It can be easy to blow all of your money on things you do not need, such as, going out to eat or new clothes, if you have no bills to pay. However, those who are financially independent need to consider their options more carefully. You should start by reading this article.
When it comes to finances one of the most intelligent things to do is avoid credit card debt. Only spend the money if you actually have it. The typical ten percent interest rates on a credit card can cause charges to add up very quickly. If you find yourself already in debt, it is prudent to pay early and often overpay.
When it comes to investments try to remember, stocks first and bonds later. When you are young invest in stocks, and as you get older move into bonds. It is a great long-term investment strategy to choose stocks. If the market takes a turn for the worse, you will have plenty of time left to make up what you have lost. Bonds are less risky, and better to invest in as you age.
Start building up an emergency fund today. In an ideal world you should have at least three months, preferable six months, living expenses stored away. Put it in an easy access, high interest savings account. If you don’t have any money saved, remember that it is never too late to start saving.
Use multiple credit cards instead of maxing one out. The interest of two different payments should be much lower than paying off a maxed out credit card. The lower amount will be less of a burden to your credit, as long as you stay in control of both cards.
Make sure to always pay yourself first. You should be putting at least 10% of your pre-tax income into a savings account. This is the money that is going to keep you from losing the house during an emergency. Do not skip on it and do not forget about it.
Do not charge more each month than you can pay when the bill comes in. The interest adds up if you only pay the minimum balance, and you can end up paying much more for your purchase in the end than if you had simply used your own money to buy it outright. Bonuses such as airline miles or even rebates seldom make up for the additional expense.
Even though bottled water may seem like an insignificant expense when you purchase it individually, it will add up over time. Instead of purchasing bottled water every single day, invest in a water filter. This will allow you to create water that has the same taste as bottled, at little to no cost.
As a college student, you will want to reduce the amount that you spend on books and supplies. Instead of purchasing books at the campus bookstore, which is usually at retail price, make friends with upperclassman who can give you these books at a discount. This can save you hundreds of dollars per semester.
One thing that you will need to be very concerned with when analyzing your personal finances is your credit card statement. It is very important to pay down your credit card debt, as this will only rise with the interest that is tacked onto it each month. Pay off your credit card immediately to increase your net worth.
Talking to a good friend or family member that has worked in the financial services industry can be a good source of free information on how to better manage your finances. If there aren’t any family members that have finance experience, close friends are also a good choice to turn to.
Teaching guitar lessons can help one support their personal finances as well as build ties both in the music community and with people from all walks of life. As one builds a customer base or finds a music school to teach out of they will increase their finances and network at the same time.
Most property rentals, may they be apartment complexes or houses, do provide you with a mailbox. However, some places only allow a certain amount of mail that you are allowed to receive that fits within a small box. Other places have a high rate of stolen packages. It may sometimes be in your best interest to rent a postal box elsewhere. This can incur some pretty hefty yearly costs. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons, including mail, when you are signing a lease.
Creating a budget and shopping lists, keeping receipts and monitoring your spending, are all steps in the right direction when it comes to managing personal finances. Avoid getting into debt or being evicted from your home by spending your money wisely and managing it in a way that’s most beneficial.
