Getting a handle of managing your basic personal finance administration can return many financial rewards as well as provide you with more free time to pursue your interests and freed up money to invest. When we talk about the basic elements of anyone’s personal finances we are
Getting a handle of managing your basic personal finance administration can return many financial rewards as well as provide you with more free time to pursue your interests and freed up money to invest. When we talk about the basic elements of anyone’s personal finances we are including a personal budget, savings and investment planning, managing your income and outgoings resourcefully as well as applying for loans and finance and various insurance policies you may need over your lifespan.
There are 5 key elements of good financial management to follow:
1. Budget. Working without a budget usually leaves you mystified as your paycheck seems to disappear; leaving you empty-handed by the time the end of the month rolls around and it’s time to pay the bills or put food on the table. In addition, when you create a budget, you begin to see a clear picture of how much money you have, what you spend it on, and how much, if any is left over.
2. Invest. To be more efficient in dealing with personal finance basics, it is important to choose wisely when and how to invest your savings. Put your money to work earning interest in a savings account or returns in a retirement fund or a mutual or index fund or build equity in your home by paying down your mortgage. Better yet, increase your assets by investing in a few of these options, while keeping a liquid savings account for emergencies. Failing to take advantage of free money is a common personal finance mistake amounting in money lost to inflation and missed opportunity. Be cautious also of investments that promise a high return with little or no risk.
Here are a few common types of investments:
- Secure Deposit savings. The no-risk options listed from worst rate to best rate.
- Bonds. Premium Bonds can go up but usually stay the same.
- Basic Bank Account. Worst rate of return.
- Current Account. Better rate of return than Basic Bank Account.
- Standard Savings Account. Better rate of return than Current Account.
- Regular Savings Account. Better rate of return than Standard Savings Account.
- ISA. Better rate of return than Regular Savings Account.
- Risky investments than can go up and down.
- Unit trusts.
- Stocks and shares.
- Other assets.
4. Get Insurance. You’ve definitely come a long way; there is one more important aspect of your finances that you need to consider. You’ve worked hard to build a firm financial footing for you and your family, so it needs t