Even though workers are aware the U.S. retirement system is changing, many are not adapting in ways that are likely to leave them with a comfortable retirement.
That's according to the 17th annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS). The survey is sponsored by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Mathew Greenwald & Associates, a survey research firm.
Key findings of this most recent survey include:
• Pension-plan changes by employers have left nearly half of workers less confident about the benefits they will receive from a traditional pension plan. However, those experiencing a decline in retirement benefits often fail to react constructively. Among workers who have personally experienced reductions in the retirement benefits offered by their employer, nearly two in five indicate that they have done nothing in response to these reductions.
• Many workers are counting on employer-provided benefits in retirement that are increasingly unavailable. Forty-one percent of workers indicate they or their spouse currently has a defined benefit pension plan, while 62 percent say they are expecting to receive income from such a plan in retirement.
• Almost half of workers saving for retirement report total savings and investments (not including the value of their primary residence or any defined benefit plans) of less than $25,000. The majority of workers who have not put money aside for retirement have little in savings at all: Seven in 10 of these workers say their assets total less than $10,000.
"We have known for decades that major changes were taking place in the U.S. retirement system," said Jack VanDerhei, a Temple University professor, EBRI fellow, and co-author of the 2007 Retirement Confidence Survey. "This year, we found that a substantial number of workers realize that the shift from traditional pensions to 401(k) plans affects them personally. Unfortunately, only 24 percent of those affected indicate that they will save more on their own, and only 8 percent indicate that they will save more in the employer's plan as a result of these changes."
EBRI research suggests that the vast majority of employees are likely to need some type of additional savings if they hope to end up with the same amount of retirement savings they would have expected prior to the change.
"Workers need to consider all the possible ways they can save for retirement," says Paul Schott Stevens, president of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), an underwriter of the survey. "A workplace plan like a 401(k) makes it easy, because all the research shows that automatic payroll deductions are the most painless way to save. But even if your employer doesn't offer a 401(k), you can set up an Individual Retirement Account and make steady contributions." ICI is the national trade association for mutual funds, which hold nearly half the assets in 401(k) plans and IRAs.
The RCS, begun in 1991, is the country's most established and comprehensive study of the attitudes and behaviors of American workers and retirees toward all aspects of saving, retirement planning and long-term financial security.
By: Stacey Moore
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Quick Unsecured Loans - At The Speed Of Light
A loan not secured by an underlying asset or collateral is an unsecured debt. This implies that the borrower is free from the risk of repossession of the asset by the lending institution. But, as it is said, there is nothing like free lunch on this earth. Every offer comes with terms and conditions. In case of unsecured loans, the rate of interest charged by the borrower is much higher than that on secured loans. In fact, the difference between the two is enormous. At present, the current APR on secured loans starts from 6.2% and that on unsecured loans is from 13%. And the base rate decided by the Bank of England is 5.25%. So, that explains all.
Still, as the UK loan market trends reveal, borrowers prefer to pay more APR on unsecured debts than pledge their home as security. There are many reasons as to why borrowers prefer fast unsecured loans to secured ones, which usually require prolonged procedures. Some of them are cited below.
Fast processing of loan- Loans that don't require any security are quick unsecured loans. They take less time in processing and approval as well. In case of secured loans, it generally takes around two to three months for the loan money to actually get transferred to the borrower's account. So, when in need of quick cash, apply for unsecured personal loans.
No risk of repossession- The major drive that forces Brits to go for unsecured loans. A secured loan would put collateral against the value of a loan, guaranteeing that the borrower's home, car, or any other asset will be handed over to the creditor, in the case of default. If one seeks a fast unsecured loan, property is not attached to the value of the loan. This relieves the borrower's mind from tension and uncertainty.
Most Britons already in debts- Latest study by one of the leading financial websites reveal that most Britons are in debt from head to toe. This also refers to the increase in personal insolvencies that multiplied extensively last year. So, most Britons either have lost their homes due to defaults on their secured loans, or already incurred so many debts against their homes that they are left with no equity in their homes.
There are many other factors that incline borrowers towards quick unsecured loans, less and easy documentation is another one. Then, there is no need of property evaluation and other related legal formalities. So, apply for unsecured personal loans when your financial requirements are immediate and short-term.
By: henryneal
Still, as the UK loan market trends reveal, borrowers prefer to pay more APR on unsecured debts than pledge their home as security. There are many reasons as to why borrowers prefer fast unsecured loans to secured ones, which usually require prolonged procedures. Some of them are cited below.
Fast processing of loan- Loans that don't require any security are quick unsecured loans. They take less time in processing and approval as well. In case of secured loans, it generally takes around two to three months for the loan money to actually get transferred to the borrower's account. So, when in need of quick cash, apply for unsecured personal loans.
No risk of repossession- The major drive that forces Brits to go for unsecured loans. A secured loan would put collateral against the value of a loan, guaranteeing that the borrower's home, car, or any other asset will be handed over to the creditor, in the case of default. If one seeks a fast unsecured loan, property is not attached to the value of the loan. This relieves the borrower's mind from tension and uncertainty.
Most Britons already in debts- Latest study by one of the leading financial websites reveal that most Britons are in debt from head to toe. This also refers to the increase in personal insolvencies that multiplied extensively last year. So, most Britons either have lost their homes due to defaults on their secured loans, or already incurred so many debts against their homes that they are left with no equity in their homes.
There are many other factors that incline borrowers towards quick unsecured loans, less and easy documentation is another one. Then, there is no need of property evaluation and other related legal formalities. So, apply for unsecured personal loans when your financial requirements are immediate and short-term.
By: henryneal
Friday, March 9, 2007
Explain To Me How Much Debt Is Too Much
So how can someone tell if they have too much debt? In this article we will try to explain just how much debt is too much. Although you would think it would be easy to tell if you have too much debt, but unfortunately many people do not know until they are close to financial ruin because of their debt problems.
If you are not missing any bill payments, this does not mean that you have your debt under control. You may be only paying the minimum payments to your creditors, but in this way you could be paying too much money in interest. A great way of seeing just how much interest you are accumulating over the next couple of years on say your credit cards if you just make the minimum payment is to use a debt calculator.
One way of knowing if you have too much debt is if you find that you are unable to pay the bills each month. But what you should never do is choose to pay one bill instead of another and it is vital that all the bills coming in do not exceed what you are actually earning (after tax). If you find yourself in this situation then the first thing that you need to do is cut costs wherever you can immediately. This may mean that you no longer go out every night with your buddies or that you cut back on the amount of times you go out to dinner each month.
Another way of realizing how much debt is too much is if you are denied credit. Often a person will be turned down for credit if they are considered to be a high risk. A great way of seeing what the problem is if you are denied credit is to get hold of your credit report immediately and see what is wrong.
Above we have provided just a number of ways of finding out how much debt is too much where your personal finances are concerned. So if you are worried at all that you may have too much debt then the first thing you should do is look at what your monthly expenses are and see any ways in which they can be reduced.
There are many ways to scale back so you can have more cash to pay your bills with. You need to really look at your lifestyle and make appropriate cutbacks. This may be hard and it may be painful but if you have too much debt there may not be any alternative.
By: Douglas Taylor
If you are not missing any bill payments, this does not mean that you have your debt under control. You may be only paying the minimum payments to your creditors, but in this way you could be paying too much money in interest. A great way of seeing just how much interest you are accumulating over the next couple of years on say your credit cards if you just make the minimum payment is to use a debt calculator.
One way of knowing if you have too much debt is if you find that you are unable to pay the bills each month. But what you should never do is choose to pay one bill instead of another and it is vital that all the bills coming in do not exceed what you are actually earning (after tax). If you find yourself in this situation then the first thing that you need to do is cut costs wherever you can immediately. This may mean that you no longer go out every night with your buddies or that you cut back on the amount of times you go out to dinner each month.
Another way of realizing how much debt is too much is if you are denied credit. Often a person will be turned down for credit if they are considered to be a high risk. A great way of seeing what the problem is if you are denied credit is to get hold of your credit report immediately and see what is wrong.
Above we have provided just a number of ways of finding out how much debt is too much where your personal finances are concerned. So if you are worried at all that you may have too much debt then the first thing you should do is look at what your monthly expenses are and see any ways in which they can be reduced.
