Groundhog Day-How to avoid repeating money mistakes over and over again.

Since 1840, each February legendary weather forecasting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his winter burrow in Pennsylvania. If it's a sunny day and he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. But, if it's a cloudy day and Phil does not see his shadow, an early spring is on the way.

This strange holiday inspired a 1993 rom-com film about a TV weather reporter named Phil (played by actor Bill Murray) who gets trapped in a time warp and has to unbearably do the events of the previous day over and over again. He makes small changes in his behavior every day but still can't move beyond Groundhog Day until he has a genuine change of heart. So, what does all this have to do with achieving your financial goals?

Here are the top 3 common financial mistakes to avoid and solutions on how to avoid repeating these money mistakes over and over again.

1. Paying Bills Late: Life gets hectic, but even one late payment can hurt your credit score.

Solution: Create a budget so that all your bills get paid on time. Set up automated payments through your Online Banking Bill Pay so that you don't accidentally miss any payments.

2. Not Saving: You probably live paycheck to paycheck. So saving is hard. But not saving is a huge mistake; many individuals aren't prepared for emergencies, which can sink them deeper into debt. Having a savings account – even a small one, can serve as a buffer if you have a financial emergency.

Solution: Open a savings account with Planters First Bank today!

3. Not Monitoring Credit Report: Your credit is important. Identity theft is more rampant than ever. Having negative information on your credit reports can keep you from getting approved for a loan, paying higher interest rates, or getting turned down for a job.

Solution: Monitoring for changes can help you know if there is any fraudulent activity on your file.

Keeping track of your finances may not prevent another long winter, but you'll be secure knowing you aren't repeating these mistakes and reliving your own Groundhog Day. It's all about seeing the future you want – whether it's an early spring or early retirement – and making a commitment to small changes that can help you pay off debt and save for the future.