Personal finance is a lot less about dollars and cents than you may think. You just need to have common sense. Good financial sense is something that must be learned, and it usually gets learned through exercising poor financial sense. You can free yourself from financial stress and cultivate money management skills the easy way by checking out the personal finance advice provided below.
With the economy in its present condition, putting savings into varied sources makes good sense. Keep some money in a savings account, some in a checking account, some invested in stocks, some in high-interest accounts, and some in gold. Protect your money with whichever of these ideas appeals to you.
Keeping a log of exactly what you spend on a daily basis will allow you to figure out exactly where your money is going. If you do write it down then put it aside until the next day, you don’t always have to stare at it and may forget about it. Try writing things down on a whiteboard in your kitchen or somewhere else that is visible. It will be front and center during your daily activities and hard to avoid.
Cat Chow
If you want to start improving your finances stop paying full price for things. Drop your loyalty to specific brands and purchase items which you have coupons for. If you always buy Purina Cat Chow, but this week’s online coupons has a coupon for Fancy Feast, you might be able to get the Fancy Feast for less than the Cat Chow for once.
If debt collectors constantly contact you, then you should know that your debts do legally expire if they are not collected within a certain time frame. If you think that a debt has expired, consult an expert. You may not need to pay the collection agency for the expired debt.
Buying a lot of food just because it is on sale is not always a good deal. Buying large sizes, or in quantity or bulk, can be a good deal, but not if the item will go bad before you can use it. Be reasonable when hunting for ways to save money at the grocery store.
Credit Card
Not using a credit card at all is one way to stay out of debt and to protect your personal finances. Really consider any purchase you are about to make on your credit card. Think about the length of time a particular purchase will take in order to be paid. Make sure you do not put any charges on your credit card that you are not able to pay off by the next statement’s closing date.
Don’t waste money on lottery tickets; invest it wisely instead. You will then know the money will be there and grow instead of flushing your money away!
Make sure to save for a rainy day by creating a savings account for emergencies. You can save for a specific goal that you have in mind, like paying off credit card debt or saving for college.
Always mail your payment for your power bill so that it arrives by the due date. Paying them late can damage your credit rating. Not only that, but most places will charge you a late fee, costing you even more money. Paying late is not worth the hassles, so be sure to pay your bills when due.
It can be helpful to talk with a relative or friend who works with finances to get insight on how to properly manage your money. If one doesn’t know anyone who works in the financial sector, a family member who manages their own money well could be helpful.
Financial issues can come up suddenly, without warning, so it’s always good to be prepared. Know what your late fees cost and how many days you can pay past the due date. Look at your choices before entering a year-long lease.
When you control the flow of your money, you automatically control your property. Also, be sure to track all of the money that you make and what bills are coming due on month’s close. Make sure you get a property budget that is firmly established so you have a guideline to follow.
Consider applying for an overdraft program at your back if your monthly paycheck sometimes comes up just a little short at the end of the month. Although you may have to pay a little extra each month, the fee for overdrafting could be as much as $20.
It is important to live within your means and never spend more than you make. People who do not have a budget or who earn less than they spend, will only end up deeper in debt. Find out what you make and spend far less than what you bring in.
Read any mail that your credit card company sends you. According to the law, you must receive a 45 day notice ahead of time. Read over changes and see if they are worth keeping the account for. If not, pay it off and close it!
Personal Finances
Personal finances are handled differently by everyone, and you are the only person who knows what is right for your life. Ideally, this article has given you some useful insights into savvy money management and you’ll be able to exercise greater control over your personal finances with its help. Post a few reminders of specific steps you want to take in areas of your home that you will see frequently; perhaps the bathroom mirror or on your refrigerator door. Use what you’ve learned for better results!