6 Simple money management tips
Tip 1
Create a comprehensive budget – write down how much money you receive from your salary, bonuses, benefits reimbursements and other sources. Compare that to all of your expenses to ensure you have enough money to cover everything you need.
Tip 2
Spend less by trimming day-to-day costs – identify areas to save, such as on your cell phone and cable television plan, or by planning meals and groceries to avoid takeout lunches and last-minute ordering in.
Tip 3
Eliminate unnecessary costs – make a list of your current bills and their due dates, and pay your bills on time to avoid late fees and penalty charges.
Tip 4
Find ways to pay less interest on your debts:
- Focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rate first
- Keep up with required payments (such as monthly minimums) on all your debts
- Consolidate your debts into an “all-in-one” type of bank account or a secure line of credit so you can make a single payment each month
- Talk to a debt counselor—you may have free access through your employer’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Tip 5
Set clear goals to help accelerate your savings – write down all the things you’re saving for, then work out how much you need to set aside each month to reach your goals in the timeframe you want then “pay” yourself this amount each month as if it is another bill.
Tip 6
Don’t pay more tax than you need to – find out what tax bracket you and your spouse are in, and submit claims like child care costs, medical expenses and charitable donations with the tax return for whoever is taxed at a higher rate.
