As someone who loves to shop, enjoys holidays and owns way too many pairs of shoes, managing my finances is definitely something that does not come naturally to me, I have had to learn. Managing your money is so important in becoming more organised, less stressed and more productive in your life ? you'll be amazed at what you can achieve with your money when it starts working for you, rather than you always working for it!
Seek advice. It's funny how most of us will go to experts for help in so many different areas of our lives, but we seem to think that somehow managing our money is something we can tackle for ourselves ? usually when all evidence is to the contrary! Look for a financial planner or accountant who can help you set a course for your financial future ? you'll identify your future financial goals, get real about your budget, set up investment strategies that will help you to achieve your goals ? and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
Budget is not a dirty word! I know for many people 'budget' and 'diet' are in the same category, but a realistic budget is a phenomenally powerful financial tool and is imperative if you want to take control of your money (budgets can, and should, leave room for money to have fun with and to reward yourself with for all of your savings efforts!). If you find establishing a budget difficult to do (or to get motivated to do) on your own, seek help from a financial professional or even a friend, colleague or family member who has it all together financially.
Keep track. Keep a written record of every cent you spend for 30 days to see where all your money is really going. This activity serves a number of purposes ? firstly it probably shocks you into reality and secondly, it helps you to identify categories of spending which you'll need to include in your budget. Remember, keep track of every single cent?at the end of the month, if you're spending more than you're earning that'll be a good indication of where some of your financial stress may be coming from!
The big picture. As well as looking at your day-to-day spending, estimate your annual expenses by looking at all of your regular bills and financial commitments and totalling that amount for the whole year. Once you know what your total fixed liabilities are for the year, divide that amount by 12 for a monthly figure. This is the amount you should be putting away each month just to pay your bills.
Keep on top of it. Review your budget weekly ? this is a great habit to get into and helps you to keep on top of where your money is going and to quickly identify areas where you are spending too much ? it can be quite an eye-opener! You might create a spreadsheet to enter your income and expenses into and to keep as an ongoing record.
Credit or charge? Change your credit cards for charge cards that you pay off in full each month. Knowing that you'll have to pay it off at the end of the month is a great motivator to help you get past those impulse purchases. If you do want or need a credit card, keep your credit limit low to help stop you from spending too much.
Go online. Bank fees and charges are one of those small expenses that don't seem like much each time, but they can add up. You can easily avoid them by changing your banking habits. Online banking is ideal; it's cheap, convenient, reliable, saves you time and helps you to understand your financial position 24-hours-a-day.
Keep your receipts. How many times have you wished you kept the receipt ? whether it's so you can return or exchange an item or claim it on your tax? Set up a simple receipt filing system ? it doesn't have to be complicated, perhaps just an alphabetical file ? and you'll be able to find anything you need without the stress.
Tax time. Keep a separate file for your tax receipts and other documents relating to your annual tax return. This will save you from the frustrations at the end of the financial year and help you (or your accountant) to make sure you maximise your chances of receiving a tax return.
Neen is a Global Productivity Expert: by looking at how they spend their time and energy ? and where they focus their attention ? Neen helps people to rocket-charge their productivity and performance. A dynamic speaker, author and corporate trainer, Neen demonstrates how boosting your productivity can help you achieve amazing things. With her unique voice, sense of fun and uncommon common-sense, Neen delivers a powerful lesson in productivity. Find out more at http://neenjames.com/
shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareVacation season is upon us and it can be tempting... Read More
Let's begin this lesson with a definition of the term... Read More
"It's the business of your life?and you're the CEO!" Gala... Read More
At any time in history, no matter what the current... Read More
When I look around at all of my friends, and... Read More
Retirement Planning the Offshore Way Why do so many of... Read More
Steve Martin once delivered an opening monologue for Saturday Night... Read More
A surprising number of readers want to know "Can a... Read More
Masters degree not required...just a little common sense, a $5.00... Read More
Is it hard to get rich? If you're young, not... Read More
Have you seen a picture of the Parthenon in Athens,... Read More
You have $100 in your bank account, your rent is... Read More
Most people want to get to the end of their... Read More
What if I were to tell you that almost everything... Read More
The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last... Read More
Wealth - an abundance of values. Each of us determines... Read More
E-currency is very popular on the Internet today. People use... Read More
You know about compounding right? You understand what pyramiding your... Read More
Do you have financial problems? Then a budget is the... Read More
It's no secret that the market goes UP...the market, goes... Read More
The inability to come up with the necessary cash when... Read More
1. Pay off high-cost debt. The best investment most borrowers... Read More
Whenever we read about building wealth or even attend a... Read More
If you don't have discipline then walk away from the... Read More
You can learn the secrets of world monetary flow if... Read More
Green Bay Hummer H2 SUV rentals .."Join our program and retire in 3 months..." yeah, right.We... Read More
When Building Wealth by Russ Whitney was released a few... Read More
I'm constantly reading articles on the internet and in financial... Read More
Points to ponder as you consider what can be done... Read More
U.S. Supreme Justice Louis D. Brandeis"I live in Alexandria Virginia.... Read More
Six out of six people who were asked to list... Read More
I have a good friend who works in an area... Read More
Turn to the year 1999, a couple of friends sitting... Read More
The inability to come up with the necessary cash when... Read More
Offshore strategies may or may not be right for you.... Read More
As you sit in traffic, inching along between irate drivers,... Read More
Financial planning at an early age may seem complicated, however... Read More
Very few people whom I know are familiar with the... Read More
When young men ask me how to succeed, I tell... Read More
This is a true story from my own experience that... Read More
This is a true story about a homeless man from... Read More
"Any fool can rich, the wise get wealthy." Chris WidenerGetting... Read More
Every day you work is one day closer to your... Read More
Well, the New Year is around the corner and so... Read More
"The quickest way to wealthThat I've found to be true;Is... Read More
What if I told you that reading a book would... Read More
You have probably heard other people say that "Money isn't... Read More
The word 'diversity' is a unique one. It can represent... Read More
Let's begin this lesson with a definition of the term... Read More
Want to be one of the lucky ones on the... Read More
Wealth Building |