Monday, January 2, 2012

Tips Large And Small For Improving Your Financial Health

By James Harris


You've done it. You're ready to get your personal finances on the right track. Now's the time! You probably have tons of questions on how to start and what to do, but fear not, this article can help you. Listed below are some tips that will help you to start improving your personal finances.

To improve your personal finance habits, keep track of the amount of cash you spend along with everything else. The physical act of paying with cash makes you mindful of exactly how much money is being spent, while it is much easier to spend large amounts with a credit or debit card.

A great way to ensure that you won't suffer in the future is to start a retirement fund now. If you already have one, then use what you can to boost your retirement portfolio. Unfortunately, the cost of living is still increasing and the dollar is continuing to go down. You will need a larger retirement fund.

Invest in what you love. The stock market and companies can be very confusing, and can seem like an unpredictable roller coaster. Plan on investing over the long run, not trying to make a quick fortune. Pick a company or companies who have been around for a long time, and who's product you personally enjoy and use. This will give you some piece of mind in their security, as well as an interest in following them.

See what you can swap. Instead of buying new clothes, can you swap some with a friend? Can you swap babysitting time for help with your taxes? Find ways to get what you need without paying for it by leveraging your time and other things you may have. You'll save money and feel smarter at the same time.

Keep an emergencey supply of money on hand to be better prepared for personal finance disasters. At some point, everyone is going to run into trouble. Whether it is an unexpected illness, or a natural disaster, or something else that is terrible. The best we can do is plan for them by having some extra money set aside for these types of emergencies.

Get a savings account with a higher yield. The idea is to be liquid and safe while receiving some interest. Chances are that you'll get better rates from online banks, so start searching the web for the higher-yielding, FDIC-insured savings accounts. Bankrate.com may help. You will periodically transfer money from your emergency savings or checking into this account.

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!

Life Insurance

Find out what your credit score is. It will cost you money to get your credit score from the big three agencies but the knowledge is invaluable. Knowing your credit score will save you money in buying a car, refinancing your home, even buying life insurance. Make sure to get a new one on a yearly basis to stay up to date.

You should be much more prepared when it comes to personal finances. If you thought that you were ready before, well, you should now be an expert! The tips that were given should have provided you some advice that can help improve your financial situation for future financial freedom.




About the Author:



2 Comments:

At January 4, 2012 at 10:42 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

it is really indeed important to keep an amount for emergency situations. this would greatly help us at all times.

 
At February 1, 2012 at 10:39 PM , Blogger IamJulie said...

Great. I must agree with you Darius. This is such a very interesting post that provides fabulous tips as well.

 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home