There are many ways to scale back so you can have more cash to pay your bills with. You need to really look at your lifestyle and make appropriate cutbacks. This may be hard and it may be painful but if you have too much debt there may not be any alternative.
By: Douglas Taylor
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Replace your debts with debt consolidation loans for a brighter financial future
Sometimes, our dreams and desires cost us quite dear, especially when we forget to put leashes on them. There is an abundance of sources of easy credit around us that makes it really difficult for people to resist the temptation surrendering to the dreams and desires. Credit cards have nearly invaded our financial lives. They are usually termed as 'plastic money' as they can be used in place of 'money' to purchase various things "on credit". The allure of credit card is difficult to resist.
Personal loans are also quite easily available in the UK loan market. So, personal loans sell like hot cakes among the Brits.What people fail to see beyond the gleam of these easy sources of finance is the latent financial trouble (when these credit sources are used indiscriminately) that may arise in future.
Credit cards and unsecured personal loans carry a high rate of interest on them. Nowadays, it is commonly seen that people keep as much as 4-5 credit cards with them. In addition, there may be a few personal loans existing against their names. Managing multiple debts is not easy. There are many instances when people miss repayments of one or more debts as they are unable to keep track of so many repayments. In addition, too many high-interest debts drain a large chunk of the income of a person.
So, it is essential to streamline your debt situation before it goes out of control. Debt consolidation is quite effective in helping a person to reduce his/her debt burden. Debt consolidation loans can be used to merge all the pending debts into a single loan.
Cheap debt consolidation loans are devised with the purpose of enabling people to replace their costly debts with a single cheap consolidation loan. The cost of a particular loan product not only depends upon the quoted interest rate but also upon the various other costs, fees and penalty charges associated with the loan product. The overall cost of these loans is comparatively lower as compared to the other types of debt consolidation loans in the market.
by Jake Nathan
Personal loans are also quite easily available in the UK loan market. So, personal loans sell like hot cakes among the Brits.What people fail to see beyond the gleam of these easy sources of finance is the latent financial trouble (when these credit sources are used indiscriminately) that may arise in future.
Credit cards and unsecured personal loans carry a high rate of interest on them. Nowadays, it is commonly seen that people keep as much as 4-5 credit cards with them. In addition, there may be a few personal loans existing against their names. Managing multiple debts is not easy. There are many instances when people miss repayments of one or more debts as they are unable to keep track of so many repayments. In addition, too many high-interest debts drain a large chunk of the income of a person.
So, it is essential to streamline your debt situation before it goes out of control. Debt consolidation is quite effective in helping a person to reduce his/her debt burden. Debt consolidation loans can be used to merge all the pending debts into a single loan.
Cheap debt consolidation loans are devised with the purpose of enabling people to replace their costly debts with a single cheap consolidation loan. The cost of a particular loan product not only depends upon the quoted interest rate but also upon the various other costs, fees and penalty charges associated with the loan product. The overall cost of these loans is comparatively lower as compared to the other types of debt consolidation loans in the market.
by Jake Nathan
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Dangers Of Home Equity Loans
A home equity loan is very attractive to home owners since it can help increase immediate cash on hand, provide a way to fund repairs or renovations of the home, and offer an extended line of credit. A fixed rate equity loan can reduce monthly payments, and an extended line of credit can help pay down high-interest credit cards or personal debt. Still, there are some dangers of home equity loans.
Some lenders and brokers can promise a lower interest rate or lower monthly payment, but the payment can go up if the borrower's credit score decreases. Homeowners who are not able to meet the demands of the change can put their house at risk of repossession if they cannot repay the debt in time. Consolidating debts or refinancing a home in this way is not a good idea if the borrower ends up instead with a larger loan that they cannot pay off easily.
Even when money is saved on the home equity loan or line of credit itself, some borrowers may end up overspending in other areas. If credit cards are paid off, they may start buying things on credit again and end up making monthly payments beyond what is affordable. Plus what happens when the funding estimated for a project the loan was obtained for - house repairs, college expenses, unforeseen medical emergencies - exceeds the initial funding amount? Borrowers may find themselves spending more money than they sought to save.
Some mortgage companies might charge excessive fees that the homeowners don't know about until they sign the final papers. This is becoming increasingly common, and it's important to know all of the terms and final costs well before hand. Other poor lender practices include equity stripping, loan flipping, and over borrowing. Equity stripping is when a lender will inflate the income on an application to secure the loan. This results in the borrower not being able to pay back the amount. Loan flipping is when a lender increases the loan amount by increasing the current mortgage. This results in an overextended amount that the borrower cannot pay. Over borrowing involves extending a loan for more than the house is worth. This borrower cannot receive a tax deduction on this amount and may not be able to keep up with the payments.
Although there are many advantages of a home equity loan, there are some dangers and pitfalls to look out for. Sensible budgeting and financial practices are important to stay ahead of payments, no matter how small or large the amount may be.
by Patricia Lewis
Some lenders and brokers can promise a lower interest rate or lower monthly payment, but the payment can go up if the borrower's credit score decreases. Homeowners who are not able to meet the demands of the change can put their house at risk of repossession if they cannot repay the debt in time. Consolidating debts or refinancing a home in this way is not a good idea if the borrower ends up instead with a larger loan that they cannot pay off easily.
Even when money is saved on the home equity loan or line of credit itself, some borrowers may end up overspending in other areas. If credit cards are paid off, they may start buying things on credit again and end up making monthly payments beyond what is affordable. Plus what happens when the funding estimated for a project the loan was obtained for - house repairs, college expenses, unforeseen medical emergencies - exceeds the initial funding amount? Borrowers may find themselves spending more money than they sought to save.
Some mortgage companies might charge excessive fees that the homeowners don't know about until they sign the final papers. This is becoming increasingly common, and it's important to know all of the terms and final costs well before hand. Other poor lender practices include equity stripping, loan flipping, and over borrowing. Equity stripping is when a lender will inflate the income on an application to secure the loan. This results in the borrower not being able to pay back the amount. Loan flipping is when a lender increases the loan amount by increasing the current mortgage. This results in an overextended amount that the borrower cannot pay. Over borrowing involves extending a loan for more than the house is worth. This borrower cannot receive a tax deduction on this amount and may not be able to keep up with the payments.
Although there are many advantages of a home equity loan, there are some dangers and pitfalls to look out for. Sensible budgeting and financial practices are important to stay ahead of payments, no matter how small or large the amount may be.
by Patricia Lewis
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Im Broke, How Can I Afford...
I'm still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining that they don't have any money to put into their business and that they're broke.
I mean what have you been doing with your money man?!?
Plain Truth: If you don't have any money you won't make it my friend? it's that simple. You have to at least have some money. Say $200-$500. I don't care what the self-styled slick gurus tell you. If you're flat out of cash your dead in the water before you can even start.
Now let me tell you another thing?. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE BROKE! You're a liar and a self deluded one at that if you think you are.
I mean how many Starbucks or soda do you drink a day?
How many beers a week do you drink?
How many cigarettes do you smoke?
How much meat do you eat?
How many new clothes have you bought in the last month?
How many "gifts" have you just had to buy?
How many magazines or newspapers have you bought this month?
How many CD's?
How many snacks?
How much candy do you eat a week?
How many TV dinners?
How much fast food have you been eating?
How much did you spend on the lottery?
How much did your TV cost you?
How much money do you give to your church?
How much are your monthly car payments?
So these are really essential to living are they??. No they're not, they're self-indulgent habits! Nothing wrong with that if you can AFFORD them. But you tell me you're broke! Wake up! Ding-dong!
I used to walk the streets with no-more than $3 bucks in my pocket to last me the day. Yes I did that for months on end until something happened. I got mad, real mad. Not at the world but with myself.
You see I have always had a dream of being personally free, being self-reliant, totally in charge of my time and cash flow, beholden to no-one... not government, not masters, not gurus.
Now walking around with $3 bucks aient much fun. It hurts in the pit of your stomach. And when I only had $7 a day to feed my family (yup there were others my pathetic state was impacting) I can tell you, I felt at times of doing something pretty dumb to my body and mind? and occasionally did.
If you live in the Western world, you live in the richest part of the planet with the most opportunities the world has ever seen at any point in the history of the human race.
