10 financial choices you'll probably regret in 10 years

flickr/Samantha Marx

Life is full of financial decisions, some simple, some complex, but all with the potential to make a real impact on your life. In a decade, your world can look quite a bit different than it is today — all because of these decisions.

Today I'd like to focus on some financial choices you're likely to regret in 10 years. I'd like to save you from the pain, the chaos and the heartache that occurs when people make these decisions.

Put these on your not-to-do list. You'll be glad you did.

1. Waiting to start a budget

Have you procrastinated on starting a budget? It's time to sit down and get your spending under control.

The beautiful thing about a budget is that it not only keeps you on track with your spending, but it tells you what you should feel free to spend. Have you ever eyed a triple-scoop ice cream cone and thought to yourself, “You know what, I'm not sure I should buy this — perhaps I'm spending too much money on little things.”

No more, my friend. No more. When you have a budget, you know how much you can spend and still be OK.

The long-term benefits of having a budget are incredible. Think of all the money you'll save, the financial goals you'll fund and the peace you'll have with your spouse when making financial decisions together. That's worth it!

2. Not paying off credit card balances every month

Credit card debt can pile up fast. If you're not paying off your credit cards every month, you should start. The interest on credit cards can divert money from other important goals like buying a home or saving for retirement. (You can make a credit card payoff plan using this calculator.)

Budgeting can help you ensure you're using your credit cards appropriately. You can see how your credit card debt is impacting your credit scores for free on Credit.com.

3. Buying a financial product without doing your homework

I know a woman who paid more than $3,500 in variable annuity fees and didn't even know it. Don't think it can't happen to you.

If a financial adviser or insurance agent is selling you a financial product, make sure you educate yourself on the product before you sign on the dotted line. (Full disclosure: I'm a Certified Financial Planner.)

4. Neglecting your emergency fund

Emergency funds help protect you from the inevitable. You're going to have a financial setback at some point. It could be a few hundred dollars, or a few thousand.

I recommend you have eight months worth of expenses in an emergency fund. After you use the fund for emergencies, make it your top financial priority to replenish it. If you let your emergency fund slip into the abyss, you might find yourself down the road with more debt than you can handle.

5. Buying a new vehicle when you can't afford it

Vehicles are important for many people, but they can also become a discretionary black hole. If you are planning on buying or leasing a vehicle when you know you don't have the money, please don't.

The ramifications of a car payment well exceed the financial hit of the price of the car, and you can end up spending your retirement away without realizing it.