Don't Be Clueless About Your Money

By Author: Marcel Richard
Total Articles: 175
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The inability to manage our money is a global concern. Sometimes, this is due to the fact that they aren't educated on the topic. By reading this article, you are taking the first step to educate yourself on managing your personal finances better. You'll have more control over your money if you heed the following advice.

Keep track of what is happening in the world to keep abreast of market shifts on a global scale. While you might be inclined to only pay attention to U.S news, ignoring the international news is a one of the biggest mistakes American currency investors make. When you're aware of what's going on globally, you'll be able to make smart predictions about the market and choose your financial strategies wisely.

Avoid investment opportunities that have high fees attached. Service fees for brokers that assist with long-term investments are common. Your total return will be greatly affected by these fees. Steer clear of brokers who charge exorbitant commissions for their services or pile on lots of account management charges.

Don't keep using a credit card if you are finding it hard to pay off its ...
... balance. Cut down on your expenses in any way that you can, and use an alternative payment method, so you don't end up reaching or overextending the limit on your credit card. Before using the card again, pay off the balance in full.

Stop buying things with your credit card if you cannot pay it off. Cut out as many expenses as you can, and use something other than your credit card to pay your bills. Before you begin charging again, pay off the current balance so you don't get in over your head.

You may not know that after a certain period of time, debts expire. Find out when your debts will become obsolete and refuse to pay back anyone who is trying to get money for an expired debt.

There are new, specific rules that regulate how individuals under the age of 21 can get credit cards. In the past, college-aged young adults could get approved for credit cards very easily. It is now a requirement that student applicants must prove they have an income, or have someone cosign for them. Prior to application to any particular card, take a hard look at the requirements that come with it.

When talking to a collection agency, see if you can negotiate the payment down. You debt was probably purchased by them for a low price. If you pay only a small percentage of what you owe, they are still making a profit. Use this to your advantage when paying off old debts.

Anyone finding that they often have single dollar bills in their pockets can use those bills in an interesting way that might be a great help to their finances. If they just use these extra dollars on things like lottery tickets, they may find that they win more than what they put in sometimes.

Learn about and use flexible spending accounts wisely. Flexible spending accounts can provide savings on qualified expenses such as medical costs, and child daycare bills. Flex spending accounts permit you to place pretax dollars into an account to pay for these types of expenses. There may be terms and conditions with these types of accounts. It is in your best interest to talk with a tax professional if you do not understand how flexible spending works.

Personal finance knowledge is a great tool to have. Tracking every penny that comes in and every penny that is spent makes managing finances a much simpler matter. Use these tips to help you get a handle on your money and put it to work for you.

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