Money seems to be a hard thing to keep track of. One minute it is there, then the next minute, it is gone into oblivion. While money tends to be as slippery as a wet bar of soap, there are ways to keep track of it rather well. When it comes to keeping track of your personal finances there are numerous helpful ways to do so. This article discusses the ins and outs of keeping track of your money and allowing your personal finances some stability.
Always pay your credit card bill in full! Many consumers do not realize that paying only the monthly charges allows the credit card company to add interest to your payments. You may end up paying much more than you were originally quoted. To avoid these interest charges, pay as much as you can up front, preferably, the whole amount due.
To keep from draining your bank accounts, define a budget and stick to it. Estimate how much you spend every month on bills, groceries, travel expenses and entertainment. Allow very little leeway and put the rest of your paycheck in your savings account in case of emergencies that were not accounted for in your budget.
Sign up as many of your bills for automatic payment as possible. This saves you a considerable amount of time. While you should still review your monthly activity, this will go much faster by checking your bank account online than by reviewing a checkbook ledger or your bills themselves. The extra time you get from automatic bill payment can be invested profitably in many other areas.
Sign up for a rewards credit card if you qualify. You may be able to turn your expenses into things that you need. However, you must be able to pay your card balance in full to take advantage of the benefits. Otherwise, the rewards card will just become another debt burden.
Flea markets can often be a productive way for one to supplement their personal finances. An individual can purchase goods for a cheaper price than they would pay in stores or they can sell items at the flea market for a financial gain. However a person wants to use them, flea markets are beneficial for personal finances.
Allow yourself a set dollar amount every week for the small luxuries you enjoy. The cash can be used for treats like coffee with friends, new music, books or a new pair of shoes, but once it’s spent, you’re done until the next allowance. It’s a way to let yourself enjoy small treats without doing damage to your budget.
Familiarize yourself with the fine print of surcharges and fees associated with your credit card payments. Most credit card companies assign a hefty $39 and up fee for exceeding your credit limit by even one dollar. Others charge up to $35 for payments that are received only a minute after the due date.
Jump start your saving efforts by immediately setting aside even the smallest amount possible and depositing it in a piggy bank, jar, or coffee can. Resist the urge to constantly count your savings as it may lead to discouragement in the earliest days. The trick is simply to make regular contributions and eliminate withdrawals.
Pay yourself first. When you get your paycheck, set aside a certain amount for your savings account first. Don’t pay bills, don’t buy anything, just take some money and put it aside for a rainy day. This will ensure that when a rainy day does come along, you already have a little help.
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.
Keep very detailed records of your spending habits for one month. Use this information to make a detailed budget for yourself. Identify areas where too much money is being spent. If you do not do this, you will not be able to keep up with your spending habits even if your income increases. Personal finance programs for your computer can relieve the stress of this journey, and even add some intrigue and enlightenment to it. Any extra money each month should be used to pay off debts or put into savings.
As we have discovered, money is not easy to keep in grasp. It seems as soon as we have money, we do not have it long. However, with the aforementioned money saving tips in this article, your money will not escape your account unnoticed. Personal finance will be a subject of ease once you apply these tips to your budget!
