While many people do a good job of budgeting, some have trouble saving or incur more debt than they can afford. Learning how to budget will improve your financial skills.
The keys to money management are simple:
- Learn about financial planning concepts,
- Learn about budgeting,
- Create a plan,
- Save properly,
- Spend wisely and
- Stick to the program.
Tips for overspending
Overspending +++link to spending+++ is a problem for many people. Some solutions to this are:
- Pay with cash only: don’t carry a credit card if credit card debt is the problem
- Get support: if compulsive shopping is a problem, shop with a friend who has good spending habits.
- Ask for advice: if loan debts are a problem, ask a financially responsible friend how they pay down their debts.
- Don't wait to ask for help: the earlier you address the problem, the easier it is to find a solution.
- See your bank’s financial planner: often these visits are free and can provide helpful solution
Managing money for a family
Rarely do all members of a family have similar spending habits. Agreeing on some basic budgeting targets can be an integral part of relationships. Financial management is an important part of your general family planning and organization. Here are some tips:
-
Allowances
Set allowances simplify the budgeting process and reduce stress by providing family members the freedom to spend how they want. -
Separate Spending Accounts
Similar to allowances, all family members know exactly what they can spend, without having to discuss or confirm their purchases. -
Family Accounts
With only one spending account, it is transparent what is spent in a month, and generally one person is in charge of keeping track of the budget and sharing with the others.
Again, you may choose to consult a financial planner if you have a large family or if your family finances are complex.