| By :
Molly Wider
Retirement should mean having enough money saved so that one does not have to work any more for the rest of their lives. Images of traveling, frolicking on sandy beaches or gardening until your thumbs turn green is how most people define their retirement days. These things are definitely possible as long as you pay attention to the financial choices you make in your younger years. There are a few things you can do however, that can easily rob you of your retirement dream. I'm sure we've all hear the saying 'champagne tastes on a beer budget'. This refers to people who have a lifestyle that sees them live beyond their financial means. Living beyond your means cannot only suck up each paycheck before you've even earned it, it can also dampen your chances at saving a cushy nest egg. There are many different mindsets when it comes to earning potential. Some people do their best to maximize earnings by utilizing company incentives or having a side-business as well as a full-time job. There are others who are quite content earning just enough to get by each month. Making that effort to earn a little more can really pay off in the long run. Even if it's only a few hundred dollars a month, it will still add up to a few thousand in your account at the end of the year. If you have children who have decided to go to University, it should not be left up to you to pay for it. Even though retirement may seem far away, planning for your future should be priority. As parents, saving for a college fund is very generous, but it can also be the gift that robs you of your retirement. With a little effort, students can make their way through university with many of the government programs, student loans, grants and scholarships that are available. One of the most harmful ways to ruin any chances of a retirement fund is taking on too much debt. There are some exceptions such as university education or a mortgage, but large loans should not be relied on for every little purchase. Whether you're running to the bank or racking up credit cards, be sure to pay off what you owe as fast as you can. Making only the minimum monthly payments can extend the life of a loan by ten years and cost you thousands of extra dollars. Not only will paying off what you owe quickly save you the interest, it will free up your money for investing.
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