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It does not take much time on the Internet to find that financial advice is worth tens. Everyone has tips on how to earn more and spend less.

Some of these tips may be helpful, but there are also many simply bad ideas. After browsing the web, here is the financial advice you should avoid at all costs, as well as how you can rework it to help you.

1. Open your windows instead of using AC

This is the tip to save money for anyone who has never lived somewhere above 80 degrees. As in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, where I saw the temperature reach 116 degrees in the summer and where I would probably have died if he was not equipped with my air conditioner.

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You are not alone if you do this: Do you spend unnecessary expenses?

There is also the cold weather version of this advice: regroup instead of using your heating in winter. Again, it may work well in some climates, but not in places where it is absolutely cold.

Instead of making you suffer when it's very hot or cold, plan ahead and save extra money in the clearest months when you're not spending as much. For homeowners, you can also have your home's insulation checked or opt for more energy-efficient heating and cooling.

Some financial advice that you find on the Internet can actually work against you. (Photo: GETTY IMAGES)

2. Generate passive income by writing books

When you see a person suggesting writing as a kind of system to enrich it quickly, you can safely assume that it:

  • I have never written a book.
  • I have no idea of ​​the authors' salary for book sales.

While many authors end up generating solid passive income, there are many more who do not. If you want to be one of the few elected officials who succeed, you must spend hundreds of hours writing this book.

If you want to generate additional income, the best is to use the talents and passions you already have. This could be written for some, but for others, it could be something completely different, such as web design or marketing.

3. Try to win radio contests for quick money

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Yes, I actually read a column that recommends it. According to the advice, it's as useful as suggesting that you hit the blackjack tables or buy tickets to win to make extra money.

Winning radio contests is almost always a matter of luck. So it's certainly not a reliable way to make money. Even if you win one, it's not something you can replicate in the future.

If you want to have a more productive ride, you can use this time to listen to podcasts or audiobooks.

4. Save your currency

Many families have gone that route by putting a huge pot in the house and throwing in extra coins every night. This is a common recommendation for people who are struggling to save money, but it's far from the most efficient way to save money.

There are two flagrant flaws in the registration of your currency. The first is that to save money this way, you will have to pay in cash all the time. Credit cards are a more secure means of payment, and there is a lot of Excellent credit cards that can earn you rewards.

The other problem is that the money you save would be much better in a bank account. On one of the best bank accounts, your money can earn interest and it will be safer than staying at home.

5. Read self-help books and attend seminars

There is always a new flavor of the month, a self-help system that people love. "The secret." "Rich Dad Poor Dad." And a million others, usually with a combination of the words "wealth", "power" and "success" in the title.

All have in common to be designed to please the greatest number. They are finding new ways to offer extremely broad advice and philosophies, such as:

  • Put your money in assets whose value is increasing.
  • Avoid debts.
  • Have a positive state of mind.

Self-improvement is a laudable goal, but you'd better focus on specific skills rather than wasting money on unique programs.

Separate good advice from bad

These are just some of the worst offenders, and they prove that you need to take financial advice with a grain of salt. Before you follow the so-called clear advice, make sure the potential reward is worth it.

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Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner providing financial information, analysis and insights designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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