|
|
These 4-letter words can help you saveA recent report by the Corporation for Enterprise Development found 43 percent of U.S. households are one crisis away from living in poverty. Only 30 percent of Americans save their money, and even more live paycheck to paycheck. It's time to get serious about saving. These four-letter words can help you save and build a financial cushion for your household. Need. Do you need it? Or do you want it? Do you need a 65" flat screen TV? Or will a smaller television do just fine? Do you even need a new TV? Know the difference between needs and wants. Save. The rule of thumb is to have enough money in savings that you could live for three months. Six months is better. But don't let that looming goal scare you. Even savings just a little is better than not saving at all. Save that pocket change in a jar, and at the send of six months see how much you have. Fees. Cell phone fees. Cable fees. Late fees. Bank fees. Hidden fees. Get a handle on the fees you are charged each month. Review your bills. See a "fee" that you don't know what it's for? Call the provider and ask for an explanation. It might be a mistake, or you might be able to get it removed from future billings. Remember, even small fees add up over time. Know. How much do you spend on food? How much is your mortgage or rent? How much do you spend on utilities each month? What is your monthly take home pay? Know how much your bills are, how much you bring in each month and how much your necessities cost. Help. It's hard to save. But it's easy to ask for help. If you need additional guidance on how much to save, tips on saving or someone to help you navigate it all, get help. Date: 2/4/2013
|
|
