For the second year in a row, Bustle is celebrating Rule Breakers, an event honoring women and non-binary individuals who defy expectations and make the world a better place. As we approach the launch of our Rule Breakers 2019 issue on Aug. 27, we’re revisiting some of our favorite pieces about those who refuse to conform. Challenging the status quo isn’t just a once-a-year event; it’s an ongoing mission. These stories prove it.
When it comes to money, everyone’s mindset is shaped by their unique experiences and the lessons they’ve learned. For example, you may have grown up being taught to deposit money into a savings account regularly. However, with today’s low-interest savings accounts, many people now prefer to invest in options like IRAs and stocks. So, even if you have certain ingrained money habits, there are several outdated money rules you no longer need to follow.
“The personal finance world has changed so much over the last decade that we need an entirely new set of rules to guide us,” Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet, tells Bustle. “Many of the old rules that our parents followed are outdated, simply because our situation is different and the financial products available to us are, too.”
For instance, many millennials’ parents didn’t graduate with as much student loan debt as is common today. “Plus, they didn’t have access to peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or the ability to apply for credit cards that earn travel rewards or cash back to help stretch their budgets,” she says.
If you’re wondering which old money rules you no longer have to follow, finance experts weigh in below. Here are 13 outdated pieces of advice you should stop paying attention to.
Rule #1: Always Avoid Credit Card Debt
While avoiding credit card debt is often advised, Palmer believes this rule can be broken — within reason. “The problem with this rule is that it does not always make financial sense to follow it,” she tells Bustle. “For example, if you are facing a large cost, such as paying for pricey emergency dental care, you may suddenly need to pay thousands of dollars that you don’t have in savings.”
In such cases, getting a credit card with a low annual percentage rate (APR), such as 0%, can be beneficial. “You can put the charge on the card and then pay it off over time, before the introductory rate expires, which is typically 12 to 15 months,” she says. “That’s why it can make sense to break this money rule.”
Rule #2: If You Want To Invest, You Need A Lot Of Money To Get Started
The word “invest” may seem intimidating, but you don’t need a lot of money to begin. Dave Nugent, head of investments at Wealthsimple, a robo-advisor aimed at millennials and first-time investors, says, “New investing apps, such as Wealthsimple, have made it simple to get started with no account minimum. Getting set up with a balanced portfolio takes five minutes, payments can be automatically set up, and you can check in on your account as little or as often as you want — all from your phone.”
Katharine Perry, CFP, financial consultant at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Pittsburgh, Penn., also notes that many people miss out on an easy way to invest by not taking advantage of the employer match on their retirement plans. “Not taking advantage is like saying ‘no’ to free money,” she tells Bustle.
Rule #3: You And Your Partner Can Work Out Your Money Issues After You’re Married Or Move In Together
You’ve probably heard that money issues are a top reason for marriages ending, so discussing finances with your partner early on is crucial. “Many couples receive marriage counseling before their wedding in hopes of avoiding or dealing with the trials that come with matrimony,” Terry Siman, CFP and managing director at United Capital’s Philadelphia office, tells Bustle. “But we know many marriages fail due to financial stress, too.” Openly discussing finances with a soon-to-be life partner helps find common ground and mutual respect.
Similarly, moving in together to save money isn’t always a good financial decision. According to Anna Colton, a Merrill Edge executive, “Before assuming this kind of move will save you money, have an open, honest conversation with your partner about their current finances, long- and short-term financial goals, and how you will handle the expenses that come with moving and living together as a couple.”
Rule #4: You Should Buy A House Or Condo As Soon As Possible, Not Rent
While you may have envisioned buying a house, renting can be a better option until you’re financially ready. Rachel Cruze, #1 New York Times best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Rachel Cruze Show, advises waiting until you can put down at least 10% (preferably 20%) to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and keep your payment manageable.
Chelsea Hudson, personal finance expert at TopCashback.com, also believes renting can be more financially responsible. “Renting has a negative stigma, but changes in the housing market and taxes make it more difficult for owning a home to be the sure-fire way of accumulating wealth,” she tells Bustle. Homeownership comes with additional costs like homeowners insurance, community fees, and repairs.
Rule #5: Pay Yourself First
While “pay yourself first” is often advised, Adam Jusko, founder and CEO of ProudMoney.com, says this rule can be broken. “‘Pay yourself first’ aims to save and invest a piece of your income before paying other bills,” he tells Bustle. “But if you have high-interest debt or can’t cover crucial expenses, paying yourself first will cost more in interest and penalties.”
Instead, create a budget to cover essential expenses and pay off high-interest debt before saving.
Rule #6: Close Your Credit Cards If You’re Not Using Them
Personal finance expert Janet Alvarez of Wise Bread advises against closing your credit cards. “This reduces the amount of credit you have available, which lowers your credit score,” she tells Bustle. Making two payments per month instead of one can also reduce interest and potentially boost your score.
Jennifer McDermott, consumer advocate for personal finance comparison website finder.com, agrees. “Keeping your utilization low and paying off your balance each month will boost your credit score more than not having a card at all,” she tells Bustle. Credit cards also offer rewards and points.
Rule #7: You Shouldn’t Discuss Your Income Or Salary With Others
Discussing money, like your salary, should no longer be taboo. Lorna Sabbia, head of retirement and personal wealth solutions for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, says, “Avoiding topics like salary, income, and assets may compromise financial wellness, particularly among women. Discussing money is key to financial wellness.”
Sabbia also emphasizes discussing the gender wage gap. “Women’s financial journeys differ from men’s, and addressing challenges like the wage gap and higher health care costs is crucial,” she says.