You don’t need to be a financial expert to make wise moves with your money. Many people often believe that it’s impossible to see any headway with their finances, but that’s not the case. Improving your finances often comes down to making one wise step. That builds the confidence you need to work on other goals. In a recent online conversation, people discussed singular moves that improved their finances for the better. Here are 12 of their top choices.
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1. Early Investment
A woman in her forties opens up about reaching the significant milestone of $1 million in combined investments with her spouse, including their home valued at $300,000.
This was a financial feat she once deemed unattainable. Presently, they maintain a modest lifestyle akin to a $50,000 income. This discreet approach underscores another wise financial decision that prudently safeguards and cultivates their amassed wealth.
2. Asking for a Raise
Seeking a raise can bolster financial prospects and empower future aspirations, yet not every supervisor approves. Interestingly, a rejected request often catalyzes one to pursue higher-paying opportunities.
Numerous individuals recount their experiences of receiving superior offers after their current employer declined a raise request. For instance, one user shared their journey of securing a new job that offered a ten percent raise in their initial year following their previous boss’s refusal.
3. Living off Hourly Wage
As hard as it sounds, an individual deliberately decided to sustain themselves solely on their hourly wage. Between the ages of 21 and 27, they held a commission-based job, diligently stashing away every commission paycheck into their savings.
Acknowledging the difficulty and lack of immediate gratification, they assert that this approach yielded significant benefits over time.
4. Owning a Certificate of Deposit
Following her boyfriend’s suggestion, a forum member allocated half of her father’s $65,000 life insurance payout into a certificate of deposit, marking it as one of her most astute life decisions. This move made saving straightforward, as accessing the funds would incur penalties.
Presently, she maintains $30,000 in the CD, generating approximately $1,200 in annual interest. She’s the only one from her family with any money left.
5. Putting Away Ten Percent of income
For another individual, devoting ten percent of their monthly income immediately upon receipt has proven to be a game-changing strategy. They’ve gradually accumulated a substantial financial cushion by mentally separating this portion from their regular earnings.
This disciplined approach extends to windfalls like bonuses and gifts as well. It’s worth noting that this tactic thrives when built upon a reliable and steady income that sustains a comfortable standard of living.
6. Saving Three Percent
The ten percent rule might not be feasible for everyone, and that’s completely okay. Tailoring savings to your individual circumstances is crucial. Another individual shared their approach of putting away three percent of their monthly salary in an online savings account like CIT Bank to earn a good interest rate.
While it’s not substantial, their mother instilled this practice, emphasizing the importance of consistently setting aside even a modest sum. Over time, these small contributions accumulate significantly. While it might not pave the way to buying a house, this habit can act as a safety net, potentially safeguarding against unforeseen financial setbacks.
7. Buying Property
Undoubtedly, undertaking significant financial decisions can feel daunting. The prospect of a substantial sum leaving your account might evoke apprehension, mainly when investing in endeavors like real estate.
For one individual, the timing of purchasing a property seemed unfavorable, even though they could manage the initial deposit. Despite their reservations, they proceeded with the purchase. Looking back, they affirm that this decision was their most rewarding financial move.
8. Getting A VA Loan
With the help of their spouse, an individual capitalized on a VA loan, enabling them to secure a property without any down payment. Seizing the opportune moment when interest rates were at their lowest, they later underwent a streamlined VA refinance at 2.5%.
Their home purchase, dating back to 2015, now boasts approximately $200k in equity, thanks to the dynamic real estate market. While acknowledging that VA loans are exclusive and granted to those with a military background, the invaluable advantage they provide has given this individual a substantial edge in their financial journey.
9. Taking Advantage of Scholarships
The enduring challenge of repaying student debts after graduation is deeply embedded in American society. Yet, one individual managed to circumvent this predicament through strategic choices. They pursued their Bachelor’s degree at a university offering a comprehensive scholarship, effectively covering their tuition costs.
They chose to reside with their grandmother during their academic years, substantially reducing their living expenses. By diligently working during the summer and part-time throughout the semester, they could accumulate savings instead of incurring considerable debt.
10. Getting Real About Debt
Numerous users claimed the best move they made with their finances was finally getting real about the debt the owe on credit cards and other high-interest debt.
People often believe that debt is simply a part of life. That’s not the case. You don’t have to be in debt, and it is possible to pay off debt. It takes a plan, and willingness to be real with your situation. Users commented on the lack of confidence they had, but once they started attacking the debt that soon melted away.
11. Keeping Cars and Gadgets for Longer
Several persons note in the forum that Embracing the philosophy of “keeping cars until the wheels fall off” proves to be a financially prudent choice. Often overlooked, the expense incurred by frequently trading in cars every few years adds up significantly.
Similarly, this mindset extends to technology as well. The allure of the latest gadgets might be tempting, but refraining from constantly upgrading — be it phones, TVs, or computers — can save a substantial amount. Recognizing that functional items don’t necessitate constant replacement can lead to significant long-term financial gains.
12. Being Sober
The revelation hit hard for a woman who recently embraced sobriety when she discovered that her daily bar visits and post-drink meals cost her approximately $100 daily.
Thankfully, she now knows that being sober is cheap! Saving $100 per day amounts to $2,800 in savings monthly. It’s not hard to see why it’s a life-changing financial move for her.
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This thread inspired this post.
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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