If you want to see poverty take a trip to India or any other developing country. I have, and what I saw made me realize my $3 a day "poverty-trap" was simply an ego-trip. Kids working from 5am to 10pm every day for crumbs of bread. Rags and bones. So please don't tell me you're broke and poor, you don't know the meaning of the word.
But now I'm not broke, now I'm not looking like a tramp feeling sorry for myself.
How did I change it, and get the money to start my information publishing business. I'll tell you. It's real simple? and I want you to do it too:
Every single time you buy something, I don't care how many cents or pennies or bucks it might have cost? you MUST ASK FOR AND KEEP THE RECEIPT!
At the end of the day in a small note book or on a scrap of paper, total up what you spent your money on. Now ask yourself: "Was what I bought today absolutely essential?" If not, take it back for a refund, you have the receipt after all.
Now put that refunded money in a pot or a jar and label the jar "My Business Building Fund". Better still, don't buy the goodie, treat or trinket in the first place and save the cash.
If you really want to get in control of your finances you absolutely, positively must raise some working capital, and the only way to do that is to stop buying crap and investing the money in yourself.
I mean do you really need that coffee or will water do? Do you really need that steak or will beans or rice suffice along with some healthy cheap vegetables thrown in?
"But I want to have a coffee, beer, steak" I hear you say. Well don't tell me that you're broke then. All you've done is exchange what little cash you have for something else other than investing in your business building fund.
No-one forced you. No-one but yourself is to blame for where you are right now.
You are in the situation you find yourself because of the choices and decisions you have made during the course of your life ?. Stop pointing your fingers outside yourself?. You are the problem, and as such YOU ARE THE SOLUTION!
So stop spending money on useless trinkets, and superfluous goodies and snacks.
Bread, water, vegetables? you don't need anything else to eat. Chances are you have a wardrobe full of clothes already so you don't need anymore of those... correct? Sell your TV it spews lies anyway. Use TV time to learn, surf the web looking for opportunities etc. Sell your car? Either take public transport, which in the long term is cheaper than a car or get a bicycle. And yes it's gonna pop your skull with frustration.
But use that frustration to get your act together and absolutely commit to get with the program and learn how to become a self-reliant cash generating human being. And when that day comes, you'll be able to walk into your bosses office, smack a cream pie in his/her face and walk off to the beach knowing you are, at the end of the day, an immensely and supremely powerful individual?. You simply forgot!
About The Author
Rob Taylor has been marketing online since 1996. He's sold anything from books, debit cards, security products to art prints. Take advantage of his battle tested marketing strategies that could quietly make you five figure cash profits every single month. Subscribe free to his Internet Marketing Strategies newsletter.
I mean what have you been doing with your money man?!?
Plain Truth: If you don't have any money you won't make it my friend? it's that simple. You have to at least have some money. Say $200-$500. I don't care what the self-styled slick gurus tell you. If you're flat out of cash your dead in the water before you can even start.
Now let me tell you another thing?. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE BROKE! You're a liar and a self deluded one at that if you think you are.
I mean how many Starbucks or soda do you drink a day?
How many beers a week do you drink?
How many cigarettes do you smoke?
How much meat do you eat?
How many new clothes have you bought in the last month?
How many "gifts" have you just had to buy?
How many magazines or newspapers have you bought this month?
How many CD's?
How many snacks?
How much candy do you eat a week?
How many TV dinners?
How much fast food have you been eating?
How much did you spend on the lottery?
How much did your TV cost you?
How much money do you give to your church?
How much are your monthly car payments?
So these are really essential to living are they??. No they're not, they're self-indulgent habits! Nothing wrong with that if you can AFFORD them. But you tell me you're broke! Wake up! Ding-dong!
I used to walk the streets with no-more than $3 bucks in my pocket to last me the day. Yes I did that for months on end until something happened. I got mad, real mad. Not at the world but with myself.
You see I have always had a dream of being personally free, being self-reliant, totally in charge of my time and cash flow, beholden to no-one... not government, not masters, not gurus.
Now walking around with $3 bucks aient much fun. It hurts in the pit of your stomach. And when I only had $7 a day to feed my family (yup there were others my pathetic state was impacting) I can tell you, I felt at times of doing something pretty dumb to my body and mind? and occasionally did.
If you live in the Western world, you live in the richest part of the planet with the most opportunities the world has ever seen at any point in the history of the human race.
If you want to see poverty take a trip to India or any other developing country. I have, and what I saw made me realize my $3 a day "poverty-trap" was simply an ego-trip. Kids working from 5am to 10pm every day for crumbs of bread. Rags and bones. So please don't tell me you're broke and poor, you don't know the meaning of the word.
But now I'm not broke, now I'm not looking like a tramp feeling sorry for myself.
How did I change it, and get the money to start my information publishing business. I'll tell you. It's real simple? and I want you to do it too:
Every single time you buy something, I don't care how many cents or pennies or bucks it might have cost? you MUST ASK FOR AND KEEP THE RECEIPT!
At the end of the day in a small note book or on a scrap of paper, total up what you spent your money on. Now ask yourself: "Was what I bought today absolutely essential?" If not, take it back for a refund, you have the receipt after all.
Now put that refunded money in a pot or a jar and label the jar "My Business Building Fund". Better still, don't buy the goodie, treat or trinket in the first place and save the cash.
If you really want to get in control of your finances you absolutely, positively must raise some working capital, and the only way to do that is to stop buying crap and investing the money in yourself.
I mean do you really need that coffee or will water do? Do you really need that steak or will beans or rice suffice along with some healthy cheap vegetables thrown in?
"But I want to have a coffee, beer, steak" I hear you say. Well don't tell me that you're broke then. All you've done is exchange what little cash you have for something else other than investing in your business building fund.
No-one forced you. No-one but yourself is to blame for where you are right now.
You are in the situation you find yourself because of the choices and decisions you have made during the course of your life ?. Stop pointing your fingers outside yourself?. You are the problem, and as such YOU ARE THE SOLUTION!
So stop spending money on useless trinkets, and superfluous goodies and snacks.
Bread, water, vegetables? you don't need anything else to eat. Chances are you have a wardrobe full of clothes already so you don't need anymore of those... correct? Sell your TV it spews lies anyway. Use TV time to learn, surf the web looking for opportunities etc. Sell your car? Either take public transport, which in the long term is cheaper than a car or get a bicycle. And yes it's gonna pop your skull with frustration.
But use that frustration to get your act together and absolutely commit to get with the program and learn how to become a self-reliant cash generating human being. And when that day comes, you'll be able to walk into your bosses office, smack a cream pie in his/her face and walk off to the beach knowing you are, at the end of the day, an immensely and supremely powerful individual?. You simply forgot!
About The Author
Rob Taylor has been marketing online since 1996. He's sold anything from books, debit cards, security products to art prints. Take advantage of his battle tested marketing strategies that could quietly make you five figure cash profits every single month. Subscribe free to his Internet Marketing Strategies newsletter.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
5 Ways to Absolutely Destroy Your Finances!
Ben Stein has a book called How to Ruin Your Finances. To be honest, I'm not sure an entire book is needed on the subject-there are some fairly quick and easy ways to accomplish the task. (Before continuing, let me be clear that I do not actually recommend such activities-This is a reductio absurdum argument, meant to spur an opposing realization.)
#1: Buy everything, yes, everything
You never know when a neighbor may come over to use your dish towels, so make sure they are Ralph Lauren, less than six months old, and all the same color. While you're at it, buy things that you don't need now, but may need in the future, such as eleven new sweaters, a top-of-the-line treadmill, and some bestselling novels (just in case you ever read the 38 already on your bookshelf).
#2: Charge all purchases
That way you can itemize all your spending, which is sort of like budgeting. When the bill comes each month, be consistent-pay only the minimum. If there's anything left at the end of the month, see #1.
#3: Don't be concerned about retirement
That's what Social Security is for! Our country is run by intelligent economists, and they'll make certain there's enough for you in 25 years.
#4: Buy a $4 million home, with 1% down, and a 30-year mortgage
Then, spend your entire working life paying it off. Don't worry if you haven't invested in anything else-you can sell the home when you reach 65, rapidly adjust your lifestyle to match your new one-bedroom condo, and live off the difference.
#5: Start being frugal 'tomorrow'
Please, finish your $7 mocha latte and go about your day. After all, this article was obviously written for the other guy!
