How you manage your money influences a lot of areas of your life. From having what you need on a daily basis to achieving long-term goals, they all flow from wise money management. You don’t need to be an expert, or have an MBA, to manage your money effectively. Following a few simple tips is all you need to start and build confidence. In a recent online conversation, people discussed basic fundamental money tips you can’t avoid. Here are ten of their top choices.
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1. Spend Less Than You Make
As a wise commenter says, “The golden rule of personal finance is to spend less than you make.” It might not be a walk in the park, but it’s a crucial step if you’re aiming to stash away funds and hit those financial targets.
Give a wide berth to those spur-of-the-moment splurges. Spending on stuff not on your need list is so easy and exciting. Before you take the plunge, pause and give it a thought. Is this something you genuinely need?
2. Pay With Cash, Not Credit
Take it slow and stay in control when managing your money. By being patient and saving up for your necessities, you can make payments using cash or a debit card, drawing directly from your checking account.
This way, you avoid relying on a credit card. Remember, a credit card is a borrowed sum that gathers interest unless you can clear the monthly balance. While credit cards are handy for boosting your credit score, it’s wise to keep them reserved for unpredictable situations that need quick attention.
3. Create a Budget and Stick To It
We get that budgeting doesn’t have the thrill of a blockbuster movie, but it’s a game-changer. Craft a monthly budget that maps out your earnings alongside every single expense.
Keep it real, cover the whole spectrum — rent, bills, or the fun stuff, and stash some cash away. This simple step paints a crystal-clear picture of your cash flow, pinpointing spots where you can tighten the belt or amp up your investments.
4. Start Saving Early
Age doesn’t matter regarding retirement planning — even if you’re just getting started, it’s a smart move. Thanks to the magic of compound interest, kicking off your savings journey in your 20s means earning interest on your initial reserve and the interest that piles up over time.
This growing fund will be your ticket to a comfortable retirement. Speaking of retirement plans, the ones offered by your workplace are golden. Why? You can funnel in money before taxes kick in, and here’s the kicker: some companies toss in a portion to match your contribution.
Plus, the contribution caps for 401(k)s often play in the big leagues compared to individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Either way, you’re taking a solid stride toward financial well-being.
5. Avoid or Minimize Debt
“Having too much debt might make it difficult to reach your financial objectives.” That wisdom comes straight from a seasoned pro. Steering clear of loans that come with sky-high interest rates is a smart call. And if you’ve got existing debt, make it a priority to wave goodbye to it pronto.
Nobody sets out with a goal to dive into debt — it just sneaks up on you, sometimes even feeling like it’s playing puppeteer without your consent. Here’s the game plan for staying debt-free: if swiping a credit card means you can’t comfortably foot the bill, step away from the purchase.
Keep a safety net of emergency funds at an online bank like CIT Bank, wipe out those credit card balances like a champ, trim the extras and stick to the essentials, and unleash your inner coupon ninja for serious savings.
6. Educate Yourself
Seize the reins of your financial destiny by delving into some fundamental reads on personal finance. Equipped with insight, stand your ground against distractions — be it a partner pushing for extravagant spending or pals conjuring up pricey escapades beyond your means.
With seeking professional help, like financial advisors, mortgage experts, or accountants, do your homework before entrusting them with your financial matters. Your financial future is in your hands — keep it on course.
7. Find Ways To Earn More
When your financial blueprint is solid, a nifty trick to fast-track your journey toward your financial goals is to boost your income. Take some time to explore avenues for extra earnings.
It might involve diving into a micro business venture or uncovering a fresh side gig that slots neatly into your spare hours.
8. Watch Your Taxes
When a company lays out a starting salary for you, it’s crucial to crunch the numbers and gauge if the post-tax amount aligns with your financial necessities and savings aspirations. A bunch of online tools can help reveal your after-tax income.
These calculators illustrate your gross pay (total earnings) and net pay (earnings after tax and deductions, essentially what you take home). It’s a smart move to ensure that the salary on the table truly fits the bill.
9. Invest Early
We’re totally on board with one insightful commenter: “Start investing for long-term goals to benefit from compounding.” And you can’t ignore the wisdom of Ken Fisher, Founder of Fisher Investments: “Time in the market beats timing the market.” Compound interest is earning interest on top of the interest you’ve already made.
Imagine you pop $3,000 into an account that delivers a 7% annual return. At the end of the first year, you’ll pocket $210 in interest. Fast forward to year two, and with your total now at $3,210 and sticking to the same return rate, you’ll rake in $224.7 in interest. Although your initial deposit might be modest, these yearly earnings increase over time.
10. Don’t Become House Poor
Buying a home is the largest purchase most people make. It’s also one of the most momentous. You’re going to create memories, and maybe even start a family in it.
However, wise planning is essential when buying a house. While it’s possible to get a mortgage with a down payment of as little as three percent, getting as close to 20 percent is best.
It typically gives you a better interest rate, and you may have lower payments. It takes time to get to a larger down payment, but it will pay off in droves.
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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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