We all want to be able to be in control of our finances but we often make mistakes without realizing it.

If you are concerned that you are using bad money management then you should always seek advice from a financial professional.

Here are some of the most common bad money management errors:

Not paying your bills on time. Dont wait till the final demand. Get the bills out the way first.

Keeping high rate credit cards. There are so many opportunities for really low rate credit cards that regular shopping around makes sense.

Neglecting to put aside emergency funds. When that emergency comes up, and it will you do want to have to borrow or to use your credit card.

Leaving preparing a will until it is too late. This is something that should be part and parcel of home buying or becoming a parent.

Not reading your bank statement carefully.Banks do sometimes make mistakes and if a check comes of twice in error dont you want your money back?

Neglecting to contribute to a retirement account. Not doing this can be foolish. After all your years of hard work you should be able to do what you want without worrying too much.

Not checking your credit report annually for accuracy. Again mistakes are sometimes made and why should you suffer because your credit report contains something that someone else failed to pay?

Only paying the minimum monthly payment on your credit cards.Even a small amount extra can bring the interest that you are paying down.

Buying the first insurance you come across without shopping around. You may miss the ideal cover at the ideal payment if you dont.

Failing to adjust your W-4 annually to make sure you are not paying too much.

If you address the above issues wherever possible then you will no longer be guilty of bad money management and you may be pleasantly surprised how much better off you are financially in the long term.