When looking for ways to save more money, it’s essential to include the whole family. When everyone within the household has a clear understanding of the family’s finances and monetary goals, you’re more likely to succeed.
Sometimes, you look at a friend or family member’s no-expense-spared vacation and wish you could have that, too. Social media certainly makes it harder to keep up with the neighbors and their month-long trip to the south of France.
Moving out of your parent's house is an exciting time. This newfound independence gives you the freedom to make your own decisions and do what you want to do when you want to do it.
When you're young, death tends to be the last thing on your mind but to protect your family and your assets, you need to spend some time preparing just in case. In particular, you need a will.
Everyone sets goals. Typically, these goals fall into two categories - short-term and long-term. Short-term goals may consist of saving for a well-deserved vacation or shedding 10 lbs. before summer. Long-term goals focus more on what you want to accomplish in life and retirement planning.
What does the term "financial independence" mean to you? For some people, the phrase means a way for you to have all the luxuries and comforts for your home and family without being restricted by your finances. For other people, it may mean financial stability where your income is higher than your collective debt as you can comfortably live within your means.
Let's face it, reaching financial goals requires discipline — the discipline that many of us don't have. We can't pass by the coffee shop in the morning without stopping for a large cup of Joe and a muffin, we're tempted when we see that big-screen television on sale, and we're convinced that new iPhone® has our name on it.
Most people have financial goals that they would love to accomplish. Some of these may be smaller, such as going on a weekend getaway. Others may require a more significant and costly commitment, like saving for a down payment on a home or finally paying off that $7,000 credit card balance.
So you’re enjoying life, working a job that gets you decent money, and you’re ready to move forward in life. Maybe you’re someone who takes life “one day at a time,” or perhaps you just “go through the motions” of making money and paying bills in a never-ending cycle. If you’re really ready to move forward in life, there’s one thing you cannot live without, a financial vision.
As the year comes to an end, you may be starting to think about all you want to accomplish in the new year. If you’re like most, some of your resolutions probably include either breaking an old habit or starting a new one. Whether your goals consist of losing a certain amount of weight or getting out of debt, the key to success is starting small.
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