Studying can often be a bore. However, almost everyone likes learning about, talking about, dreaming about, and fussing with money. This makes studying finances more fun than other subjects may be. Researching how to increase your financial IQ can be enjoyable and absorbing.
How-to-get-rich books have been around forever. There seems to be a new one coming out every day. Financial advisers compete for the privilege of guiding your investments. Radio talk show hosts offer free advice to those who phone in. People counsel you to get out of debt, show you how to make pennies go farther, teach you how to make money in the stock market, and show you how to avoid paying taxes.
Assuming you have some money to manage – whether from a paycheck, a government check, or even an allowance – you will need a plan and self-discipline to succeed in getting the upper hand over your finances. People who spend their money as fast as they get it are not in control.
Making a budget is something that most people resist. Often it is simply because the thrill of spending money as fast as it’s made is hard to resist. Sometimes people think the process is difficult. Budgeting is simply balancing income with outgo, while breaking finances down into categories. Having a budget – and sticking to it – is the foundation of financial wisdom.
Many people go through life without a clear idea of income and expenses. They have cash flow, they just don’t take the time to understand it. This is a serious mistake which can cost thousands over the years. The very first thing is to list expenses that are recurring: rent or mortgage payments, utilities, alimony payments or child support, and such ‘fixed’ expenses.
After fixed expenses come ones over which you have some control. Food is always a necessity, but you can decide how much to spend and cut corners here by savvy shopping. Clothing, gas for the car, and recreation are other areas where restraint may produce a little surplus. You may think this is impossible – but try it and see.
Everyone should be able to save at least a part of every check. Having an emergency fund means that unexpected purchases – like a new tire for the car or a new blouse after one is ruined by spaghetti stains – won’t have to be paid with – gasp – credit. Buying on credit is something most of us need to avoid like the plague, since it makes everything cost more in the end.
Budgeting – a truly valuable skill and one which many resist practically to the poor house door – and saving make the foundation of financial wisdom. Then other things come into play, like investing, saving for a happy retirement, tax shelters, and goal setting. This is when it really gets fun, and your money matters IQ will grow by leaps and bounds.
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