Money Management Advice
Money management advice is everywhere you turn these days. News programs, business news cable channels, online financial sites, and even your friends and family are eager to share their opinions about how you should manage your money. But despite all the advice, tips, ideas, and new digital tools to manage your personal finances, these three golden rules will never change.
Golden Rule #1: Don’t Spend More Than You Make
Basic money management starts with this rule. If you spend less than you earn, your finances will always be in good shape. Understand the difference between needs and wants, live within your income, and don’t incur unnecessary debt. It’s really that simple.
Golden Rule #2: Always Plan for the Future
Get into the habit of saving money by paying yourself first. On payday, transfer money to your savings account before paying bills. Many banks will let you set up a recurring transfer from checking to savings through online banking, so you can save money automatically. Planning for the future means preparing for the unexpected, and building up an emergency fund is the best way to handle life’s unforeseen expenses. Having difficulty finding the money to pay yourself first? See Golden Rule #1.
Golden Rule #3: Help Your Money Grow
Once your savings start to build, you should find ways to grow your money through investing. This is especially important for long-term savings strategies such as retirement planning. There are many investment tools available at various levels of risk, but always make sure you thoroughly understand the kind of product you’re investing in. Remember, time is on your side for your retirement and other long-term goals when you start saving and investing as much as you can as early as you can.
Your Banker as a Source of Money Management Advice
Following these three simple rules will help keep your finances in good shape, but we understand that details about money can sometimes get a little complicated. Did you know that financial advice and expertise are as near as your local bank? Bankers are trained to answer a wide array of financial questions. They’re eager to help you reach your financial goals and dreams, so stop by one of our financial centers and talk with a banker today.
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