if you are looking for a good guide to help you take care of debt and save money, i always recommend reading books and listening to audio from financial guru, dave ramsey. this series isn't really about how to set money aside for your savings account. it is more about how to save money when you spend it. if you are struggling financially and looking for your saving grace, this series may not be for you. however, we all have to spend money, and my ideas may help you keep more money in your pocket when you do.
as i have said before, i am NOT an expert, so don't hold me responsible for your financial successes or failures. i am simply sharing what works for me, that could possibly work for you.
now that you have a list of expenses, there is one thing you need to start doing.
START paying your bills ONLINE. it seems like a scary thing at first, if you have never done it, but once you see how easy it is, you won't go back. NO writing checks, NO filling out envelopes, NO stamps, NO remembering to put it in the mailbox, and NO delays.
my story...
i used to pay my mortgage through the mail every month with a check and sometimes it would take 3 weeks for the money to come out of my account. when i questioned my mortgage company about it, they told me that the address i sent my money to was a processing center and that once it got there it was actually sent over to another department, which was why it took so long. when i asked if i could just send it directly to that department, i was told it had to be sent that way, but i could pay online and it would go directly to that department. crazy, i know!  | |
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STOP using checks! they are so 20th century!
all in one place, you can link up your bank account, mortgage company, credit cards, paypal, magazine subscriptions, loyalty programs, and other household accounts to keep track of them. right there on the site, it tells you how many days until a bill is due, or how many days it is past due. you even get little email reminders as well.
one of the most stressful things for families is money. when you are unorganized, you will make mistakes and even overspend. why not make having to deal with your finances a little easier?
next week, we will be looking a little further into specific areas of our lives where we can save money. from groceries to eating out, vacations, and even buying clothes, i will help you find ways to save money. be on the look out for guests posts from some of my favorite money saving moms as well.
