Economic times are hard, and you’re not alone if you’re feeling the effects of the economy on your personal pocketbook. While financial problems can be devastating and worrying, they are not permanent. Below are tips to help guide you on personal financing so you can get out of debt and/or start planning for the future.
One of the things that you will have to avoid is giving into temptation and buying things that you do not need. Instead of purchasing that fancy pair of shoes, invest that money in a high yield savings account. These decisions can go a long way in building your net worth.
You should look for online websites that allow you to rent out your property for free. Craigslist is one of the most popular sites that does this. Do not place ads in your local paper because they may cost a good amount of money, and most people these days look online for rentals.
Signing up for direct deposits eliminates the hassle of making a special trip to the bank every payday. It also helps you to avoid lost or stolen paychecks and will reduce impulse purchases that are made between the time your check is cashed and the time that it is deposited into your account.
You can always go online to look at your checking account if you have a hard time balancing your checkbook. Technology makes it easy to create a monthly budget and a savings plan.
If you’re trying to save money for a big purchase, but find that it’s not easy to stick to a budget every day, week after week, here’s a different strategy. Make the effort to save money every other day. For instance, pack a bag lunch three days a week instead of buying lunch out. Put the money you save into a savings account towards your planned purchase.
Determine what your risk tolerance is before you start investing your money. Your risk tolerance influences your decision on what to invest in. If your risk tolerance is low, you are better off investing in cash-based investments. If your risk tolerance is high, you can explore the various emerging markets.
If you are considering getting any type of credit card, make sure that you consider a rewards card. Since we’re talking about your personal finances here, there might as well be something in it for you personally since you’re going to go the credit route. Rewards can include airline miles, cash back, or other rewards.
If you need to rebuild your credit, set up a secured credit card with your bank or other provider. You will need to make a “deposit” to draw against initially; however, after you have spent several months drawing against this amount and paying it back, you will be able to qualify for a credit card again.
Don’t let the economy get you down! Fight back by having a plan for your personal finances, debts, and future endeavors. The tips above will help you on your personal journey to a good financial situation. Once you are set up with a financial plan for the present, start planning for the future to avoid the stress of last minutes scrambling to pay debts.
