Even though you might not want to admit it, there are plenty of people out there who don’t plan well when it comes to their finances. Despite the fact that they may have plenty of money, they’re often living paycheck to paycheck and in more debt than they should be due to poor spending habits and lack of knowledge about how to save money. But if you want to get on the right track and start making smart financial decisions instead of breaking the bank time after time, then it’s time you took your future into your own hands and started making sure you had the right financial plan. Why Financial Planning is Essential for Everyone
How To Start
1) Spend less than you earn. This one will make your life easier, so get on it.
2) Find out where your money is going. Track expenses and look for ways to reduce them if you can’t keep up with your spending.
3) Have an emergency fund with six months of living expenses saved. This way, if you lose your job or face some other catastrophe, you will still be able to survive without facing any significant financial problems in the short term at least. Why Financial Planning is Essential for Everyone
Digital Budgeting Tools
One of the most powerful things you can do to help you budget and live below your means is to begin utilizing digital tools that automate the process. The thing about budgeting and using a tool like Mint (which I’m a big fan of) that automatically populates all my bank transactions, credit card transactions, investments and retirement contributions, etc., is that there’s less room for human error.
Saving Tips
Save enough money to get you through a few weeks. If something happens where you lose your job or cannot work, this will give you some time to find other employment. You do not want to be forced into bankruptcy because you have debt or loan payments that cannot be met. Start by setting up a savings account and set aside some money every month so that it will accumulate over time.
Building Wealth
Having an income from which you save and then invest, so that you have the capacity to buy what you need, provides security and peace of mind. It also builds net worth.
Save for emergencies. Aim to save at least 5-10% of your take-home pay (more if your employer offers a match) each month in an account specifically designated for emergencies. This way, when things don’t go as planned you have enough cash on hand to cover expenses without borrowing money or relying on credit cards.
How Do You Find A Good Financial Advisor
To find a good financial advisor, make sure they are certified by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards and ask them about their experience and qualifications.
How To Save Money In Your 20s (six sentences)]
When in your 20s, be as efficient with your time as possible because once you hit 30, things change dramatically.
Common Mistakes
-Waiting Too Long to Start Saving: Getting your finances in order as soon as possible will give you more peace of mind when it comes to managing your money. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from taking charge of your long-term finances, and it’s never too early to start saving. Starting a retirement account can seem intimidating, but a Roth IRA or 401k (especially if there are employer matching contributions) are relatively simple ways to begin.