© 2005 Matthew S. Clement, All rights reserved
Matthew S. Clement is a financial planner and investment advisor representative with Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. He provides holistic wealth management and retirement planning to individuals and businesses. He can be reached in New York at (845) 942-8578, or by email: ClementM@FinancialNetwork.com
#1: Buy everything, yes, everything
You never know when a neighbor may come over to use your dish towels, so make sure they are Ralph Lauren, less than six months old, and all the same color. While you're at it, buy things that you don't need now, but may need in the future, such as eleven new sweaters, a top-of-the-line treadmill, and some bestselling novels (just in case you ever read the 38 already on your bookshelf).
#2: Charge all purchases
That way you can itemize all your spending, which is sort of like budgeting. When the bill comes each month, be consistent-pay only the minimum. If there's anything left at the end of the month, see #1.
#3: Don't be concerned about retirement
That's what Social Security is for! Our country is run by intelligent economists, and they'll make certain there's enough for you in 25 years.
#4: Buy a $4 million home, with 1% down, and a 30-year mortgage
Then, spend your entire working life paying it off. Don't worry if you haven't invested in anything else-you can sell the home when you reach 65, rapidly adjust your lifestyle to match your new one-bedroom condo, and live off the difference.
#5: Start being frugal 'tomorrow'
Please, finish your $7 mocha latte and go about your day. After all, this article was obviously written for the other guy!
© 2005 Matthew S. Clement, All rights reserved
Matthew S. Clement is a financial planner and investment advisor representative with Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. He provides holistic wealth management and retirement planning to individuals and businesses. He can be reached in New York at (845) 942-8578, or by email: ClementM@FinancialNetwork.com
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Save Money on your Clothing Budget. Tame the Closet Monster!
Reducing the clothing budget was a serious challenge for me. Two pre-teen girls and a teenage girl certainly didn't make life any easier. My son wasn't much of a challenge. Thank goodness, he's not "fashion conscious".
The girls on the other hand were greatly disappointed in the new methods of clothing acquisition. Freebies, thrift stores, yard sales, consignment shops, and clearance items weren't exactly their style.
I found that changing the way I approached them on the subject made things a little easier. For instance we don't buy "used" clothing. We buy "previously owned, unwanted, or gently worn" clothing.
I strongly believe that knowledge is power. And, if you want to save money on anything, you must do your research! Informed consumer = More Savings, that's my motto. It took some shopping around for me to locate the best clothing value for my money. I did eventually find the one place where I consistently find excellent values with a great variety of choices.
I find most of my clothing "treasures" at a thrift store about 15 miles from my home. It's well worth the drive considering the great values I come away with! My cost per item averages about $3. I rarely spend more than $5 and once in a great while I'll splurge on a $6.95 item (usually new with tags still intact and a super value compared to the original price)
The thrift store where I shop is owned and operated by the National Children's Center , a local organization that provides educational services, early intervention preschool, and child care to infants and young children with and without developmental delays.
You will find that many of your local thrift stores are non-profit and support worthy charities.
I get a terrific value on name brand clothes popular with my girls peers, (Old Navy, Zana di, Paris Blues, Angel, Lei, Guess, Levi, Bubblegum, Mudd, limited Too, Adidas). Well there's not much I haven't been lucky enough to find at this store.
As a bonus my purchase also supports a worthy cause. And let's not forget that recycling these "unwanted" clothes is environmentally friendly. Everybody wins with these kinds of purchases. These are important benefits that ease the embarrassment children sometimes experience when they shop at thrift stores.
If your children are informed of all these benefits, they have the power to explain why they shop at thrift stores, if it ever comes up, and it doesn't have be for financial reasons.
The wonderful part is, it will probably never come up in a conversation with their peers. My children have never had to explain themselves. Most items are of good quality and only gently used.
You would never know we are enjoying a frugal lifestyle with a wardrobe like this!
In fact, with their closest friends the girls freely brag about the terrific deals we get on clothing. Some of their friends are even envious because of the wide selection of popular brand name jeans the girls are fortunate to own.
They have come to the realization that five pairs of name brand jeans at the thrift store is a whole lot better than one at the department store price.
I have found many brand new items with tags still intact. No way for friends to know where these great clothes came from. They probably assume they shop at some expensive department store or specialty shop.
We actually have fun shopping at the thrift store now. I have even caught a hint of excitement in them from time to time. Maybe my excitement for saving money is rubbing off.
Not! I think it's just the fabulous clothes we find! I know the saving thing will kick in later. That's what counts, teaching them how to be financially independent in life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Besides visiting your local thrift stores you should check out these other great resources for low cost clothing.
Clothing needs change so often for children. When you consider they grow so rapidly at certain stages in life, it just makes good sense to reduce cost on clothing.
Spending $30-$50 on one pair of jeans is just wasteful. They will only get a few months of wear before they grow out of them or decide they don't like them anymore!
Yard sales are great resource for anything you might need. It may be a little more time consuming to go this route, but the rewards can be great.
If you plan your yard sale trips correctly you can save a lot of time. As you become an experienced yard sale consumer, you will learn where yard sales are frequent in your area.
Combine this information with advertised yard sales in the local paper and on roadside signs and organize your trip to minimize your travel time.
You will sometimes find bags of clothes for a great "take all" price. Even if everything isn't usable you will usually get enough useful clothing to make the purchase a good value.
Make sure the clothes are in the right size range or are something they will grow into within a reasonable amount of time. If you have the time and purchasing items individually is an option, go through the bag. Purchase only what you know will be useful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Consignment shops are rapidly becoming popular. Not only can you find some bargain purchases here they may be a valuable resource for you to turn your unwanted items into money. You let them do all the storing, selling, and paperwork, all you have to do is collect your money!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a friend who sells all of her unwanted "designer" clothing on the E-Bay auction site. I have not ventured to purchase clothing on ebay myself as of yet, but have purchased many other items such as books, movies, and gifts.
Ebay is a great resource for new and pre-owned items, including clothing. Especially if you are geographically limited as far as shopping goes.
Of course there are other auction sites where you might find clothing.
The girls on the other hand were greatly disappointed in the new methods of clothing acquisition. Freebies, thrift stores, yard sales, consignment shops, and clearance items weren't exactly their style.
I found that changing the way I approached them on the subject made things a little easier. For instance we don't buy "used" clothing. We buy "previously owned, unwanted, or gently worn" clothing.
I strongly believe that knowledge is power. And, if you want to save money on anything, you must do your research! Informed consumer = More Savings, that's my motto. It took some shopping around for me to locate the best clothing value for my money. I did eventually find the one place where I consistently find excellent values with a great variety of choices.
I find most of my clothing "treasures" at a thrift store about 15 miles from my home. It's well worth the drive considering the great values I come away with! My cost per item averages about $3. I rarely spend more than $5 and once in a great while I'll splurge on a $6.95 item (usually new with tags still intact and a super value compared to the original price)
The thrift store where I shop is owned and operated by the National Children's Center , a local organization that provides educational services, early intervention preschool, and child care to infants and young children with and without developmental delays.
You will find that many of your local thrift stores are non-profit and support worthy charities.
I get a terrific value on name brand clothes popular with my girls peers, (Old Navy, Zana di, Paris Blues, Angel, Lei, Guess, Levi, Bubblegum, Mudd, limited Too, Adidas). Well there's not much I haven't been lucky enough to find at this store.
As a bonus my purchase also supports a worthy cause. And let's not forget that recycling these "unwanted" clothes is environmentally friendly. Everybody wins with these kinds of purchases. These are important benefits that ease the embarrassment children sometimes experience when they shop at thrift stores.
If your children are informed of all these benefits, they have the power to explain why they shop at thrift stores, if it ever comes up, and it doesn't have be for financial reasons.
The wonderful part is, it will probably never come up in a conversation with their peers. My children have never had to explain themselves. Most items are of good quality and only gently used.
You would never know we are enjoying a frugal lifestyle with a wardrobe like this!
In fact, with their closest friends the girls freely brag about the terrific deals we get on clothing. Some of their friends are even envious because of the wide selection of popular brand name jeans the girls are fortunate to own.
They have come to the realization that five pairs of name brand jeans at the thrift store is a whole lot better than one at the department store price.
I have found many brand new items with tags still intact. No way for friends to know where these great clothes came from. They probably assume they shop at some expensive department store or specialty shop.
