For many people the mention of personal finance is akin to some unsolvable puzzle that bothers them at odd times. The thought of sitting down and planning expenditure is scary, and the idea of pre-paying the credit card bill, an alien concept. Such people are sitting ducks for target practice when finances go awry. It is in your own best interest to learn how to handle your personal finance matters effectively. Here are some tips that you can use.
Be Aware of Income and Expenditures
In order to understand your finances you need to know what money is coming in and on what it is being spent. It is a good idea to sit down with a pen and paper and list just how much money you have access to each month. Include the money that comes from your salary, any interest you get on savings, and any other sources of income you may have. Even if it is an irregular source of income, make sure you record how much you earn from it. Similarly make a list of all the main expenditures you undertake monthly. The rent, utilities bills, school fees, groceries, and medical expenses; make sure you list everything. Specific annual payments such as insurance and taxes should also be included on the list. You can revisit the list at a later date when you remember some that you originally missed.
is a really useful book that you and your spouse can use if you want to improve your financial situation as a team. The main point is that you don’t have to have a lot of money or education to be successful. All it takes is two people who are willing to work together at tackling their financial sitution.
is a great read for anyone wanting to brush up on various aspects of personal finance ranging from reducing taxes to investing to budgeting.
Most people, when they are on a budget, believe that pain and suffering is the result of being on a budget. That is so far from the truth. The pain and suffering is due to the fact that you don’t live by your budget and the money problems start coming.