1. CONSOLIDATE CREDIT CARDS
The typical consumer carries eight cards. Whenever possible condense these into two or three, cut up the others, and notify the issuer(s) that you want to close the account(s). The more cards you have the harder it is to keep them organized. Opt out of unsolicited pre-approved credit offers by calling the Credit Reporting Industry at 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). 2. SWITCH TO A DEBIT CARD
A debit card gives you the convenience of a credit card with the responsibility of cash. Youll be less likely to make frivolous purchases if you know the money is coming directly out of your checking account. When you reach your limit, youre broke, so you have to be organized enough to track your balances. 3. SET UP AN EMERGENCY ACCOUNT
On second thought, there are probably three sure things in life: there will always be unexpected expenses like car repairs and medical bills. Put away at least six months worth of income (okay, three!) so you have something to fall back on. 4. USE ELECTRONIC FINANCIAL SERVICES
The check isnt in the mail! Consider bill paying and banking online. This greatly minimizes the time needed to manage your money. PS: If you do this you can avoid check writing and speed-read the next two tips! 5. HAVE A BILL-PAYING SYSTEM
Bill paying is a regular ritual so you may as well make it as painless as possible. Designate two to three days a month, coinciding with paydays, in which to pay your bills. Identify a specific place where you can work comfortably and keep all bill paying supplies together in that place. 6. BALANCE YOUR CHECKBOOK MONTHLY
How else will you know how much money is, or isnt, sitting in your account? This may seem like a daunting task but its not intimidating if you do it on a regular basis. PS: A computer program like Quicken makes it even faster. 7. GET RID OF COMMISSIONS
Full-service brokerage firms cost more per trade than discount and on-line firms. Let all of your money work for you by reducing or eliminating sales commissions when investing. PS: Look into very low-expense index funds. 8. USE ONLY YOUR OWN BANKS AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES
ATMs were a fabulous invention. But use them wisely! Paying an extra $1.50 a day for using foreign ATMs can add up to more than $500 a year. 9. CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Federal law requires the nations three credit bureaus to give consumers free annual access to their credit reports. Review your reports from Equifax, Experian (formerly TRW) and TransUnion at least once a year and correct any errors; they could come back to haunt you somewhere down the line. PS: Get more information on the big three reporting agencies at their www.com websites or www.annualcreditreport.com. 10. KEEP GOOD RECORDS DURING THE YEAR
Avoid the pain of the last-minute tax rush by keeping all tax-related papers in a labeled file folder. If applicable, maintain travel, entertainment and mileage logs and save receipts. |
