Seven Scary Money Monsters

Monsters will be walking neighborhoods across the country tonight in celebration of Halloween. It’s fun make-believe for the kids, but monsters have a foundation in reality. There really was a Count Dracula and he was actually a pretty scary dude. Scientists robbing dead bodies from graves was a common practice in the age when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein.

Monsters embody many real life fears we have, and it just so happens that some of them are related to how we handle money. Have you seen any of these scary money monsters?

Zombies are slow moving, thoughtless beings who destroy lives. Do you have a zombie budget slowing destroying your life? A zombie budget is brainless and empty. It gives no thought and provides no plan for your spending. Rather than let each month shuffle and limp by, tell your money what to do by setting up a thoughtful monthly budget with purposeful spending plans.

Vampires suck the life away from their victims. Everyone gets the same amount of time each day, but those who squander it lose it, just like that vampire victim. Using spare time to gain a skill, improve education, or engage in a money-making side gig are all great ways to improve yourself and stay in control of your financial future. If all else fails, drive a stake through your tablet to stop binge watching videos.

Werewolves come out at night to wreak havoc. Late nights, when you are sleep deprived, can be dangerous to your bank account if you go online and engage in impulse shopping. When that full moon comes out, stay away from the one-click button.

The only thing worse than one money monster is two. Couples who haven’t learned how to communicate effectively about money can be scary. Consider reading a book together on the subject or taking a money management class like Financial Peace University.

Dr. Jekyll is a rational man who makes rational decisions. But when he turns into Mr. Hyde, he is an out-of-control madman. Are their triggers that turn you out of control when it comes to spending, such as a visit to a home improvement store or your favorite boutique? Stay away from locations where Mr. Hyde can spend money you don’t have.

Godzilla creates great havoc stomping through cities destroying homes, cars, and people in his path. You may feel that you’ve been hit with a disaster of Godzilla-size proportions if a fire destroys your home, your car is totaled in a wreck, or you have a major medical emergency. Godzilla may not be real, but disasters are real. Your best defense is to make sure you have insurance.

In the musical Little Shop of Horrors an innocent house plant grows into a ravenous monster that eats people. Be careful you don’t indulge in a hobby that can grow out of control and eat away at your savings.

Managing your money well doesn’t require a genius with mad scientist intellect, but it does take some effort. Leave the monsters under the bed where they belong, and take steps so they don’t grab your wallet.