Between student loans, credit cards, and home mortgages, the average American household is in a lot of debt. Instead of ignoring or stressing over money problems, there are a few easy ways that you can take control of your finances.
Using the five simple tips highlighted below, you can improve your financial situation and begin taking control of your money.
Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
We’ve all signed up for a magazine or some other type of subscription that we no longer need. Canceling these unneeded subscriptions is a very simple way to start saving some money.
Are you too busy to watch TV? Then cancel that cable subscription and opt for a cheaper service, such as Netflix. Even better, why not share the cost of a Netflix membership with a friend or relative?
Shop Smart
Are you paying full price for merchandise? Well, you’re making a serious financial mistake. Shop smart by using coupons, researching for sales, looking around for the best price, and taking advantage of cash back sites, such as eBates and Swagbucks.
Shopping smartly can help you save hundreds of dollars per year on your in-store and online purchases.
Check Your Credit Report
How can you improve your finances if you have no idea what’s going on? Reviewing your credit report can reveal mistakes, such as billing errors or incorrect addresses and other information.
You are able to get a free copy of your credit report annually through online services, such as AnnualCreditReport.com, and CreditKarma.com. Within minutes you can see a detailed summary of your credit history.
Create a Budget
Budgeting is the key to financial wellness and saving money. Why? Because budgets work. Use an app, such as Mint to track your money and spending habits and look for ways you can reduce your expenses.
Start Saving
Saving money can be a challenge, especially if you aren’t tracking your spending habits. However, saving money doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it’s as easy as setting aside $1 a day. Do you have an empty jar or coffee can? If so, simply adding your pocket change to it at the end of the day can have you saving a few hundred dollars a year. The more you see your savings grow, the more motivated you will be to continue saving and in increased amounts.
Finance & Savings Blog 