“Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” In the land of Oz and in the real world, sometimes it’s not about being bad, it’s about not knowing better. When it comes to money, even well-meaning Munchkins can find themselves tangled in a financial spell they never meant to cast.

But fear not, young witches and wizards of wealth! Just like Elphaba’s powers grew when she embraced her true self, you too can harness the magic of financial literacy to turn wicked money habits into good ones.

Here’s how to break the curse and start defying debt!

Wicked Habit #1: Spending Without a Plan

When Dorothy followed the yellow brick road without knowing where it would take her, she ended up in a whirlwind of trouble. The same goes for spending without a budget, you might think you’re heading somewhere, but end up lost in a cyclone of bills.

The spell to break it: create a budget and stick to it. Track your income and expenses like you’re charting a path to the Emerald City. With a clear path, every dollar has a purpose, and no flying houses land on your financial goals!

The road to better finances isn’t paved in gold, but Langley’s exclusive Budgeting Tools make it easier to follow.

Wicked Habit #2: Ignoring Savings

Elphaba didn’t start out flying. She had to work her magic over time. Saving money works the same way, it builds slowly until one day, you’re soaring!

The spell to break it: automate your savings. It’s like magic that works in the background! Set up an automatic transfer into your Langley High Yield Savings Account to grow your savings into something truly enchanting.

Wicked Habit #3: Borrowing Without Understanding

Remember those flying monkeys? They weren’t always evil, but when under a spell from the Grimmerie, things took a turn for the worst. Debt can be the same way—helpful when understood, harmful when misunderstood.

The spell to break it: always read the fine print. Know the terms of any loan or credit card before you sign. Understand interest rates, fees, and repayment plans so your money choices don’t turn into spellbinding mayhem.

Missed that lesson from Dr. Dillamond? No worries, check out Langley’s Student Loans Blog Article to learn everything you need to know!

Wicked Habit #4: Trying to Manage Money Alone

Glinda and Elphaba might have started out as unlikely friends, but their bond showed the power of having someone by your side—someone who keeps you grounded, honest, and on track. Money is no different. Trying to handle your finances solo can often make the journey harder. Having a trusted companion to keep you accountable can make all the difference!

The spell to break it: find your financial ally. Whether it’s a friend or family member, you don’t have to do it alone. The Langley Spend Card is perfect for your adventures with friends! It helps you manage spending easily, share special moments, and keep your budget on track while defying debt together.

Wicked Habit #5: Forgetting to Celebrate Small Wins

In Munchkinland, even the smallest victories were cause for celebration, and even they couldn’t hold back once the Wicked Witch was finally dead. The Munchkins cheered, sang, and celebrated the end of something that no longer served them. “No one mourns the wicked,” after all. The same goes for your money habits. When you kick a bad one to the curb, it’s worth celebrating.

The spell to break it: recognize your wins, no matter how small. Made your first budget? Opened an Account with Langley? Started saving regularly? That’s your own personal victory over wicked habits, and proof that you’re already on the path to something magical!

You Have the Power!

Elphaba never let the world define her, and you don’t have to let bad money habits define your story either. Financial literacy is the real magic. And with a few small changes you can rewrite your money tale from “wicked” to wonderful.

So click your heels three times and take the first step, because there’s no place like Langley Federal Credit Union when it comes to smart money moves!