Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Would you like to learn how to control your finances instead of letting them control you? It is possible to get on track financially. By following these tips not only will you show your money who is boss, but you will get piece of mind.
When you need to borrow money, ensure your personal finance stays safe by never going over 30% of your income. When people borrow more than 30% of their income it can drastically reduce your credit score. So as long as you stay within these safe parameters you can enjoy having good credit.
If you are a college student, make sure that you sell your books at the end of the semester. Often, you will have a lot of students at your school in need of the books that are in your possession. Also, you can put these books online and get a large percentage of what you originally paid for them.
Not only are older appliances less efficient at performing their job, but they can also be a significant drain on your monthly energy consumption. Newer high-efficiency models are a wise investment that can save you money and ensure that your home is a safe environment in which your family can eat, live, and play. Replace microwaves every decade, washers and dryers every thirteen years, and stoves and ovens every fifteen years.
Never base a tax investment on current tax laws. Do not buy real estate if your turning a profit on it relies heavily on the current tax laws of your state. Tax laws are often subject to change. You do not want to find yourself out a lot of money just because you didn't properly plan ahead.
Change your trading plans with your goals. If your personal goals change, and no longer match up with the strategy you are using in the market, it may be time to change it up a bit. When your financial situation changes, reevaluating your goals and methods will help you manage your trades more effectively.
If you want to get your personal finances under control, try freezing your credit cards. Credit cards are good for emergencies, but are often used to buy things we can't afford. Avoid this spur of the moment spending by literally freezing your card. Put it in a container of water and freeze it. You can still use your card in an emergency, but having to thaw out the credit card will give you time to rethink those impulse buys that lead to more debt.
It is never too early to teach children about personal finance and savings. If they earn an allowance, have them set aside a percentage into a piggy bank or a savings account (if they're old enough to have one). They can also do the same with money they receive for birthdays or holidays.
Read books about personal finance and make a point to do this consistently. Motivational books about personal finance keep you on your toes and help make you make great strides in this department. Dave Ramsey has some really great books out, and I definitely recommend his book "Financial Peace." It is a great read!
A great tip for personal finances is to never buy anything with cash. It is very difficult to track cash and know penny for penny where your money is going. Rather you should use your bank card for everything, and write down in a journal or budget log every time you use it. Then analyze it at the end of the month and determine where you need to cut back.
An IRA is a great way to supplement your employment or other retirement plans. IRA's are generally not as limited as far as types of investments as 401k plans are. If you have the money available, start an IRA as a supplemental vehicle for retirement on the side. It will greatly benefit your future.
Use an online savings account to get the best interest rates. Many savings accounts pay little or no interest due to the poor economy. There are online savings accounts, like those offered by ING Direct, that offers rates four to five times better than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. These rates do come with some restrictions, so read the fine print carefully before opening an account.
Check up on your checking account. New regulations enacted by Congress have spurred banks to change the terms of their checking accounts. Examples of this include abolishing free checking and raising the required balanced to avoid service fees. Look into a credit union if you are paying higher fees due to these changes.
When thinking about moving somewhere new, consider that your new higher salary could be due to a higher living cost in the new area. Get information on how much homes or rentals cost and what your utilities may run you each month.
You need to have a safe method of disposal for all of your unwanted financial documents. A paper shredder is a must. Thieves can steal your identity and wreak havoc on your credit if they gain access to your improperly disposed documents. You need to thoroughly protect yourself to prevent this from occurring.
Learn to cook a few dishes from your favorite cuisine. When you have a craving for Lasagna, Pad Thai or Fajitas, you can pick up the ingredients yourself and cook the meal for a fraction of the cost of ordering it in a restaurant. Make more than you need and pack it for lunch the next day.
If you are budgeting you should not spend any cash money. Try to switch most of your spending to a debit or credit card (debit card preferred). It is harder to track your spending when you are doing it with cash. Using debit you can see where your money is being spent.
As you can see, it is extremely possible to be in charge of your financial life by making small changes here and there. You can stop worrying about finances and find peace. So what are you waiting for? Start making changes today and your wallet will thank you tomorrow.
Orignal From: What You Need To Know About Personal Finance
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