemmas]

I agree 100% about not buying more house than you can afford. No one wants the stress of worry about mortgage payments. That being said, a home is one of the smartest investments you can make.

[molee]

All 10 are absolutely sound advice. Thanks for the reminder.

[MsDoglover]

Thank you! This reinforced my journey and how happy I am with my 1, 001 sq ft villa that fit's my need and will still be a perfect place to retire.

[daCubanaqt]

The house size isn’t the only factor you should consider when buying. A small house in one city could be out of your price range while in another city it is affordable.

[joea]

SPOT ON!!! I would add invest in personal relationships-friendships to avoid loneliness...Loneliness kills:(

[alanbirkner]

We were able to retire in our 50's, when our youngest finished college. My kids are careful with money, two own homes and all drive old cars. Tina, Al's wife

[jayathome]

Oh boy I needed to hear number 1 today as we have been contemplating buying a new car! There is such pressure around feeling that your car is still “ok” to drive once it passes 100, 000 miles or 10 years! So thanks, I will keep driving it as long as it doesn’t have real problems.

[suzik]

Thank you Joshua. I always enjoy your videos and have even shown one (about generosity) to my high school students here in Australia.
Your content is spot on, well delivered and straight to the point. Many blessings to you. 🙏