We actually have fun shopping at the thrift store now. I have even caught a hint of excitement in them from time to time. Maybe my excitement for saving money is rubbing off.
Not! I think it's just the fabulous clothes we find! I know the saving thing will kick in later. That's what counts, teaching them how to be financially independent in life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Besides visiting your local thrift stores you should check out these other great resources for low cost clothing.
Clothing needs change so often for children. When you consider they grow so rapidly at certain stages in life, it just makes good sense to reduce cost on clothing.
Spending $30-$50 on one pair of jeans is just wasteful. They will only get a few months of wear before they grow out of them or decide they don't like them anymore!
Yard sales are great resource for anything you might need. It may be a little more time consuming to go this route, but the rewards can be great.
If you plan your yard sale trips correctly you can save a lot of time. As you become an experienced yard sale consumer, you will learn where yard sales are frequent in your area.
Combine this information with advertised yard sales in the local paper and on roadside signs and organize your trip to minimize your travel time.
You will sometimes find bags of clothes for a great "take all" price. Even if everything isn't usable you will usually get enough useful clothing to make the purchase a good value.
Make sure the clothes are in the right size range or are something they will grow into within a reasonable amount of time. If you have the time and purchasing items individually is an option, go through the bag. Purchase only what you know will be useful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Consignment shops are rapidly becoming popular. Not only can you find some bargain purchases here they may be a valuable resource for you to turn your unwanted items into money. You let them do all the storing, selling, and paperwork, all you have to do is collect your money!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a friend who sells all of her unwanted "designer" clothing on the E-Bay auction site. I have not ventured to purchase clothing on ebay myself as of yet, but have purchased many other items such as books, movies, and gifts.
Ebay is a great resource for new and pre-owned items, including clothing. Especially if you are geographically limited as far as shopping goes.
Of course there are other auction sites where you might find clothing.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Budgeting your Savings - Did You Let Your Piggy Bank Get Away?
I think most of us have at some point in our lives. Some how we forget to feed the little piggy. And, like most neglected "pets", your piggy bank will disappear if you don't feed it. A personal budget is important to create financial independence and setting goals for feeding that "piggy bank" should be an important part of your budget!
The most successful financial plans allow you to INVEST IN YOURSELF! It just makes good sense. A plan to build financial security should always be considered essential to any budget.
Even if you're on a plan to reduce debt, you need to include plans to build a foundation for future financial security. A good savings routine and variable expense account are essential to building a strong foundation for financial independence.
A variable expense allowance in the budget is important to save for those expenses that seem to "hit us unexpectedly". Funny thing is, we know these expenses will occur. They are an inevitable fact of finances for most of us. So, why do we call them unexpected? I can't explain why, but there are many of us who make this very BIG mistake in our budgeting.
Some expenses don't occur monthly. Some are paid out every now and then, quarterly, yearly, or bi-monthly, or semi-annually. These are expenses like car insurance and maintenance, home insurance and maintenance, property taxes, income taxes, medical expenses (prescriptions, deductibles, co-pays), pet care, school expenses (supplies, trips, activity fees, books), and clothing. Some of these are huge expenses that can put a ripple in any good budget if not planned for.
Most of us have good intentions, but it's easy to fall prey to the credit card companies without a plan to cover all of these "unexpected" expenses. The term still makes me chuckle. I mean, don't we "expect" to wear clothes? It's even funnier to me knowing that I was guilty of this very thing. Poor Planning! Not expecting what should be expected.
Lesson ???.Don't forget about this expenses in your budget. They will sabotage the best of intentions!
The other essential ingredient to a successful budget is a savings plan. A good savings plan should have a goal to reach at least the minimum amount necessary for you to survive for a three to four month period. It may take time, but this a strategy that provides a fail safe against a financial crisis. Crisis such as serious illness or job loss.
Trying to save money by cutting your savings budget out will eventually backfire on you. It is essential to build financial security, in order to remain debt free, you must not compromise your savings expense.
Only if there is no way to avoid it should you reduce the amount of your monthly savings commitment.
Start with 2-4% of your monthly income if you have to. A little is better than nothing, and then you can build it up from there to at least 10% of income as funds become available.
Some Important Points:
Applying extra funds to your debt first will not help you gain financial security. Emergency savings and variable expense savings goals should be met before debt is reduced in order to remain debt free. After all, these sources will be the foundation you wil� fall back on in order to remain debt free. If you can build a reserve for emergencies you won't have to use those nasty credit cards. This is an important defense that builds financial security. If you use a good debt reduction plan, debt will reduce, and in a reasonable amount of time. As long as you stop creating debt. Just be patient.
Paying more on your debt, instead of saving, is not going to help you pay for that major car repair when the car breaks down. It will most likely do the opposite of your intended plan and send you running for the credit card to bail out.
Of course once you have reached your goals for savings and your variable expense account, then you should start applying extra funds to your debt reduction plan.
Using money saving tips reduces expenses in your budget in an effort to help you build that financial security. Through saving money on everyday expenses and living a frugal lifestyle, you free up monies to apply to your savings and variable expense account. These are the defenses that build a strong foundation for your financial independence.
These "defenses" prepare for the inevitable expenses that will arise. Many of us had just forgotten to plan correctly for these types of expenses. That's how we got in the "big red mess" to begin with. Properly preparing for necessary variable expenses is your defense against feeling the need to use the credit cards.
Once you have balanced your expenses with your income, you have created a Budget for Debt Free Living. Congratulations! You are on your way to financial freedom and security. Enjoy! This concept is simply "living within your means." Something that many of us in today's "plastic society" have forgotten to do.
Live Debt Free to Be Free. You Deserve It!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and stay debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt management, household budget planning, frugal and debt free living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips for groceries, clothing, gifts, home decorating, weddings, and much more. A money saving tip a day keeps the credit card away.
The most successful financial plans allow you to INVEST IN YOURSELF! It just makes good sense. A plan to build financial security should always be considered essential to any budget.
Even if you're on a plan to reduce debt, you need to include plans to build a foundation for future financial security. A good savings routine and variable expense account are essential to building a strong foundation for financial independence.
A variable expense allowance in the budget is important to save for those expenses that seem to "hit us unexpectedly". Funny thing is, we know these expenses will occur. They are an inevitable fact of finances for most of us. So, why do we call them unexpected? I can't explain why, but there are many of us who make this very BIG mistake in our budgeting.
Some expenses don't occur monthly. Some are paid out every now and then, quarterly, yearly, or bi-monthly, or semi-annually. These are expenses like car insurance and maintenance, home insurance and maintenance, property taxes, income taxes, medical expenses (prescriptions, deductibles, co-pays), pet care, school expenses (supplies, trips, activity fees, books), and clothing. Some of these are huge expenses that can put a ripple in any good budget if not planned for.
Most of us have good intentions, but it's easy to fall prey to the credit card companies without a plan to cover all of these "unexpected" expenses. The term still makes me chuckle. I mean, don't we "expect" to wear clothes? It's even funnier to me knowing that I was guilty of this very thing. Poor Planning! Not expecting what should be expected.
Lesson ???.Don't forget about this expenses in your budget. They will sabotage the best of intentions!
The other essential ingredient to a successful budget is a savings plan. A good savings plan should have a goal to reach at least the minimum amount necessary for you to survive for a three to four month period. It may take time, but this a strategy that provides a fail safe against a financial crisis. Crisis such as serious illness or job loss.
Trying to save money by cutting your savings budget out will eventually backfire on you. It is essential to build financial security, in order to remain debt free, you must not compromise your savings expense.
Only if there is no way to avoid it should you reduce the amount of your monthly savings commitment.
Start with 2-4% of your monthly income if you have to. A little is better than nothing, and then you can build it up from there to at least 10% of income as funds become available.
Some Important Points:
Applying extra funds to your debt first will not help you gain financial security. Emergency savings and variable expense savings goals should be met before debt is reduced in order to remain debt free. After all, these sources will be the foundation you wil� fall back on in order to remain debt free. If you can build a reserve for emergencies you won't have to use those nasty credit cards. This is an important defense that builds financial security. If you use a good debt reduction plan, debt will reduce, and in a reasonable amount of time. As long as you stop creating debt. Just be patient.
Paying more on your debt, instead of saving, is not going to help you pay for that major car repair when the car breaks down. It will most likely do the opposite of your intended plan and send you running for the credit card to bail out.
