Content written by-Thomson Galloway

Neglecting your personal finances may have negative emotional and physical impacts on your life. Read on for some tips on managing your finances.





The stock market is in a dangerous state right now, so don't take any big investment risks unless you're willing to lose a lot of money. Any investment might seem like a good idea at first, but there are a lot of factors that affect stock prices and unless you're an expert, you won't see them coming.

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.

When you've decided on a monthly budget for your new car purchase, make sure that the monthly price you pay for the car loan itself is at least 5% less than your decided budget. You will need this wiggle room for gas, insurance, maintenance and possible repairs.

Consider downsizing to only one vehicle. It is only natural that having more than one car will cause your premiums to rise, as the company is taking care of multiple vehicles. Moving to one vehicle not only will drop your insurance rates, but it may also reduce the mileage and gas money you spend.

Budget, budget, budget - yes, whatever you do, make a budget. Corporations to know what is coming in and what is going out is with a budget and a ledger. Whether it's with pen and paper or a computer program, sit down and get it done. Your finances will thank you for it.

Have your premium payments automatically deducted electronically from your checking account. Insurance companies will generally take a few dollars off of your monthly premium if you have the payments set to go automatically. You're going to pay it anyway, so why not save yourself a little hassle and a few dollars?

Whenever you get a windfall such as a bonus or a tax return, designate at least half to paying down debts. You save the amount of interest you would have paid on that amount, which is charged at a much higher rate than any savings account pays. Some of the money will still be left for a small splurge, but the rest will make your financial life better for the future.

It is important to find a bank that offers a free checking account. Some banks charge a monthly or yearly fee to have a checking out with them. These fees can add up and cost you more than it's worth. Also, make sure there are no interest fees associated with your account

You should make sure that you spend less than what you earn. No matter how often or how much you get paid, if you spend more than you earn, you will never get ahead. Budget yourself and make sure you meet these goals. Cutting costs by just a little bit can save you big overall.

You should always try and avoid bad debt. Carrying a balance on a credit card is a good example of bad debt. Most credit cards have very high interest rates, which means a small purchase can end up costing you two or three times what it cost to begin with.

Splurge every now and then. No one likes the feeling of deprivation, and if you know that you have the freedom to have one big meal or one pair of shoes every now and then, you will have a feeling of mastery over your finances. Don't overdo it, but a small luxury purchase periodically is worth it.

Contribute to a retirement account and plan for the future! https://s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/financial-ad...berta-22/infinite-banking.html want to have a nest egg so that you are not living on social security in your old age and you have something to leave your children and love ones. Give what you can to your retirement and if possible see if your employer has any retirement benefits or accounts available.

There is currently a debate waging over whether you should save all your money or invest it instead. If in doubt, split up your efforts. Saving 70% and investing 30% is a smart move. You can make it an even smarter move by thoroughly vetting the place in which you will be investing your capital.

Instead of looking through the weekly coupons and deciding what to buy, do the opposite. Create a shopping list of what you normally buy. Then go out, and look for coupons for those items. If you can't find any in the weekly circulars, check online, and directly on manufacturer's websites.

Jump start your saving efforts by immediately setting aside even the smallest amount possible and depositing it in a piggy bank, jar, or coffee can. Resist the urge to constantly count your savings as it may lead to discouragement in the earliest days. The trick is simply to make regular contributions and eliminate withdrawals.

Use an online savings account to get the best interest rates. Many savings accounts pay little or no interest due to the poor economy. There are online savings accounts, like those offered by ING Direct, that offers rates four to five times better than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. These rates do come with some restrictions, so read the fine print carefully before opening an account.

Avoid using your credit card as much as you can. It's very easy to end up spending more than you should when you use a credit card. If you only use cash or a debit card, you won't have to worry about spending more money than you have, and ending up in debt.

Instead of overwhelming yourself with debt, prioritize your spending and keep any receipts or bank statements. This way, it is easier to track how you spend your income. Remember the tips in this article, so that you can make the most of your yearly income, no matter how much you make.