The 1 Money Mistake That Most People Regret

Everyone makes mistakes when it comes to their finances. So if you’ve ever kicked yourself for making one, you’re not alone.

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Let’s break down the top money mistake many people regret (as well as a few others) — and what you can do about it now.

According to a recent survey from Clarify Capital, 43% of Americans say their biggest financial regret is not investing earlier. Whether it was fear, confusion or simply not knowing where to start, many of us are wishing we could go back in time and give our younger selves a nudge.

It’s easy to put off investing — especially when you’re juggling rent and student loans, or are just trying to build a basic emergency fund. For many, investing feels like something you do after you’ve “made it.” But that mindset is exactly what leads to the biggest regret: not starting sooner.

The truth is, you don’t need a ton of money to begin. Even small, consistent contributions have the power to grow over time thanks to compound interest. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to do the heavy lifting for you.

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The survey also highlighted some other common money mistakes that people end up regretting.

The survey found that 38% of people said overspending was their biggest financial regret.

Let’s be real — swiping the card feels way easier than checking the budget. Whether it’s little impulse buys that add up or the occasional “YOLO” splurge that turns into a habit, overspending is one of those financial slip-ups that sneaks up on you.

It’s not always about luxury, either. Sometimes we overspend just trying to “keep up,” especially in a world where everyone’s highlight reel is on display. But chasing a lifestyle before you can actually afford it can leave you stuck in a cycle of debt, stress and wondering where your paycheck went.

Having too much debt was the biggest financial regret of 29% of respondents.

Debt can feel like a weight that’s always there, lurking in the background of every paycheck, every financial decision, every “maybe next month.” And while not all debt is bad, too much of it — especially high-interest credit card debt — can quickly spiral into regret territory.

For many, debt starts small: a little here, a little there, often with the best intentions. But it adds up fast. Before you know it, you’re not just paying for the thing you bought. You’re paying interest on it month after month, which means less money going toward your future.