Of course once you have reached your goals for savings and your variable expense account, then you should start applying extra funds to your debt reduction plan.
Using money saving tips reduces expenses in your budget in an effort to help you build that financial security. Through saving money on everyday expenses and living a frugal lifestyle, you free up monies to apply to your savings and variable expense account. These are the defenses that build a strong foundation for your financial independence.
These "defenses" prepare for the inevitable expenses that will arise. Many of us had just forgotten to plan correctly for these types of expenses. That's how we got in the "big red mess" to begin with. Properly preparing for necessary variable expenses is your defense against feeling the need to use the credit cards.
Once you have balanced your expenses with your income, you have created a Budget for Debt Free Living. Congratulations! You are on your way to financial freedom and security. Enjoy! This concept is simply "living within your means." Something that many of us in today's "plastic society" have forgotten to do.
Live Debt Free to Be Free. You Deserve It!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and stay debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt management, household budget planning, frugal and debt free living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips for groceries, clothing, gifts, home decorating, weddings, and much more. A money saving tip a day keeps the credit card away.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Budget Planning - Its Elementary My Dear Watson
Does it feel like you have to be Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery behind balancing your personal budget? Are you living a mysterious thriller where your realization of "financial independence and security" is a vicious repeating cycle of debt? Don't be afraid?...Somehow you've ended up lost in the "plastic zone". ' The "plastic zone" is a scary place. But you're not alone. There are millions of people today living the same mysterious life in the plastic zone. Remember green money? You know, that green paper with presidents proudly displayed on them. They have virtually disappeared from the "plastic zone." Is real Money a foreign object to you? Is the balance of your checking account mysteriously stuck at Zero? It's time to solve the mystery.
You don't have to be a financial wizard to solve this mystery. And you certainly don't have to be Sherlock Holmes. You see it really is an elementary concept. If you ask any elementary school student they'll tell you that you can't take 10 from 5. There can be no negative integers in this equation. Simply put, you can't spend more than you have! You have to fit your "living" within your "means."
For most of us living in the plastic zone, this means making some serious changes in our spending habits. It seems an impossible feat to reduce debt while still building a foundation for your financial security and independence. It Can Be Done! And it is "elementary my dear Watson!"
KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES!
~The first step is to realize where your money goes. How are you spending it? This requires a little recording keeping but is not difficult. Simply write down every purchase you make, that is not a monthly bill, for at least a week. This includes every check, debit, credit card, and cash transaction made (if married, your spouse must do this also). When finished sort these into appropriate categories to plug into your budget later. For example; dining out, lunch at work, groceries, coffee, gasoline, snacks, well you get the idea.
~Second lets tackle that debt. The monkey on your back will always insist on being fed until you take control of your money and say NO MORE! Make a commitment to stop using the credit. You must make a decision to invest in yourself from now on. Not the credit card companies. Take control by knowing what you owe , what you're paying, and how much it is costing you. Make a list. Include Creditors Name, Amount Owed, Interest Rate, Current Minimum Monthly Payment.
Add up all of your current minimum monthly payments. This is your monthly debt reduction payment for the life of the debt. You will pay this consistent amount each month until the debt is paid in full. Roll down freed up monies from one creditor to the next as accounts are paid. For example: your list of payments include a visa you must currently pay $80 per month. You will make that $80 payment regardless of the minimum due (unless for some reason the payment goes up) until the debt is paid. When it is paid you will take that $80 and apply to another creditors monthly payment. This is the secret to paying them off before you die! And, still have time to enjoy a debt free lifestyle.
~Next, you have to write down regular monthly expenses. Things l�ke the mortgage, cable, phone, electric, car payment,. Any expense that you pay every month. Insurance payments can be included if you pay monthly payments instead of a lump sum. Some of these expenses may not be the same each month ( like the electric bill). You should figure an average monthly amount for these. If your provider offers a budget plan where your payment can be a consistent amount each month, this makes budgeting these bills much easier. So do it!
~Now figure in the variable expenses. These are things like car maintenance, home maintenance, property taxes, income taxes, insurance's that are not paid monthly, pet care (vet bills, and medicines), your family's medical expenses (physician co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions (or prescription co-pays). Go through your financial records and write down every expense you can find that did not occur on a regular monthly basis. When you're done, add the total amounts for the year, divide by twelve, and this will give you an estimate of what you should be setting aside each month to budget these expenses. This is a variable expense monthly allowance to be included in your budget as a monthly expense. You set aside this amount each month (maybe in a savings or second checking account).
This is one of the most important steps in the budgeting process. The one step that most of us forget to do. The biggest budget busters are these "unexpected expenses". They're not really unexpected. Most of us just have a tendency to treat them as if they are unexpected. You don't plan for them. Consequently you will not be financially prepared when they need to be taken care of. You know that the car and home require some level of maintenance, but do you actually have a plan to pay for that expense? Or, when the hot water heater goes up, will you be forced to resort to the help of the credit card companies. This is what they hope you will do. Of course the property taxes have to be paid. Will you have the payment when it is due?
To reduce debt and maintain a successful budget you have to plan for these "variables". If not, you will inevitably use the credit cards to bail out and you'll be defeating yourself. The variable expense allowance in your monthly budget will allow you save for these expenses and will be your defense against creating more debt. This is an essential step in building financial security, investing in yourself, and remaining debt free.
~ Set a reasonable amount for your monthly savings allowance. This will be an emergency fund that can bail you out in case of tragic circumstances such as a serious illness or unemployment. Start with 10-15 % of your income and cut back to as little as 5% if you need to balance the budget. But, do save something! Anything is better than nothing. If you have to start small, as your finances improve, you should increase your savings allowance to reach at least 10% of your income.
Of course, once you have all of these figures in place you may find that you don't have enough money to cover all the expenses. You not alone. I was amazed at how much more I was spending than I was earning. It finally made sense to me why I couldn't get ahead. Why my debt kept increasing no matter how hard I tried to budget. This is when you have to start eliminating unnecessary spending, trimming down expenses by using some money saving strategies, or possibly considering an extra income.
It isn't always an easy process. It depends on how much of your spending is "unnecessary", how much you're paying out for debt, and how much you want to be free from debt and financially independent.
One things certain, if you take control of your money, and are committed to living debt free, you will find success. If you just keep doing what you're doing, things will not change, but will inevitably get worse. You will continue to invest in credit card companies, spending money that you don't actually have, and don't have a plan to pay back.
So start with a good spending plan that cuts out unnecessary spending, reduces monthly bills and expenses to the bare minimum, and eliminates credit card use. Save money in every area of your budget. Remember, $10 a month doesn't sound like a lot. But, a savings of $10 per month is $120 per year that you can apply somewhere else in the budget.
Every dollar you free up helps bring the budget into balance. Helps you live within your means. Don't spend more than you have. It doesn't get any more elementary than that!
Good Luck and Success! Live Debt Free to Be Free. You Deserve It!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and stay debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt management, household budget planning, frugal and debt free living. Money saving tips for groceries, bills, clothing, weddings, gifts, and much more. A money saving tip a day keeps the credit card away!
You don't have to be a financial wizard to solve this mystery. And you certainly don't have to be Sherlock Holmes. You see it really is an elementary concept. If you ask any elementary school student they'll tell you that you can't take 10 from 5. There can be no negative integers in this equation. Simply put, you can't spend more than you have! You have to fit your "living" within your "means."
For most of us living in the plastic zone, this means making some serious changes in our spending habits. It seems an impossible feat to reduce debt while still building a foundation for your financial security and independence. It Can Be Done! And it is "elementary my dear Watson!"
KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES!
~The first step is to realize where your money goes. How are you spending it? This requires a little recording keeping but is not difficult. Simply write down every purchase you make, that is not a monthly bill, for at least a week. This includes every check, debit, credit card, and cash transaction made (if married, your spouse must do this also). When finished sort these into appropriate categories to plug into your budget later. For example; dining out, lunch at work, groceries, coffee, gasoline, snacks, well you get the idea.
~Second lets tackle that debt. The monkey on your back will always insist on being fed until you take control of your money and say NO MORE! Make a commitment to stop using the credit. You must make a decision to invest in yourself from now on. Not the credit card companies. Take control by knowing what you owe , what you're paying, and how much it is costing you. Make a list. Include Creditors Name, Amount Owed, Interest Rate, Current Minimum Monthly Payment.
