Monday, 6 June 2011

MANAGING PERSONAL FINANCES

In these hard economic times, no wise person would pass their eyes over any article that will help them learn how to manage their funds better.

It is however not a one day issue to, it takes some time and patience to achieve the sweet results of good financial mangement of personal funds.

The good news is that one doesn`t require a degree in finace to practice these basic life changing skills; it only takes self discipline and detemination to reap the full benefits.

It is not vital to earn huge pay package, own expensive cars and home for becoming happy. These things are the luxuries and, by sensibly managing your personal finance you can live a comfortable life in terms of healthy eating, environment, sufficient clothing as well as shelter."> You need to satisfy your demands with the amount of money that is earned and not by borrowing the money excess to what can be returned. Good habits for managing your personal finance can be inculcated from very early in life.

To start your journey to better financial management, follow the following tips:

1.Keep track of your day to day expenditure;

This will help you identify items on which you spend alot on and may lead to great reduction in spending  on junk.


2.Pay your self first;

Once you get your salary, ensure that the first thing you do is to set aside some amount for your savings account. Many people do the opposite; pay their bills first, then save whatever that remains. Unfortunately, most of the times nothing remains for saving. Remember that without savings, you are unprotected and your financial future is at risk.

3.Evade Credit Cards

If you know that you are not much self disciplined, then it is best for you to avoid having any credit cards. Although, credit cards are very good it can sometimes prove to be undue abuse. They are essentially given to provide convenience to people and not to attain a lifestyle that is beyond affordability.

So, if you lack the discipline, shun them.

4.Have a budget and stick to it.

Shopping using a pre-determined list will do you a-lot of good in eliminating inessentials from your shopping and thus saving you some coins.

In addition, budget helps you track where your money goes - rent, telephone, books, tuition, groceries, insurance, entertainment, etc.  By using a budget to track the inflows and outflows of your cash, it becomes easier to identify where any "fat" is and begin eliminating it.  Some budget categories to watch:
  • Transportation - can represent 50% of your expenses.
  • Credit - pay attention to interest rates, particularly credit card rates.
  • Groceries - consider generic brands to save money.
  • Insurance - shop around for the best insurance deal. 
  • Discretionary income - carefully monitor how you spend it.

The fore-mentioned tips may take you to greater heights with regard to managing your personal finances; but only when actually practiced. So, make an effort to try them out and you will be surprised by the result!!!

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