Manage your money and control your debt
Make a budget
Making a budget is the first step
toward creating and maintaining your long-term financial health. Start by
subtracting your total expenses from your total income. If this equation
results in a negative number, then you have a clear problem. It means you’re
spending above your means. You either need to increase your income or decrease
your spending. A good budget will show a positive number, which indicates that
you’re spending below your means. Your overall budget goal should always be a
positive bottom line.
Reduce your debt intake
Good financial health is achieved
by using credit wisely and sparingly. To reduce your debt, you need a debt
repayment strategy or debt loss plan. Begin by listing all your debts from
smallest to largest. Start repaying them, beginning with the smallest and
working your way up. Some may argue that it's better to pay off debts with the
highest interest rates first, but you'll have some small "wins" early
on if you arrange them from smallest to largest. Psychologically, this motivates
you to keep going. You can also trim some financial fat by taking advantage of
balance transfers on high rate credit cards.
Credit monitoring services will help
you secure the credit you’ve worked so hard to build. Think of it like a night
watchman, someone looking out for the presence of unauthorized activity in your
credit corridor.
Having an emergency fund ensures
that you'll have money in your account in the event of job loss, health issues
or anything else that can dismantle your finances. Emergency funds provide
security in the face of unforeseen financial hardships. A solid guideline is to
have six to eight months of expenses available in your account. You can start
by putting aside 10% of each paycheck.
Prepare for the future If you want to protect your children and other
beneficiaries from future financial hardship, you need a plan. You can start by
taking out life insurance, opening a retirement account and, if applicable,
creating a college savings plan.
Have fun This step probably takes
most people by surprise, but if you sacrifice too much on your mission for good
financial health and not having any fun, it’s hard to successfully maintain
your financial health. Put aside a portion of your income for guilt-free
spending to avoid relapsing and spending significant portions of the money
you've worked so hard to save. Make it a point to treat yourself occasionally,
within reason. Try opening a "fun fund," an account you use for
special weekend trips, nights out with friends or some other big-ticket
purchase.
Comments
Post a Comment