Add up all of your current minimum monthly payments. This is your monthly debt reduction payment for the life of the debt. You will pay this consistent amount each month until the debt is paid in full. Roll down freed up monies from one creditor to the next as accounts are paid. For example: your list of payments include a visa you must currently pay $80 per month. You will make that $80 payment regardless of the minimum due (unless for some reason the payment goes up) until the debt is paid. When it is paid you will take that $80 and apply to another creditors monthly payment. This is the secret to paying them off before you die! And, still have time to enjoy a debt free lifestyle.
~Next, you have to write down regular monthly expenses. Things l�ke the mortgage, cable, phone, electric, car payment,. Any expense that you pay every month. Insurance payments can be included if you pay monthly payments instead of a lump sum. Some of these expenses may not be the same each month ( like the electric bill). You should figure an average monthly amount for these. If your provider offers a budget plan where your payment can be a consistent amount each month, this makes budgeting these bills much easier. So do it!
~Now figure in the variable expenses. These are things like car maintenance, home maintenance, property taxes, income taxes, insurance's that are not paid monthly, pet care (vet bills, and medicines), your family's medical expenses (physician co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions (or prescription co-pays). Go through your financial records and write down every expense you can find that did not occur on a regular monthly basis. When you're done, add the total amounts for the year, divide by twelve, and this will give you an estimate of what you should be setting aside each month to budget these expenses. This is a variable expense monthly allowance to be included in your budget as a monthly expense. You set aside this amount each month (maybe in a savings or second checking account).
This is one of the most important steps in the budgeting process. The one step that most of us forget to do. The biggest budget busters are these "unexpected expenses". They're not really unexpected. Most of us just have a tendency to treat them as if they are unexpected. You don't plan for them. Consequently you will not be financially prepared when they need to be taken care of. You know that the car and home require some level of maintenance, but do you actually have a plan to pay for that expense? Or, when the hot water heater goes up, will you be forced to resort to the help of the credit card companies. This is what they hope you will do. Of course the property taxes have to be paid. Will you have the payment when it is due?
To reduce debt and maintain a successful budget you have to plan for these "variables". If not, you will inevitably use the credit cards to bail out and you'll be defeating yourself. The variable expense allowance in your monthly budget will allow you save for these expenses and will be your defense against creating more debt. This is an essential step in building financial security, investing in yourself, and remaining debt free.
~ Set a reasonable amount for your monthly savings allowance. This will be an emergency fund that can bail you out in case of tragic circumstances such as a serious illness or unemployment. Start with 10-15 % of your income and cut back to as little as 5% if you need to balance the budget. But, do save something! Anything is better than nothing. If you have to start small, as your finances improve, you should increase your savings allowance to reach at least 10% of your income.
Of course, once you have all of these figures in place you may find that you don't have enough money to cover all the expenses. You not alone. I was amazed at how much more I was spending than I was earning. It finally made sense to me why I couldn't get ahead. Why my debt kept increasing no matter how hard I tried to budget. This is when you have to start eliminating unnecessary spending, trimming down expenses by using some money saving strategies, or possibly considering an extra income.
It isn't always an easy process. It depends on how much of your spending is "unnecessary", how much you're paying out for debt, and how much you want to be free from debt and financially independent.
One things certain, if you take control of your money, and are committed to living debt free, you will find success. If you just keep doing what you're doing, things will not change, but will inevitably get worse. You will continue to invest in credit card companies, spending money that you don't actually have, and don't have a plan to pay back.
So start with a good spending plan that cuts out unnecessary spending, reduces monthly bills and expenses to the bare minimum, and eliminates credit card use. Save money in every area of your budget. Remember, $10 a month doesn't sound like a lot. But, a savings of $10 per month is $120 per year that you can apply somewhere else in the budget.
Every dollar you free up helps bring the budget into balance. Helps you live within your means. Don't spend more than you have. It doesn't get any more elementary than that!
Good Luck and Success! Live Debt Free to Be Free. You Deserve It!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and stay debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt management, household budget planning, frugal and debt free living. Money saving tips for groceries, bills, clothing, weddings, gifts, and much more. A money saving tip a day keeps the credit card away!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Top 10+ Ways to Jumpstart your New Year's Finances!
Of course, these don't have to be done in any particular order! Just pick one or two that particularly apply to your situation.
* Create your 2007 filing system. This might include new file folders, a new box to hold them or space in a filing cabinet with easy access. Mp>
* Set up a folder to collect all the important 2006 tax documents which will be arriving soon. Sure to arrive at your house are W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, etc.
* Set up an appointment with your tax professional early so you get the appointment of your choice. This also gives you a deadline to get your information ready! If you're self-employed, the next quarterly estimated tax payment will be due on January 15.
* Review last year's investments especially in your 401(k), IRA's etc. Find out what financial planning resources your company or 401(k) plan administrator offers and set up an appointment to talk to them. For non-company portfolios, talk to your investment advisor. You have until April 15 to make contributions to IRA type accounts (check with your tax preparer for eligibility).
* What about Quicken or Microsoft Money? If you don't use software to balance your checkbook, pay your bills and keep track of your savings and investments, this is a great time of the year to get started. My personal favorite is Quicken and for small businesses, you might consider Quicken Home and Business. If you are a small business with Payroll needs, check out QuickBooks.
* Medical Insurance reimbursements. If you haven't submitted all your medical bills to your insurance provider, now is the time to do so.
* Will and Estate Planning. No one likes to think about dying, but the best thing you can do for your family is to make sure they are taken care of by creating a will and making sure you have adequate life insurance. Think how easily you'll sleep knowing you have provided for your family even if you are no longer there.
* Speaking of insurance? If you haven't reviewed your health or home and auto policies in the last couple of years you might find you can save money and/or have better coverage. For example, if you still have a $250 deductible (which was my first deductible in 1979!), you will probably save by increasing it to $500 or $1000. Try to set aside some of your savings for deductibles in case you need them.
* Create your own Anti-Emergency Fund! We all know those car and home repairs, school fees, medical expenses and vacations are going to happen. Why not determine how much you'll need and save 1/12 of it each month? To read more go to: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/Anti-Emergency.htm.
* Holiday Bonus or Money Gifts If you received a financial gift this holiday season, hold on to it for at least 30 days while you decide what you really want to spend it on. All too often financial windfalls are spent before they even arrive. Consider dividing it into thirds: 1/3 to the past, 1/3 to the present and 1/3 to the future. Past might include paying down debt, present could be something you need or want now and future could be retirement, college savings, or a special vacation
* Financial G�als for next year Think about where you want to be next year at this time financially. If you want to save $1000, put aside $2.74 each day and you'll be there! Break down your financial goals into monthly, weekly and daily amounts and watch how quickly your savings will grow. Read more about it at: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/PDQFactor.htm.
Of course, these don't have to be done in any particular order! Just pick one or two that particularly apply to your situation.
* Create your 2007 filing system. This might include new file folders, a new box to hold them or space in a filing cabinet with easy access. Mp>
* Set up a folder to collect all the important 2006 tax documents which will be arriving soon. Sure to arrive at your house are W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, etc.
* Set up an appointment with your tax professional early so you get the appointment of your choice. This also gives you a deadline to get your information ready! If you're self-employed, the next quarterly estimated tax payment will be due on January 15.
* Review last year's investments especially in your 401(k), IRA's etc. Find out what financial planning resources your company or 401(k) plan administrator offers and set up an appointment to talk to them. For non-company portfolios, talk to your investment advisor. You have until April 15 to make contributions to IRA type accounts (check with your tax preparer for eligibility).
* What about Quicken or Microsoft Money? If you don't use software to balance your checkbook, pay your bills and keep track of your savings and investments, this is a great time of the year to get started. My personal favorite is Quicken and for small businesses, you might consider Quicken Home and Business. If you are a small business with Payroll needs, check out QuickBooks.
* Medical Insurance reimbursements. If you haven't submitted all your medical bills to your insurance provider, now is the time to do so.
* Will and Estate Planning. No one likes to think about dying, but the best thing you can do for your family is to make sure they are taken care of by creating a will and making sure you have adequate life insurance. Think how easily you'll sleep knowing you have provided for your family even if you are no longer there.
