Proper money management skills may not be enough to build wealth, but they’re definitely crucial if you want to improve your financial security. Managing your money properly will give you more financial freedom and reduce the risk of a devastating financial crisis in the future.
Below are nine practical tips on how to manage your money correctly.
1. Create A Budget
Without a budget, you’ll never know how much money you are spending each month. This basically means you won’t be able to identify unnecessary expenses taking money away from you.
The first step in money management is creating a budget detailing your monthly income and expenses. Rent, mortgage, utility bills, shopping, gas money, and everything else needs to be recorded. You should then create reasonable estimates of how much money should go to each of these expenses every month.
A budget is only helpful if you stick to it. Therefore, make an intentional commitment to stick to your budget no matter what.
Building a budget is pretty easy today. Many software and smartphone applications can smoothen this process for you. Search the internet and find one that addresses your unique needs the best.
2. Track Your Spending
This is crucial, especially on small purchases. It’s very easy to assume the random gifts and snacks you buy do not affect your budget. However, these expenses can add up pretty fast, and before you know it, your account is running low, and payday is still weeks away. This is where many people start using credit cards and taking expensive loans.
Keep track of all minor expenses, even if they appear harmless. If you realize you’re spending too much on something, find a way to reduce or eliminate it. If it’s essential for you, budget for it.
3. Create A Savings Account
Savings play a pivotal role in building financial security. Analyze your income and expenses and come up with a reasonable amount of money that you can direct to your savings kitty each month. You should actually set up an automatic transfer that will wire the funds from your checking account to your savings account every month.
4. Reduce Credit Card Purchases
Credit cards are convenient, but they can be very expensive. Avoid making recurring expenses with your credit card. Pay these bills in cash to avoid unnecessary credit card interests.
If you have to use the card, make sure it is for an essential buy that you actually need. And remember to clear the balance in time.
5. Have Financial Goals
Set short- and long-term goals of where you want to be financial. The short-term objectives will give you the quick wins you need to stay committed to the bigger goals.
A short-term goal could be something like a vacation, buying a car, etc. Meanwhile, long-term goals like buying a home and retirement require more commitment, but they’re crucial in giving you a comfortable life in your older years.
6. Pay Off Debts
Chances are you are reading this because you are already struggling with your finances. If that’s the case, then you probably already have debts. Maybe your credit card balances are becoming too much. Or perhaps you took a loan against your vehicle and other properties. It’s okay to take a loan to fund something important like a medical bill. That being said, it’s crucial to pay off the debts as soon as possible.
Create a list of all your debts and prioritize them based on interest rates and urgency. Try to pay extra money on top of the minimum payment on the high-interest debts. This will help you clear the debt much faster and reduce the expensive interests.
After clearing your debts, commit to staying debt-free. This means saving money for rainy days and controlling your credit card usage.
6. Open The Right Bank Accounts
Having the right bank accounts ensures you don’t mix up your finances. The three main types of accounts you’ll need are checking accounts, savings accounts, and investment accounts. Make sure your money is in the correct account at all times.
7. Create An Emergency Fund
We live in a world full of uncertainties. Job losses, unexpected medical expenses, and other sudden events can cause a financial crisis overnight.
Build an emergency fund to prepare yourself for such events. Experts recommended saving enough money for 3-6 months’ expenses. However, nothing is stopping you from building an even bigger fund if you can.
8. Invest Some Of Your Money
Savings go a long way to increase your financial security, but investments are arguably the best way to build long-term wealth. Do your research and find good investment opportunities that align with your financial goals.
It’s important to point out that no one gets good at money management instantly. You’ll probably make mistakes and slip somewhere. However, the important thing is having a plan and committing to it. And remember, you can always seek advice from financial experts.
