Even though knowing how to take care of your personal finances is a vital life skill, you may feel your money-management talents are somewhat lacking. Fortunately, you can take steps immediately to improve your financial insight and gain confidence. This article will give you some tips on handling your finances with skill and intelligence.
When you go to the bank or a mortgage broker and you get pre-approved for a loan you should subtract 20 percent off of the amount that they are offering to lend you and only take that amount. This will keep you safe from any unexpected financial situations that may come up.
If you can afford to do so, open an installment account, such as a loan or car payment. These will add extra weight onto your credit profile and will increase your credit score as long as it stays within your debt to income ratio. Be careful and only take on debt you can afford.
Get a rewards credit card. No-fee reward cards are the best if you need a credit card. Reward cards give you rewards on various things that you typically use such as hotel rooms, airline tickets and store rewards. Be sure you pay the card off every month and pay on time to avoid interest and late fees.
If you are looking for the best deals, take the middle man out of the equation. Sites like Expedia and Travelocity can include transactions fees (though some have been reducing them or even eliminating them). Take a look at the prices directly available at the websites of the airlines and hotels you are considering. You may find that it is cheaper.
Get a high yield savings account. Your rainy day funds or emergency savings should be stored in a savings account with the highest interest rate you can find. Do not use CD’s or other term savings which would penalize you for taking your money out early. These accounts need to be liquid in case you need to use them for emergencies.
Re-examine your cell phone plan every 1-2 years to make sure you are getting the best program tailored to your specific calling habits. Cell phone bills can be a big part of the monthly budget “� especially for a family “� so it is important to stay abreast of new features and programs you might be eligible for. Plan providers will bundle features like texting into their plans at considerable cost savings, but sometimes you have to ask to get the best deals. Changing phone companies can be a hassle sometimes, but the savings may be worth it. In addition, your current cell plan provider will likely want to keep your business and may match any outside offers you get. So check around and ask questions to save!
Protect your credit score. Get a free credit report from each agency yearly and look for any unexpected or incorrect entries. You might catch an identity thief early, or find out that an account has been misreported. Learn how your credit usage affects your credit score and use the credit report to plan the ways you can improve your profile.
If you are a member of any groups such as the police, military or a car assistance club, ask if a store provides discounts. Many shops offer discounts of 10% or even more, but not all advertise that fact. Prepare to show your card as proof of membership or give your number if you are shopping online.
It is more convenient to use ATMs rather than traveler’s checks. Not only is it easier and faster to get your money this way, it is also cheaper. If you are going to use the ATM, make fewer and larger withdrawals, so that you can avoid paying numerous transaction fees.
Support from the people you love is one of the best ways that you can improve your motivation to succeed from a monetary perspective. Surround yourself with your friends and family and tell them about the goals that you wish to achieve. Therefore, if you ever get off track, you will have people to help you get back on the right path again.
Personal finance also includes estate planning. This includes, but is not limited to, drawing up a will, assigning a power of attorney (both financial and medical) and setting up a trust. Power of attorneys give someone the right to make decisions for you in the event that you can not make them for yourself. This should only be given to someone whom you trust to make decisions in your best interest.
Contribute to a retirement account and plan for the future! You want to have a nest egg so that you are not living on social security in your old age and you have something to leave your children and love ones. Give what you can to your retirement and if possible see if your employer has any retirement benefits or accounts available.
Buying precious metals such as silver or gold can be a good way to earn extra money for ones personal finance. Such metals can hold their value better than other commodities that are available to invest in. Gold and silver will often provide one with a solid investment for them.
US savings bonds are always a safe investment to make if you do not mind doubling your money every seven years. Purchasing savings bonds systematically can build up your portfolio rather quickly. Granted the returns are not quite as large as a good year in the stock market. However, they are high yielding, safe investments you can make.
Personal finance learning can be addictive. Even a little improvement in your money-management skills can encourage you to refine your skills further. Go out and educate yourself with enthusiasm! There is no limit to how much money you can save yourself.
