Saturday 5 May 2012

Personal Financial Management Assistance For The Cash-Poor

By Lilia Maillet


Making money to pay for our needs is an important part of being an adult in the modern world. However, we aren't born knowing how to manage our money, and if we don't have someone to teach us personal financial management, things can turn into a mess pretty quickly.

The very first thing to consider is what kind of problem you are having, and where your funds are going. Keeping track of your every penny is a bit annoying, but it will really help you figure out what your financial picture looks like. It can also help you figure out where to save, if finding more to save is your goal.

Finding more money in your budget is sometimes necessary when you have an emergency or other issue. Keeping a budget can help you figure out where you can cut things, and how much each cut is worth. This might mean making your own coffee instead of buying it, choosing to take public transit sometimes, or eating out less. It's an individual choice.

Keeping records, at least at first, is a must. Write down everything that you take in or spend. This means every candy bar, every twenty bucks your grandma slips you, everything. Most people who don't keep a budget don't have a real idea of where their money is going, and over or underestimate their spending habits and income.

Once you can pay all of your bills and eat, you should be saving some of the rest. This is because your savings is not just for use later, but it also doubles as a safety net. If you get injured and can't work for a while, this is what you have savings for. Other situations that can be less dire but just as expensive include car trouble and childcare expenses.

While you are saving your money to pay the bills, and then to pad your savings account, you will likely be living somewhat conservatively. Some people find that they like having money left over and continue this way. However, if you choose to spend your excess income, keep track of it. Prioritize so that you get what you want from your funds, and include it in your budget so that you don't go over accidentally.

Personal financial management isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Start by keeping track of your money meticulously, which means logging everything you earn or spend. Some people find it easier to simply log the cash they take out from the bank and then spend that freely. Whatever you choose, making sure you can account for every penny will help you plan.




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