How to Stay on Top of your Finances {5 Easy Tips}

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If you want to stay on top of your finances, the decisions you make right now will impact your future. Whether you are just thinking about getting your finances in order, or have already started the process, you will need to invest time (and potentially money) into your own financial education, so you can make better future decisions and keep your bank balance healthy. Below you will learn more about what you have to do to stay on top of your budget and finances.

1. Learn Budgeting

In case you are unfamiliar with budgeting, and the term itself scares you, you have nothing to fear. Budgeting is pretty simple and straightforward to implement. All you need is a list of your regular income and expenditures, and the cost of services. You can create a budget in just a few minutes, using one of the free online budgeting tools. Once you know how much you have left after paying your bills, you can start creating a long-term financial plan to save more or spend less.

2. Monitor Your Credit Rating

If you want to do things in the future, such as getting a car on a low-interest credit, or buy your own home, it is important that you monitor your credit rating. There are several online websites that allow you to see your report every month, so if there is anything that shouldn’t be there, you can get in touch with your bank or lender. A good credit score will give you lower interest rates and better loan terms.

3. Know Your Investment Options

 

If building wealth is your long-term goal (I mean…who doesn’t want to build wealth?!), you might want to make your money work for you. Learning about the investment options available for your situation is the first step. Thanks to the internet, you can find plenty of free resources you can use to understand the different accounts, risks, and benefits better. Whether you would like to review the examples of CFDs or want to maximize the value of your property portfolio, it can all be found easily online, and you’ll be able to stay on top of your finances.

4. Calculate The Long-Term Costs

If you want to make decisions that will not have a negative impact on your financial future, you might want to learn how to calculate the cost of credit and different accounts. You can also enroll to personal finance coaching that will explain the benefits and risks of different accounts, and summarize the terms and conditions that are usually included in the small print you never read.

5. Stay on Top of your Finances by Paying Off Debt First

Whenever you have money left over, it is important that you prioritize paying off your debt. Credit generally costs you money long term, and once you pay it off, you can maximize your investment opportunities and invest in what matters the most. Start with the most expensive credit, such as credit cards, and work your way through the list. If you want to see where you stand right now, get my free debt snowball spreadsheet. All you have to do is enter your current debts, smallest balance to largest. It calculates the time it will take to pay each debt off! 

Learning how to stay on top of your finances is an important skill everyone should pick up at an early age. Understand how different financial products work, and make the most out of your investment options.