Learning money management skills is fundamental to a financially secure life. If you don't learn how to manage your money and allocate it properly, you will likely have a hard time planning and succeeding at many of your goals. Some people learn these skills from their parents while growing up. Others struggle through their adult years until they have the opportunity to learn the information.
Saving
Learning how to save money is an important money management skill. Even if you only save a small amount each month you are ahead of the game. Put it in a money market or savings account so that it can garner interest. You should always have savings in place, whether it's for retirement, an emergency fund, or saving for a home.
Setting Goals
Another part of money management is to master goal setting. This goes in line with saving money. Look to the future and determine where you would like to be in five to 10 years. For example, perhaps you would like to purchase a home at that time or pay off your student loans. Choose a particular month and year in the future that you plan to reach a financial goal. Determine the amount that you need to save each month to reach that goal. Open a savings account just for that particular goal.
Budgeting
Learning to create a monthly budget is another money management skill. Budgeting is a key to achieving your goals. To create a budget, calculate your monthly bills and expenses. Include all expenses' both large, regular bills such as rent, and smaller, easy-to-overlook expenses such as gas and lunches out. Find out what you are spending your money on and where. Line up your budget with your income and set limits as to what you can spend on each specific area.
Avoid Bad Debt
To manage money effectively, avoid debt whenever possible. In particular, avoid "bad debt." This refers to debt that accrues interest or is used to purchase a disposable item. Credit card debt is typically an example of bad debt. "Good debt" is the type that builds wealth over time, such as the cost of a home or education that can lead to a better job. It's acceptable to take on "good debt" as long as you can afford the payments.
Source : debtrich
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