10 Common Money Mistakes You Might Be Making Without Even Realizing

But the good news is, there are some tried-and-true ways to get your cash flow under control. I recently sat down with Jeanette Pavini, a long-time finance reporter and the author of The Joy of Saving, to get some back-to-basics tips and tricks that can help take some of the guesswork out of managing your money.

This is one of the biggest (and most common) money mistakes. Whether you want to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or you're saving up for a big purchase, staying on top of how much you earn, spend, and save is absolutely key to accomplishing financial goals. And a budget is like a master plan that helps you keep an eye on alllllll of it. But according to a 2016 study by US Bank, only 41% of respondents actually used a budget. So if you're not a budgeter, you're definitely not alone.

Making a budget can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be a bummer. "A lot of us put our heads in the sand," Pavini said. "But if you just look at what you're spending and then make some changes, it's a joyful feeling. It's empowering."

If you're new to budgeting, you can get started by whipping up a quick Excel sheet listing all of your income and expenses or check out some of these spreadsheet-free budgeting methods.

When you're shopping online these days, you're likely to see the option to buy now and pay off your new stuff later in a few smaller payments. However, this kind of shopping could result in a sneak attack on your bank account if you lose track of when those ~easy~ payments are due. Plus, missing a payment could lead to fees and other charges.

To avoid getting hit with shopping surprises, Pavini recommends only making installment payments in emergencies. "Unless it's something you really need, you're better off putting those four installments into a savings account."

If you're anything like me, you probably wander around the grocery store three times grabbing random stuff until your basket is full and worry about meal-planning later. But Pavini says this is one of the worst ways you might be blowing your budget without even realizing it.

Instead, she recommends looking at what's on sale each week and planning your meals around those items. Additionally, join your grocery store's loyalty program and, of course, use coupons and coupon apps like Honey and Coupons.com. You might also like apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards that reward you with cash or gift cards for your everyday purchases. These shopping habits might take more time than what you're used to, but making these changes could free up more of your hard-earned cash.

And once you've got your groceries home, make sure you get your money's worth with these tips for freezing just about anything or these hacks for making fresh fruit and veggies last longer.

If you pay for your own health insurance plan or get it through your employer, it's likely that your plan offers more than just doctor's visits. Some plans will reimburse you for your gym membership or send you gift cards for hitting daily step count goals. Others even offer free support for people who want to quit smoking or reach other health goals.

If you have a policy, it's definitely worthwhile getting familiar with all the perks your health insurance has to offer. You're already paying for it, so you might as well get your money's worth.

Pavini likes to say, "Before you make any payment on any bill, it's worth it to say, 'How can I lower that bill?'" She recommends calling service providers, like your phone, internet, or cable, and talking to them about your options for lowering your bill. Especially if you've been paying that bill for a long time, customer service might be able to help you get discounts or enroll in a cheaper plan. (Speaking of cheaper plans, check out these ways to save on your phone bill.)

Pavini also recommends reaching out to your credit card company to ask about lowering your interest rates. "Right now, lenders are more gracious than ever because they know people have been hit. If you're ever going to get your interest rate lowered, now's the time."

And while we're on bills, you might get a little more out of making your monthly payments with Experian Boost. It's totally free and it adds your regular bill payments to your credit report, which can result in an instant credit score bump. If you're worried about your credit, it's definitely worth a try.

There are so many ways to save more and spend less, but the truth is sometimes you just need help. If you're really struggling, it's absolutely worth it to look into programs that can help you get back on your feet.

For tackling out-of-control credit card debt (think not being able to make minimum payments or using one credit card to pay for another), Pavini recommends going to a nonprofit consumer credit counseling service. These organizations can help you make a personalized plan to pay down debt while also providing financial education and help with budgeting. To make sure you're picking a legit org, check out these credit counseling guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission.

And if you currently unemployed and looking for work, organizations like Dress for Success and Career Gear offer donated interview outfits and career counseling to folks who qualify for aid.

Whatever you're currently dealing with, there's a way to get help. You don't have to go it alone.

You might think that getting serious about your budget = deprivation, but that definitely doesn't have to be the case. Instead, make sure that you're setting aside money for the things that make you happy, even if some people might see them as "frivolous." You can still treat yourself on a budget, and it feels soooo much better knowing that your finances are actually under control.