As an individual or as a business, the smarter financial habits you have, the less risk you have of falling into a downward economic spiral. It’s amazing how many small businesses fail because of poor money habits, and it’s also incredible to see how many people individually go into bankruptcy just because they never checked on their spending routines.

As far as these smart financial habits go, there are three things that you could look at right away to improve your practical and theoretical standing. First of all, make sure that you focus on good credit. You can have all sorts of great credit cards at your disposal, but that doesn’t mean you should use them to spend more money than you can pay off at the end of each month. Secondly, avoid preventable money sinks. The first example of this that comes to mind might be preventing any situation where you are financially responsible for someone’s injury. Thirdly, whenever you put money into something or take money out of something, pay attention to the costs and the benefits as well as the risks and rewards.

Focus On Good Credit

From your early teenage years, you should focus on good credit card habits. Never buy more than you can afford to pay off at the end of each month. Look at how interest rates work for each credit card. Find out what sort of cash back benefits you get from using your credit cards. Start building up your credit early, but use it responsibly all along the way. It is terrible when someone gets the first credit card and then immediately maxes it out thinking of all the wonderful things that they purchased. The tough part is that then they have to start paying off interest rates because they don’t have the money to cover the bill.

Avoid Preventable Money Sinks

If you’re trying to avoid downward economic spirals, prevention is the key when it comes to certain types of events. For example, if somehow your business is liable for someone’s personal injury, that can be a massive hit to your company’s bottom line. Even with insurance, a personal injury that is because of your business’s negligence can ultimately bankrupt your company. Don’t cut any corners when it comes to personal responsibility, and you won’t end up paying for it financially later.

Pay Attention To Cost and Benefit, Risk and Reward

Finally, whenever money is coming or going or whatever you have to make decisions that affect your finances, go through a cost and benefit method. Think about the pros and cons strictly concerning financial feasibility, and allow that to help determine your goal and your ultimate decision. Every action has a risk and reward, and moving through the possibilities will clear up what the most appropriate action for you is.