8 'Normal' Money Habits That Are Secretly Ruining Your Finances

The quick scan: Friday delivered a triumphant end to what can only be described as a week of relentless optimism, with the S&P 500 notching its fifth consecutive record close—the longest such streak in over a year. All three major indices finished higher, powered by trade deal optimism and the kind of momentum that makes investors feel like they've finally figured out this whole market thing, at least until Monday morning reality sets in.

• S&P 500: Rose 25.29 points (0.4%) to close at 6,388.64, marking its 14th record close of 2025 and proving that sometimes consistency really does beat flashy single-day gains
• Dow Jones: Advanced 208.01 points (0.5%) to 44,901.92, finishing tantalizingly close to its December record and showing that blue chips still know how to end a week on a high note
• NASDAQ: Gained 50.36 points (0.2%) to 21,108.32, notching its ninth record close in just 10 sessions and demonstrating the kind of steady progress that makes compound interest jealous

What's driving it: Continued optimism about potential U.S.-EU trade deals provided the primary fuel, while strong earnings from companies like Deckers (thanks to UGG demand) reminded investors that consumer spending remains robust. When markets can string together five consecutive record closes, it usually means the underlying fundamentals are solid.

Bottom line: Friday's performance capped off a week that showcased the power of sustained momentum over dramatic single-day moves. When all three indices can finish higher while maintaining their recent record-setting pace, it suggests that this bull market still has room to run.

The 8 Money Habits We All Pretend Are Normal (But Shouldn't)

The scoop: Here's a sobering reality check that might make you reconsider your relationship with money: Your Tango recently identified eight common money habits that we all quietly pretend are normal, even though they're systematically destroying our financial futures. The article opens with a classic "Sex and the City" reference—Carrie Bradshaw realizing she'd spent $40,000 on shoes while having no money for an apartment down payment—but the real kicker is that most of us are making similar mistakes, just on a smaller (but still devastating) scale.

The harsh truth? Nearly half of all Americans have less than $500 in their savings accounts, and more than one-third can't afford a $400 emergency. These aren't just statistics—they're the direct result of money habits that feel so normal we don't even question them. From saving whatever's left over (spoiler alert: there's usually nothing left) to confusing the ability to pay for something with actually being able to afford it, these seemingly innocent behaviours are quietly sabotaging our financial security.

The eight financial saboteurs:

1. Saving What's Leftover: This is the classic "I'll save whatever remains at the end of the month" approach, which explains why so many savings accounts are emptier than a politician's promises. Financial experts recommend "paying yourself first"—automatically saving a chunk of each pay check before you even see it. Even $10 per pay check beats the mathematical impossibility of saving zero.

2. Underestimating Upkeep: That beautiful house or shiny car comes with ongoing costs that many people conveniently forget to budget for. Homeowners should set aside 1-4% of their home's value annually for maintenance—so if your home is worth $200,000, you′re looking at $2,000-$8,000 per year just to keep it from falling apart. The bigger and more expensive the item, the higher the upkeep costs.

3. Not Having an Emergency Cushion: Financial experts recommend at least three months' worth of expenses in an emergency fund, but even a few hundred dollars can be the difference between a financial hiccup and a full-blown crisis. When most Americans can't cover a $1,000 surprise expense, it's clear this habit is more widespread than anyone wants to admit.

4. Confusing Ability to Pay with Affordability: Just because you have $400 in your checking account doesn't mean you can afford that plane ticket or designer handbag. The real question is: can you spend that money without setting yourself up for trouble down the road, without using credit cards, and without dipping into savings? If the answer is no, then you can't actually afford it, regardless of what your bank balance says.

5. Lifestyle Inflation and Keeping Up with the Joneses: Social media has turned this age-old problem into a 24/7 temptation. Every pay raise or windfall gets immediately absorbed by lifestyle upgrades instead of boosting savings. It's the financial equivalent of running on a treadmill—lots of effort, but you never actually get anywhere.

6. Food Delivery App Addiction: Those convenient little apps cost up to 46% more than picking up the food yourself, and that's before considering the cost of cooking at home. When ordering delivery becomes a several-times-per-week habit rather than an occasional treat, you're essentially paying a premium for the privilege of not planning ahead.

7. Food Waste: All those jokes about buying spinach that rots in the fridge aren't actually funny when you consider that you're literally throwing cash in the garbage. With grocery prices at current levels, food waste has become an expensive form of self-sabotage that most people don't even track.

8. Long-term Loans for Lower Payments: This is particularly insidious with car loans. A $10,000 car financed at 10% interest costs about $11,500 over three years, $12,600 over five years, and $13,750 over seven years. Meanwhile, that car is depreciating 10-15% annually. You're paying extra money for something that's losing value every single day.

The psychology behind the habits

What makes these habits so persistent is that they feel reasonable in the moment. Saving what's left over seems logical until you realize there's never anything left. Taking a seven-year car loan feels smart when it lowers your monthly payment, until you calculate how much extra you're paying in interest. Food delivery feels like a small indulgence until you realize you're spending more on convenience fees than some people spend on groceries.

The common thread? These habits prioritize short-term comfort over long-term financial health. They're the financial equivalent of eating dessert for breakfast—it feels good now, but the consequences compound over time.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Automate your savings first: Set up automatic transfers to savings the day your pay check hits. Start with whatever amount won't cause you to panic—even $25 per pay check creates a habit and builds momentum. Treat this transfer like a non-negotiable bill.

• Create a realistic maintenance budget: If you own a home, calculate 1-4% of its value and set aside that amount monthly for upkeep. For cars, research the average annual maintenance costs for your specific make and model. This isn't pessimism—it's planning.

• Build your emergency fund gradually: If three months of expenses feels overwhelming, start with $500. Then $1,000. Then one month. Progress beats perfection, and having something is infinitely better than having nothing when emergencies strike.

• Use the 24-hour rule for non-essential purchases: Before buying anything over $100 that wasn't planned, wait 24 hours. For larger purchases, wait a week. This simple pause often reveals the difference between wanting something and actually needing it.

• Track your convenience spending: For one month, write down every food delivery order, coffee shop visit, and impulse purchase. You're not trying to eliminate these entirely—you're trying to make them conscious choices rather than mindless habits.

• Calculate the true cost of financing: Before taking any loan longer than necessary, calculate the total interest you'll pay. Sometimes the "affordable" monthly payment is actually the most expensive option in the long run. Consider whether a less expensive item with a shorter loan term might be the smarter choice.

Your Turn: Looking at these eight habits, which ones hit a little too close to home?
Are you someone who's been saving what's leftover (and finding there's never anything left), or have you fallen into the food delivery app trap without realizing how much it was costing you?
Have you experienced the shock of a major home or car repair that you hadn't budgeted for, or are you currently paying for a long-term loan that seemed like a good idea at the time?
Drop a comment below and share which of these "normal" habits you're ready to change—I'm curious whether people are more motivated by the potential savings or just tired of feeling like their money disappears without explanation!