As Robert Kiyosaki aptly put it, our generation lacks financial education to maintain financial security. It's hard not to agree with this, considering how many people constantly borrow and re-borrow in order to reach their salaries, get involved in bonded loans, live beyond their means and spend money absolutely thoughtlessly.
Below are some simple (perhaps for someone — elementary) tips that will help you stabilize your financial situation.
If you do not keep a written record, it is difficult to keep in mind all the money received and spent.
A funny incident happened to me recently. Once I was registered at the Employment Center (I was on the stock exchange), for which I received benefits. Or rather, I didn't get it. When registering, I had to open a bank account, where the allowance was transferred.
I didn't need those "crazy" money, so over time (I stood on the stock exchange for almost a year) I safely forgot about this account. Imagine my surprise when I came to the bank the other day and found him.
In this regard, the first rule is to recalculate all your money. Check bank accounts, credit cards.
Rule number two – from this day on, keep strict financial records (how much and what you spend, how much and where you get from). Use specialized online services and applications for this (iOS: MoneyWiz, CoinKeeper, Spent and others; Android: the same CoinKeeper, as well as "Home Accounting", "My Budget" and others). They will help not only to control income and expenses, but also to plan a budget.
Having hit debit and credit, it is necessary to pay off debts and (if possible) repay loans.
Where can I get the money? There are several win-win options:
With regard to loans, remember that some loan programs do not provide for early repayment of debt (it is unprofitable for the bank to lose interest income). However, it is almost always possible to deposit large amounts, thereby reducing the principal debt, from the amount of which interest is accrued. In addition, if you have several loans, try to repay the one with the higher interest rate first.
Being able to save money is a talent. This is bad news.
The good news is that he is not born with a man – saving can be learned.
I don't like the advice in the spirit of "saving should be economical" – buy cheap sausage, you will gain 10 rubles. A person should satisfy his needs as much as possible (otherwise, why do we need money?).
But when there is a real shortage of them, you need to put things in order in financial matters and start saving. Moreover, there are quite reasonable ways:
Spending 8 hours a day at work (at best) 5 days a week (also, if you're lucky), you don't even want to hear about part-time work. But you can try to earn money without putting much effort or find a second job related to a hobby.
By the first I mean, first of all, investments. This will require special knowledge – how, where and how much money to invest. Under the second – a business that gives pleasure. For example, to sell wooden figurines that you cut out with a jigsaw in the evenings (I exaggerate, but my friend makes and sells wedding wine glasses in her spare time from 2 children and work).
In order to stand firmly on your feet even in difficult times, you need to have a financial safety cushion.
To do this, there is a simple rule: put aside 5% (10%, 20% – everyone decides for himself) of any earnings in reserve. Categorically, like your own income tax. You need to take this deduction as a given and not count on this money in everyday life – this is a "stash" for a rainy day. Moreover, it is better that everything happens automatically (non-cash transfer to a special account).
What ways do you know to put your finances in order?
