Turkey dump your poor financial habits

The “official” definition of a ‘Turkey Dump’ is breaking up with your high school boyfriend or girlfriend after being apart from each other for the first time while at university. Call us romantics, but what if this Thanksgiving weekend instead of dumping your high school sweetheart, you ditched some of your poor financial habits instead?

In no particular order, here are some poor financial habits that you should kick to the curb.

1. Not using a budget. This one’s a no-brainer! If you need some help getting started, we can help with our easy to use budget template.

2. Only paying the minimum balance on your credit card. You should treat your credit card like an emergency fund—not as an excuse to buy a large pizza instead of using your meal card on a Friday night.

3. Maxing out your student loan/savings already. This is a marathon, not a sprint! If your student loan is disappearing quicker than an ‘I wuz here’ message on a dorm-room white board, it might be time to pump the brakes and look at your finances. The semester is only half over.

4. Going out on the town every weekend. Sure, it’s ok to blow off some steam now and then and have fun with your friends. But between cabs, cover charges, drinks, and late-night snacks, socializing can take a toll on your bank account.

5. #PSLs.Seriously. A fancy coffee habit adds up quicker than you think. It’s ok to treat yourself, but just maybe not every day.

So, while you tackle that mountain of laundry, raid your parents’ fridge, and yes—give thanks and spend time with family and friends—the long weekend is also the perfect time to review your spending habits and get your finances in order for the second half of the semester. Your wallet will thank you!