5 bad money habits you didn't realise you had

September 26, 2025

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Whether you’re buying a random item just because it's on sale or you’re maxing out your credit card, here are some bad money habits that could cost you a pretty penny.

Spending to save

Buying something just because it is on sale will quickly drain your wallet. A good hack around unprompted sales day spending would be to pre-plan what you actually need ahead of time.

Paying yourself last

Many people, when they get their salary, first pay off bills, then treat themselves, and then save whatever remains. However, treating savings like a necessary bill to be paid first helps.

No emergency funds

Perhaps the biggest personal finance error a person can make is not saving for a rainy day. Whether it's a broken leg or house repairs, emergency funds act like safety nets. 

Maxing your credit card

India’s unpaid credit card overdues (91-360 days) increased by 44% between March 2025 and 2024, highlighting how dependent people have become on credit cards. 

Lifestyle creep

It occurs when a rise in income leads to an increased standard of living, which means you spend more. Keeping a track of your expenses and paying yourself first can help.

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