10 Facts about Money and Life
We are confident you can relate to many of those.
Fact 1: We LOVE to Spend. Save? Hum, not so much.
Quick question: do you need a new phone? Didn’t you get one last year? What about shoes? Shopping therapy is a major reason why we overspend, ditch our savings and, unfortunately, get into debt. Change your spending habits. Take the time to compare prices, get the best value for your money. Plan your limit, use list to do groceries. From time to time, treat yourself - you deserve it too. However, know what category and how much is available in the budget. Spend consciously.
Fact 2: Budgeting takes time and work.
Or it is what most people who don’t budget say. Yes, once you start budgeting it takes some time to organize your bills and your plans. However, nowadays, there is a lot of options to safely budget and easily manage your money. Once you make it a habit, it runs naturally. Moreover, Budgeting gives you the confidence to spend wisely, save to achieve your dreams, and have a comfortable future.
Fact 3: You got a new job. Let’s celebrate spending.
It’s so common. You have a brand-new job; it’s the beginning of your career. It’s exciting to enjoy all the perks money can buy: clothing, a new car, tech gadgets and lots of night-outs with friends. Life is young, time to enjoy it. All true, we get it. Keep in mind that changes happen. Unpredictable situations. That’s when planning and saving make a difference. You can get everything you like if you plan accordingly. Savings will increase your wealth, create new opportunities, live comfortably and fulfil your dreams.
Fact 4: Oops, I overspend. It’s alright, next month I’ll do better.
You’re optimistic. It’s excellent quality. So, you blew your budget this month, and hopefully, next month, you’ll do better. We get it. Here’s our advice. You need to be mindful of your actions. You spent too much, and it will affect your savings plans. Don’t lose control or procrastinate. Fix the problem asap. Start to control better and avoid the snowball effect before it’s too late.
Fact 5: People ignore small expenses.
Daily, we are used to making small purchases as routine—a coffee here, a snack there. The easiness of using debit cards also contributes to these little perks we take. Keep tracking of small expenses will show how dollar by dollar it sums up to become a significant expense on your budget. You may need to re-assess and cut it back.
Fact 6: I can’t save money.
Guess what? Lots of people have the same problem. You can save. It’s a matter of how to begin. Start small. Try this: when you receive your paycheck, take 5% to your savings account, then pay your bills. Great, you still have an amount at your disposal. Now, you may spend a bit. Do it monthly. Create a habit. As months go by, increase the total savings – up to 10%. Months later, you’ll be proud of your savings achievement.
Fact 7: I’m saving, but I don’t remember why.
Congratulations on adding to your savings account. If you were just saving to build a pot, now, it’s time to give it purpose. Think about goals. What about that trip to Europe? Or a new car? Create your goals, be specific and stay focus to keep your savings growing and enjoy your plans. Budgeting can help you with that.
Fact 8: You’re not saving for emergencies and retirement.
You have control of your finances; however, tough changes happen. Don’t underestimate it. The last thing you need is to be surprised. Emergencies and a retirement plan are essential to your wealth in the future. Investing in yourself as protection will guarantee a better future.
Part 9: Investing is complicated - so you’re not investing.
It takes time to become a skilled investor. That doesn’t mean you can’t use some safer and easier investment options and get a better return. Look for some help and educate yourself in the area. Search for products like mutual funds and ETFs that are simpler to use and afford. Banks have no cost professionals that can help get the ball rolling. They will help you find some mutual funds or other investments and help educate you.
Fact 10: Family and Finance is a tricky business.
Family support each other. That’s true. We want to help our loved ones. But, proceed with caution. Friends and family are notoriously bad risks. Talk to relevant parties, lay down the terms for payback, ask enough questions and remember: don’t sacrifice your savings if you can’t. Be honest about it. Say no if you can’t afford to lose the money. Hopefully, all will end well as long as you manage to keep your budget under control.
KJ/DB