BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM

We’ve all heard the standard financial advice: stick to a budget, save for a rainy day, and avoid spending more than you earn. But what about the lesser-known tips that financial experts swear by in their own lives? These often-overlooked strategies can help you fine-tune your money habits, make better decisions, and build a more financially secure future.

Here are seven surprising money tips from finance professionals that go beyond the basics—and could make a world of difference in your life.

1. Sometimes spending more can save you more

It might seem counterintuitive, but spending more upfront can often lead to long-term savings. “A low price on a lousy product is actually a terrible deal because you will end up spending more, in the long run, to replace cheaply made items that break easily,” explains Andrea Woroch, a consumer-finance and budgeting expert.

Woroch suggests focusing on quality when making purchases. For name-brand items, consider shopping second-hand or waiting for major sales events. She also recommends taking advantage of loyalty programs and searching for online coupons to save without sacrificing quality.

2. Avoid budget burnout

While a detailed budget can help you stay on track, being too restrictive can backfire. “One that is too restrictive will actually backfire quickly due to burnout,” says Woroch. Instead of overhauling your entire spending plan overnight, start with small, manageable changes.

Make room in your budget for the things that truly matter to you, whether it’s a dinner date with a loved one or a fitness class that brings you joy. To offset these costs, consider canceling unused subscriptions or cutting back on energy bills by unplugging gadgets.

3. Watch out for “convenient” spending traps

In a world where it’s easier than ever to make purchases with just a few clicks, unconscious spending has become a common pitfall. Anne Lester, author of Your Best Financial Life, advises slowing down and making purchases more intentional.

Create shopping lists before heading to stores or browsing online. Then, ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Will I use it?” Setting aside a designated time each week for online purchases can also help you pause and reflect.

Another tip: regularly review your subscriptions. Auto-renew features make it easy to forget about services you no longer use. A “subscription cleanse” can save you hundreds of dollars annually.

4. Automate your savings

One of the simplest ways to build wealth is by automating your savings. “You should automate everything you can about saving so that you don’t have to make a conscious decision to do it,” says Lester.

Michael Finke, a professor of wealth management, suggests setting up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account or a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA. “Money in a checking account can be tempting to spend,” Finke adds, but automating your savings ensures you’re building a safety net without even thinking about it.

5. Don’t overlook small charges on your credit card

When scanning credit card statements, it’s easy to focus on big-ticket items while overlooking smaller charges. However, these small transactions can be a red flag for fraud. “Often, thieves test your card out with a few purchases of just a few dollars,” warns Sara Rathner, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet.

Make it a habit to review your statements monthly and report any unrecognized charges immediately—even the small ones. Staying vigilant can help you avoid bigger problems down the road.

6. Separate investments for different goals

While most people have a primary investment account for long-term savings, financial planner Elaine King suggests opening a second account for mid-term goals.

“Mid-term goals could include buying a home, paying for education, or starting a business,” King explains. By aligning your investment strategy with specific time horizons, you can ensure your money is working toward the right objectives. For short-term goals like a home purchase, consider investing in low-risk assets that offer stability.

7. Personalize your financial plan

Above all, remember that personal finance is just that—personal. “Personal finances [are] personal and seasonal,” says Kara Stevens, founder of The Frugal Feminista. What works for someone else may not align with your values or life circumstances.

Before creating a financial plan, reflect on what’s truly important to you. Patrick Yono, CEO of Sure Life Financial, recommends asking questions like: What type of home do I want? What work-life balance feels right for me? What passions or interests do I want to pursue? Your answers will help shape a financial strategy that feels authentic and achievable.

Flexibility is also key. Life changes, and so should your financial plan. “The best thing you can build into your personal financial plan is the flexibility to make changes as needed,” Rathner advises.

Building a financially healthy future

While financial advice often focuses on the basics, it’s the nuanced strategies that can truly set you up for success. From automating savings to creating personalized plans, these expert tips can help you take control of your money and navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence.

By incorporating these lesser-known but impactful practices into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to a more secure and fulfilling financial future.