Top Notch Personal Finance Advice That Will Improve Your Life

When you are in college or on your own for the first time, it is easy to blow money on going out or partying. Avoid doing this, and instead be financially responsible when handling your finances in order to avoid debt.

Do you do your banking online? Make sure to sign up for electronic alerts. Most banks will let you know about important activity on your account via text or email. Receiving an alert when you have a low balance or a large withdrawal protects you from both overdraft and fraud.

Credit Card

Instead of having a debit card, you may want to think of getting a credit card. If your credit card application is approved, use it to buy everyday items, like food and gas. You’ll earn points or cash back on those purchases when you use a rewards card.

Be sure to record your spending over a set time period so that you can observe where the bulk of your money is spent. Realizing what you spend the most on can help you decide which areas to cut back in.

Be sure that you’re setting aside at least one day a month to pay your bills. Although you aren’t going to spend the whole day paying your balls, you should set aside this day so that you don’t miss it. Keep it marked on your calendar and be aware of when it is. Missing this day can cause a domino effect.

Keep a record of your spending habits. Once you have this record in hand, create and follow a budget that takes your spending needs into account. See where money is being wasted, and eliminate them from your budget. Despite the amount of money you make earn, you could still end up broke. There are companies which make personal finance software which will help you keep track with ease. Leftover money should be used either for debt payment or savings.

Avoid getting into further debt to save your finances. While education and a mortgage are two worthwhile reasons to go into debt, there are very few other reasons why you should use credit. The less money you borrow, the less you will waste in interest and fees.

Savings Account

Regardless of a person’s financial situation, it is important to have a savings account with liquidity. Although interest rates are relatively low on straight savings accounts, it is still important to search around for the highest interest rate on a savings account that you can find. Some of the banks are online, and they are all FDIC insured.

Stay away from excess debt by making a budget and planning your expenditures so that you get the most out of every paycheck. Keep these tips in mind in order to stay in the clear and be debt free!

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