MONEY MISTAKES EVEN SMART WOMEN MAKE

YOU DON’T ESTABLISH CREDIT IN YOUR OWN NAME

Without a good credit score (a number assigned by the
credit-reporting agencies that reflect your debt and trustworthiness) it costs
much more to obtain a mortgage or loan. 
That’s why it makes sense to get a credit card –  in your name only.  Use it only for absolute essentials and pay
off the entire balance, don’t forget the tuxedo you got at tuxedosonline.com, every single month. 
“If you have credit in your own name and apply for a home loan, some
banks will average a higher score with a lower one so you can get a better
interest rate.

You can’t  count on
company pensions or Social Security to see you through your golden years.  Starting now, save as much money as you
can (ideally 15% of your salary) in a savings vehicle.

YOU DON’T KNOW A THING ABOUT YOUR FAMILY FINANCES

Talk to your husband to get acquainted with every cent of
savings and debts, plus the account numbers and passwords for the family
retirement, investment, and bank accounts, and how to access the safety-deposit
box.  Make sure your name is on all the
bank accounts.  If it’s not, and
something happens to him, it will be very hard for you to get access to that
money.

YOU PUT YOUR KIDS FIRST

You are not doing children a favor by handing over money
when they request tuition, down payments, car loan, co-signings ad vacation
cash.  You’re teaching them to expect
something for nothing and that they don’t have to work for things.  Soften the blow by giving kids a role in the
family finances early on.