3 Simple Money Mistakes We See (And How to Avoid Them)

Mar 9, 2026 | 3 Minute Read

One of the best parts of being a community bank is the conversations we get to have with our customers every day. Whether someone stops in to deposit a check, ask a question, or talk through a financial decision, we learn a lot about the challenges people face when managing money.

We recently asked our branch managers about the most common money mistakes they see. The good news? Most of them are easy to improve with a few small changes and the right tools.

Here are three we see most often.

Mistake #1: Account Overdrafts

Account overdrafts usually aren’t intentional. In many cases, it’s simply a matter of timing; an automatic payment goes through before a deposit hits, or a purchase slips through that wasn’t accounted for.

The good news is there are some easy ways to stay ahead of it. 

With our online and mobile banking, you can set up helpful alerts that notify you when:

  • Your balance drops below a certain amount
  • A specific transaction amount comes out of your account

These alerts can help you keep a closer eye on things without needing to constantly check your balance.

We can also set up something called an account sweep, which works like a small safety net. If your checking account happens to go negative, funds can automatically transfer from another account to cover it. Many customers think of it as a simple $5 insurance policy against overdrafts.

You can manage alerts and monitor your account anytime through our app or online banking. And if you’d like help setting up a sweep or reviewing your account, just stop by one of our locations, we’re always happy to help!

Mistake #2: Credit Card Misuse

Credit cards can be a great financial tool. They can help you build your credit score, make purchases more convenient, and even earn travel points or rewards along the way.

But like many financial tools, they need to be used carefully. When they’re misused, things can spiral faster than people expect.

One common situation we see is what’s often called the “points trap.” Rewards programs can be fun and beneficial, but they should never be the reason you spend more money than you planned. If you’re buying extra things just to earn points, the interest you might pay later can easily outweigh any rewards you earned.

Another thing to watch for is “balance creep.” This happens when a credit card balance slowly grows over time. Maybe the card wasn’t fully paid off one month, then another purchase gets added, and before long the balance is larger than expected. Because it happens gradually, many people don’t notice it until it becomes stressful.

A few good habits can help keep credit cards working for you instead of against you:

  • Only charge what you know you can comfortably pay back
  • Keep an eye on your balance throughout the month
  • Try to pay off the full balance whenever possible

If you’re considering a credit card or want to compare options, take a look at the credit card page on our website. And if you’d rather talk it through with a real person, stop by and see us. We’re always happy to answer questions and help you find the option that fits your goals.

CREDIT CARDS

Mistake #3: Not Having a Rainy Day Fund

Life has a way of throwing unexpected expenses our way. Car repairs, home fixes, medical bills, or other surprises can pop up when we least expect them.

That’s where a rainy day fund can make a big difference.

A rainy day fund is simply money set aside for needs, not wants. Having even a small cushion can help turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.

If saving feels overwhelming, start small. Setting aside a little from each paycheck can add up faster than you might think, and an easy way to do this is through our automatic online transfers. Through our online banking portal, you can set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account, so you don’t even have to think about it. Setting up something automatic takes the mental work out of it, so you can start to build up your savings. 

If you’re not sure where to start, our team can help you look at other account options that make saving easier. Stop by and chat with us. We’d love to help you build a plan that works for you!

We’re Here to Help

Managing money doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you want help setting up account alerts, learning more about credit cards, or finding the right account to start saving, our team is here for you. Stop into any of our locations or explore the resources on our website to get started.