February 22, 2012

biggest mistakes in personal finances

Managing personal fiances correctly can be a chore. It does not have to be that way. Through application of some common sense approaches to how we spend, a person can free themselves of unnecessary debt and have enough money to meet their needs and the needs of their family. With a little help from investments and even payday loans, you can get through  financial crisis.

Here are some common mistakes you should avoid in order to master your personal finances:

  • Living paycheck to paycheck.

It is tempting on payday to only think about your present needs. Taking this approach is a huge mistake. It is not enough to cover just your immediate bills. You need a rainy day fund for unforeseen emergencies. It is important to put away a little money into a savings account each month to account for unexpected expenses, such as car problems or medical issues, that crop up from time to time.

  • No spending limit on non-essential items.

Burning a hole in your wallet to buy the latest hot item is only going to create unnecessary financial strain. Many people fail to keep track of their spending in any way, shape or form and then can’t understand why their credit card bills are sky high at the end of the month. Instead of going into massive debt, it is a better idea to make a budget and stick to it. If a purchase violates that budget, then it is best to wait until there is enough money available to justify the purchase.

  • No backup plans for unexpected situations.

It is a fatal mistake to assume that your financial life will unfold without any bumps or obstacles along the way. You need to plan for things like an unexpected death in the family or a major accident. Having insurance policies – auto, home and life – In place is a good start to making sure the unexpected does not take us by surprise and leave us without adequate funds to cover the resulting added expenses.

How to manage personal finances in college

Creditcard

Image via Wikipedia

One of the first lessons a college student needs to learn is distinguishing between what they want and what they need. The two are not one and the same. Learning how to manage personal finances should be the goal of every college student.

Here are some ways you can have good personal finances in college:

  • Use credit cards wisely.

Credit cards offer a chance to establish a solid credit history. Don’t use the card for routine living expenses or a night on the town. Their use should be kept to cover emergency expenses only. And, once you use a credit card, be sure to pay off the balance in full each month. Don’t keep balances on your card. Interest rates on credit cards can climb 20 percent or higher and paying off that interest can be a chore.

  • Apply for scholarships.

Getting a scholarship is the next best thing to being handed free money. Finding available scholarships requires you doing a little homework, but it is well worth it. Even a small scholarship can aid you in taking out a smaller student loan which, in turn, means less money you have to pay back after you graduate.

  • Get a part-time job.

Not only will holding a job help you pay monthly bills such as rent and utilities, it is a perfect way to build your resume for when you enter the workplace after college. Many college graduates acquire valuable skills for their future careers through part-time jobs they took on as students.

  • Find ways to save.

It is important to always keep track of your spending. Make a monthly budget and stick to it. Use cash for most purchases and avoid unnecessary costs. Don’t blow all of your money on high priced entertainment or expensive brand-name clothing. Look for student discounts where you can get them or consider Payday One. Many businesses will offer discounts to college students as a way to attract new customers.