Get Your Finances On The Right Track

Always save your credit card agreement documentation and amendments. These detail the terms of your contracts. You should read them, but even if you don't, file them away in a marked folder so that you can refer to them later. Having these documents where you can find them will help you to clear up any points you may be confused about should the need arise.

Invest the right way; you want to invest in stocks when you are still young and when you get older move to bonds. Stocks are a good long-term investment strategy. If you're still young when the market turns south, you'll have plenty of years left ahead of you to make it up. As you get older, invest in bonds.

If you make too much money to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or want to retain your assets, file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead. This type of bankruptcy allows you draw up a payment plan in which you pay the trustee a specified amount each month, which is then disbursed to your creditors. If you make timely payments over the life of the 3-5 year plan, the rest of your debt is wiped out.

Try to avoid eating out. It may seem like a good idea to go to McDonalds and order something off the dollar menu, but those things add up. Often it's much cheaper to make a sandwich or cook dinner at home. And whenever you cook, if there is food leftover, save it to have as a meal another time.

One way to curb your spending on clothing and accessories is to simply avoid visiting these stores. It may sound obvious, but it is incredibly effective. Rather than spending your time and money at department stores, look for other diversions that cost little to nothing, like checking out books from the library or taking a walk.

Make sure to keep track of every single expense when you write a check or use a debit card. Keeping track of what's in your bank account can help, as sometimes a payment can be taken out and it won't be reflected in your bank account until much later. Keep track of your finances and avoid those pesky overdraft fees!

Use the right plumbing fixtures to reduce your water bill. There are a variety of fixtures that are specifically designed to reduce the amount of water consumed when using sinks, showers, and toilets. They are generally known as "low flow" fixtures. The data suggests you can save 10-20% on water by using these fixtures.

Don't let "ghost power" run up your electricity bill. Many electronics consume electrical power when off, but plugged in, for no discernible reason. By unplugging these electronic devices when they are not in use, you can save a little bit (between 1% and 2%) on your electric bill.

Plan to pay off existing credit balances. If you can't pay in full, pay more on the high interest credit cards and loans first, while paying the minimum on those that are costing you less. As the highest ones get paid in full, start paying more on the next highest, and so on.

A great way to be successful with your personal finance is to be proactive. Instead of waiting for your bills to come due, pay them before they are due. Set aside your money for specific costs that you know are coming. Pay more than the balance due! This will help you avoid paying late fees and interest.

Keep things simple. Don't set up an elaborate financial tracking plan or be too strict with yourself. Remember, personal finance is something you have to deal with for life, so make it as simple and easy on yourself as you possibly can. Keep your finances under control, but don't lose your head while you're at it.

If you are trying to save up money to go on a vacation, buy a house or retire early, you need to remain as disciplined as possible when it comes to breaking into that savings. Before you contribute to those funds, be sure to calculate exactly how much you will need to make it that month so you can better avoid early withdraw from that account.

Personal finance should be a subject you are a master in now. Don't you feel like you can give anyone advice on how to manage their personal finances, now? Well, you should feel like that, and what's really great is that this is knowledge that you can pass on to other people. Be sure to spread the good word and help not only yourself, but help others manage their finances, as well.

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