On the grand stage of life, everyone hopes to play the role of the wealthy, radiant protagonist. However, in reality, many people unknowingly act out a tragic drama of burning through their finances and self-destruction. You may have seen such scenes: wearing expensive watches, dressed in designer brands, speaking grandly of entrepreneurial dreams and future empires, yet with only a maxed-out credit card barely holding them afloat. Even scarier, some people become numb to this state, mistakenly believing they are on the path to success. In truth, they are merely using a polished exterior to mask their financial quicksand. Wondering if you might also be on this dangerous road? Taking a look at these "bankruptcy warning habits" might help you hit the brakes just in time.

The first danger sign is living off credit cards or emergency funds while splurging at high-end restaurants. When the weight of debt is suffocating but you're still raising a glass to celebrate, you're likely not a victor but someone on the verge of falling into an abyss. Ask yourself, am I paying with cash, or am I just swiping a card and praying for a miracle? Maybe you tell others you're "between projects", "preparing to launch a startup", or waiting for a big break, but in reality, your bank account is flashing red alerts. Worse still, when money issues arise, some people wave the romantic banner of "love has nothing to do with money”, which sounds touching but is incredibly dangerous. After all, in America, financial problems are the third leading cause of divorce, right behind infidelity and emotional disconnection. If you can't have basic conversations about money, then the so-called romance is just a pink-tinted illusion.

Are you also someone who likes to go with the flow, boasting about nonexistent assets during casual chats? Nowadays, talking about cryptocurrency, NFTS, or angel investing has become trendy, with social media filled with screenshots of "get-rich-quick secrets". But in reality, many accounts are nearly empty. If you don't have genuine retirement savings, those flashy investment titles are just sandcastles easily swept away by the tide. This isn't just about "starting late"; it's about completely ignoring future financial security. Ask yourself: am I managing a real investment portfolio, or just talking the talk and posting Dogecoin memes online? True wealth isn't built from buzzwords.

Are you hitching a ride from coworkers after work? Using your roommate's fridge? This points to over-reliance on others' resources. Using someone else's Wi-Fi, raiding their fridge, driving their car— while the "sharing economy" sounds eco-friendly, if it becomes a way of life, it can easily morph into economic parasitism. Statistics show that a third of young adults today still live with their parents. Sure, some may face unexpected life setbacks and need temporary help. But if dependency becomes permanent and self-sufficiency is lost, then confidence and dreams will eventually become empty words.

Ultimately, true financial maturity isn't represented by stylish clothes or elegant conversation, it's rooted in a deep respect for responsibility. Financial management isn't a cold, detached topic, it's about making choices and respecting your own and others' futures. If you or your partner always dodge money discussions, using romance or dreams as excuses to avoid reality, maybe it's time to pause and reflect. In the world of finance, avoidance never solves problems— it only allows them to snowball until they become overwhelming. The life truly worth pursuing isn't about superficial glamour or shiny social media labels; it's about solid financial freedom. It's about standing firm on a foundation you've built yourself, unafraid of whatever storms tomorrow may bring.