Article written by-Rees Beck

Any type of financial planning is a dynamic process that requires regular monitoring, and reevaluating. Here are some tips to get you started on your personal finance journey. If they seem a little complicated, take a deep breath and remember, you don't need to follow every single tip, just the ones that apply to your personal situation.

When it comes to finances one of the most intelligent things to do is avoid credit card debt. Only spend the money if you actually have it. The typical ten percent interest rates on a credit card can cause charges to add up very quickly. If you find yourself already in debt, it is prudent to pay early and often overpay.

Watch out for heavy investors' fees. Brokers that invest long term tend to charge fees for making use of their services. The fees they charge play a big role in your total return. Steer clear of brokers who charge exorbitant commissions for their services or pile on lots of account management charges.

Make sure that you are collecting all of the tax credits to which you are entitled. Look out for the following tax credits: Child Care Credit, Child Tax Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, Earned Income Credit and Hope Scholarship Credit. Visit the IRS's website for a complete list of tax credits that you may be eligible for.

If you bought a defective item, chances are you will notice it within a few weeks only. You lose out when purchasing an extended warranty; however, the business benefits greatly.

Be cautious when loaning money to your children or grandchildren and consider offering the money as a gift instead. Before you loan any money to a family member, you should think about the consequences if the money is never repaid. Remember, loans between family members often cause a lot of arguments.

Being a smart shopper can enable one to catch onto money pits that can often lurk in store aisles or on the shelves. An example can be found in many pet stores where animal specific products will often consist of the same ingredients despite the animal pictured on the label. Finding things such as this will prevent one from buying more than is needed.

Offering one's services as a cat groomer and nail clipper can be a good choice for those who already have the means to do so. Many people especially those who have just purchased a cat or kitten do not have nail clippers or the abilities to groom their pet. An individuals personal finances can benefit from something they already have.

Save money on your cell phone plan by choosing the right options. A contract-free plan requires you to buy your phone up front, but you'll save on monthly costs. If you want your phone at a discount, you'll likely be locked into a plan for a couple of years. A contract option can also make more sense if you want to add other people on a family plan.

There are many ways that you can find great deals on clothes, to put more money in your pocket and limit overspending. Avoid shopping at the upscale stores in the mall and shop at a clearance store, which carries the same brand named items, at much lower prices to fit your budget.

Teaching children early will help their personal finance improve and enable them to have a strong idea of the value of things. Teaching ones children will also help the parent brush up on their basic personal finance skills. Teaching children to save can also help enforce the idea on parents.







If you are using a checking account that has fees save yourself the hassle and open a free checking account. You can save a lot of money every month by just switching to a bank that does not charge fees for transactions, etc. Shop around and find the best bank for you!

If you are hoping to send your children to college or university, it is a good idea to start saving some cash from the minute they are born. If you wait to save, you may not have enough for them to go to college.

Contribute to an IRA. Not the Irish Republican Army but an Individual Retirement Account. If you or your spouse work, you qualify to put money into an IRA. mouse click the next web page can be with a mutual fund, bank, credit union, insurance company or other trustee. Deposits for a traditional IRA are tax deductible and returns are not taxed until withdrawn. A Roth IRA deposit is done with after-tax dollars but withdrawals are not taxed.

US savings bonds are always a safe investment to make if you do not mind doubling your money every seven years. Purchasing savings bonds systematically can build up your portfolio rather quickly. Granted the returns are not quite as large as a good year in the stock market. However, they are high yielding, safe investments you can make.

Be sure to use valuable coupons. Some coupons aren't really worthwhile because they may be for brands that are more expensive, even with the coupon, than the brand you normally buy. However, there are other coupons for a percentage or set amount off your entire purchase at a store or for a significant amount off a product your normally purchase that can save you a tidy sum. Be sure to take advantage of those.

Taking the time to actually assess your goals is a great way to stay in full control of your financial situation. Sit down with a pen and a pad and write down your goals in life, as if you're creating a business. You'll find that spending a lot of money doesn't fall in with your plans, but saving money surely does.

Be smart when you shop. You can use coupons to save money on many different things. You should also look into products before you buy them. If the product is too cheap, there is a good chance that it is going to break soon after buying it and you will be out the money that you spent on it.

Now that you have read this article, your unexpected bills and expenses should not be hindering your savings. Changing your current situation might take time, but your efforts will be rewarded. Fraud is like weight loss; it does not happen overnight. Be consistent and responsible and your situation should improve.