Happy 2015!
It’s a new year, and many are making New Year’s resolutions to quit smoking, lose weight and get out of debt. We can’t help with the first two, but we can give you some pointers for the latter.
Getting out of debt will be a big weight off your shoulders, but how to do it? First, start with a budget. Our friends at CNN Money offer the following steps to successful budget creation:
1. Budgets are a necessary evil.
They're the only practical way to get a grip on your spending - and to make sure your money is being used the way you want it to be used.
They're the only practical way to get a grip on your spending - and to make sure your money is being used the way you want it to be used.
2. Creating a budget generally requires three steps.
- Track your spending to make sure it stays within those guidelines.
3. Use software to save grief.
Use a personal-finance program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money; the built-in budget-making tools can create your budget for you!
4. Don't sweat the small stuff.
One drawback of monitoring your spending by computer is that it encourages overzealous attention to detail. Once you determine which expenses can be cut (or expanded), concentrate on those categories and worry less about other aspects of your spending.
5. Is cash "leaking" from your account?
If withdrawals from the ATM machine evaporate from your pocket without apparent explanation, it's time to keep better records. And if you find yourself returning to the ATM more than once a week or so, you need to examine where that cash is going.
6. Spending beyond your limits is dangerous.
But if you do, you've got plenty of company. Government figures show that many households with total incomes of $50,000 or less are spending more than they bring in. This doesn't make you an automatic candidate for bankruptcy - but it's definitely a sign you need to make some serious spending cuts.
7. Beware of luxuries dressed up as necessities.
- Identify how you're spending money now.
- Evaluate your current spending and set goals that take into account your long-term financial objectives.- Track your spending to make sure it stays within those guidelines.
3. Use software to save grief.
Use a personal-finance program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money; the built-in budget-making tools can create your budget for you!
4. Don't sweat the small stuff.
One drawback of monitoring your spending by computer is that it encourages overzealous attention to detail. Once you determine which expenses can be cut (or expanded), concentrate on those categories and worry less about other aspects of your spending.
5. Is cash "leaking" from your account?
If withdrawals from the ATM machine evaporate from your pocket without apparent explanation, it's time to keep better records. And if you find yourself returning to the ATM more than once a week or so, you need to examine where that cash is going.
6. Spending beyond your limits is dangerous.
But if you do, you've got plenty of company. Government figures show that many households with total incomes of $50,000 or less are spending more than they bring in. This doesn't make you an automatic candidate for bankruptcy - but it's definitely a sign you need to make some serious spending cuts.
7. Beware of luxuries dressed up as necessities.
Is it a "Need" or a "Want." Some of your spending is probably for luxuries - even if you've been considering them to be filling a real need. It might be time to get honest and make some cuts. Plus, as it accumulates, the money you save may be worth the sacrifice.
8. Pay yourself first. 10% if possible.
Aim to spend no more than 90% of your income. That way, you'll have the other 10% left to save for your big-picture items.
9. Don't count on windfalls.
When projecting the amount of money you can live on, don't include dollars that you can't be sure you'll receive, such as year-end bonuses, tax refunds or investment gains.
10. Beware of "spending creep".
As your annual income climbs from raises, promotions and smart investing, don't start spending for luxuries until you're sure that you're staying ahead of inflation. It's better to use those income increases as an excuse to save more.
Here's another tip: If you're doing cartwheels because the price of gas has come WAY down in recent months, better to bank the savings than to go on a spending spree. Gas prices are not forever.
Here's another tip: If you're doing cartwheels because the price of gas has come WAY down in recent months, better to bank the savings than to go on a spending spree. Gas prices are not forever.
Finally, after you’ve tackled your budget, put your focus on consolidating outstanding debt into one easy, more-affordable payment. Are you paying 20%+ interest on credit cards? Apply for our balance transfer VISA and get those payments taken care of faster and cheaper. Click here for details!
Source: CNN Money
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