* Speaking of insurance? If you haven't reviewed your health or home and auto policies in the last couple of years you might find you can save money and/or have better coverage. For example, if you still have a $250 deductible (which was my first deductible in 1979!), you will probably save by increasing it to $500 or $1000. Try to set aside some of your savings for deductibles in case you need them.
* Create your own Anti-Emergency Fund! We all know those car and home repairs, school fees, medical expenses and vacations are going to happen. Why not determine how much you'll need and save 1/12 of it each month? To read more go to: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/Anti-Emergency.htm.
* Holiday Bonus or Money Gifts If you received a financial gift this holiday season, hold on to it for at least 30 days while you decide what you really want to spend it on. All too often financial windfalls are spent before they even arrive. Consider dividing it into thirds: 1/3 to the past, 1/3 to the present and 1/3 to the future. Past might include paying down debt, present could be something you need or want now and future could be retirement, college savings, or a special vacation
* Financial G�als for next year Think about where you want to be next year at this time financially. If you want to save $1000, put aside $2.74 each day and you'll be there! Break down your financial goals into monthly, weekly and daily amounts and watch how quickly your savings will grow. Read more about it at: http://www.phelps-creek.com/archives/PDQFactor.htm.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Money Saving Tips. Maximize Savings on Everyday Items!
Frugal living is more than a lifestyle. It's a passion. Call Me Crazy! I love It!
Why, who wouldn't love getting paid to buy products that they use everyday?
Here's how I do it.
I purchase an item that has a rebate offer (either a store or manufacturer rebate) while it is on sale and use a coupon during purchase. That's it! Using this formula I almost always come out ahead. When all is done, I've gotten back more than I actually paid for the item.
Even when I do have to pay for the items like deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes it's about 50 cents for a item that would cost up to $2 -$4 originally.
Am I the only one out there that gets excited about this? I doubt it! At least I hope not. That would make me "Crazy", wouldn't it? But a lot of folks just don't know how to combine money saving measures to maximize savings.
My local drugstore (which by the way is a national chain) often advertises items free after rebate. Hey, that cuts down on a lot of work for me. Easy Money! I e an also lucky enough to have a grocery store in my area that offers rebates and offers double coupons (sometimes even doubling $1 coupons as a special promotion). Needless to say, with six mouths to feed (myself, my husband, and four kids) I'm lovin' that idea!
As the editor of www.simpledebtfreeliving.com, I'm always looking for new ways to save money. Visit us and follow one of the e-mail links to share your ideas or just let us know how excited you get about frugal living! Let me know I'm not the only one. Then we can put my family's worries to rest. They think I'm really crazy.
Here are a couple other ways that I save on items we use everyday:
1. Always use items that are reusable rather than throw away
For example: Reusable coffee filters, cups and plates, and my favorite pet peeve -
The great sandwich bag conspiracy
The major manufacturers of sandwich bags would lead us to believe that it takes rocket science to keep a sandwich fresh. Ask yourself this, How long do you need to keep that sandwich fresh anyway? It's not like it's going to the moon. It's just going to the office or school for a few hours.
The most practical way to approach this is to purchase reusable sandwich size containers. This is also very environmentally friendly reducing a great deal of waste. If however, these have trouble finding there way back home ( which is likely if you have children), you can save substantially if you purchase the plain old pleated sandwich bag that cost a mere fraction of the razzle dazzle zipper kind. Your mother used these for years and years with great success. I have used both methods for years and have never received a complaint of a stale sandwich!
You'll find that doing these little things like, using real cups and plates instead of paper or plastic throw away, and recycling containers for storage or even to use in craft projects, can save a lot of money. Each by itself may seem minor, but when put together amount to tremendous savings over time.
2. Don't buy it if you won't use it. Things like small kitchen appliances, repair tools, and gardening tools are good examples. We know they'll make our life easier if we just had the opportunity to use them.
There are 101+ small countertop kitchen appliances available to chop it, grind it, mix it, open it, bake it, grill it..well you get the message.
Simplify your life and narrow it down to a couple you just can't live without. For me it's my blender and my food processor. Although, I'm seriously considering a bread maker. Not quite sure if it's worth the money yet. Especially when I'm so close to a bread outlet. But, you can't beat the taste of fresh baked bread. I'm not counting the coffer maker it's kind of standard equipment these days. I wouldn?t dare ask you to give that up! What am I crazy? Well , maybe..
It's little things like the example above that identify frugal living.
3. Always get the best value for your money. Shop around. If this is a major purchase you will want to know what to look for. Research and compare products on the internet or in sale flyers. There's nothing more challenging to the retailer than an informed consumer. That's what you want to be. An informed consumer knows when it's a good value! Informed Consumer - More Savings
Cheryl Johnson mother of four helping myself and others become and stay debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - a self-help plan, ideas, and resources for personal budgeting, debt management, frugal living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips help balance your budget and maximize everyday savings.
Why, who wouldn't love getting paid to buy products that they use everyday?
Here's how I do it.
I purchase an item that has a rebate offer (either a store or manufacturer rebate) while it is on sale and use a coupon during purchase. That's it! Using this formula I almost always come out ahead. When all is done, I've gotten back more than I actually paid for the item.
Even when I do have to pay for the items like deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes it's about 50 cents for a item that would cost up to $2 -$4 originally.
Am I the only one out there that gets excited about this? I doubt it! At least I hope not. That would make me "Crazy", wouldn't it? But a lot of folks just don't know how to combine money saving measures to maximize savings.
My local drugstore (which by the way is a national chain) often advertises items free after rebate. Hey, that cuts down on a lot of work for me. Easy Money! I e an also lucky enough to have a grocery store in my area that offers rebates and offers double coupons (sometimes even doubling $1 coupons as a special promotion). Needless to say, with six mouths to feed (myself, my husband, and four kids) I'm lovin' that idea!
As the editor of www.simpledebtfreeliving.com, I'm always looking for new ways to save money. Visit us and follow one of the e-mail links to share your ideas or just let us know how excited you get about frugal living! Let me know I'm not the only one. Then we can put my family's worries to rest. They think I'm really crazy.
Here are a couple other ways that I save on items we use everyday:
1. Always use items that are reusable rather than throw away
For example: Reusable coffee filters, cups and plates, and my favorite pet peeve -
The great sandwich bag conspiracy
The major manufacturers of sandwich bags would lead us to believe that it takes rocket science to keep a sandwich fresh. Ask yourself this, How long do you need to keep that sandwich fresh anyway? It's not like it's going to the moon. It's just going to the office or school for a few hours.
The most practical way to approach this is to purchase reusable sandwich size containers. This is also very environmentally friendly reducing a great deal of waste. If however, these have trouble finding there way back home ( which is likely if you have children), you can save substantially if you purchase the plain old pleated sandwich bag that cost a mere fraction of the razzle dazzle zipper kind. Your mother used these for years and years with great success. I have used both methods for years and have never received a complaint of a stale sandwich!
You'll find that doing these little things like, using real cups and plates instead of paper or plastic throw away, and recycling containers for storage or even to use in craft projects, can save a lot of money. Each by itself may seem minor, but when put together amount to tremendous savings over time.
2. Don't buy it if you won't use it. Things like small kitchen appliances, repair tools, and gardening tools are good examples. We know they'll make our life easier if we just had the opportunity to use them.
There are 101+ small countertop kitchen appliances available to chop it, grind it, mix it, open it, bake it, grill it..well you get the message.
Simplify your life and narrow it down to a couple you just can't live without. For me it's my blender and my food processor. Although, I'm seriously considering a bread maker. Not quite sure if it's worth the money yet. Especially when I'm so close to a bread outlet. But, you can't beat the taste of fresh baked bread. I'm not counting the coffer maker it's kind of standard equipment these days. I wouldn?t dare ask you to give that up! What am I crazy? Well , maybe..
It's little things like the example above that identify frugal living.
3. Always get the best value for your money. Shop around. If this is a major purchase you will want to know what to look for. Research and compare products on the internet or in sale flyers. There's nothing more challenging to the retailer than an informed consumer. That's what you want to be. An informed consumer knows when it's a good value! Informed Consumer - More Savings
Cheryl Johnson mother of four helping myself and others become and stay debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - a self-help plan, ideas, and resources for personal budgeting, debt management, frugal living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips help balance your budget and maximize everyday savings.
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