Author: Jennifer Brazer

Every financially responsible adult should have multiple savings accounts, the most important of which should be an emergency fund. This fund is used to cover emergencies that are unforeseen and not built into your budget. It should cover catastrophes such as a costly car or home repair not covered by warranties or an unexpected healthcare expense.

The emergency fund savings is not to be confused with saving for your future or a family vacation, down payment on a new car or home, or a wedding. It is an account protected to cover you and prevent those unforeseen disasters from causing you financial hardship or devastation. Here are three important things to consider when saving for an emergency fund.

Use a Financial Advisor

While hiring a professional financial advisor is expensive, it is a financially smart thing to do, especially if you are not good with your finances. Many smart and savvy adults who are good at their jobs and have talents in other areas are not good with money. Commonly, most working adults carry a little to a far greater amount of debt brought about by the mishandling of their money.

The cost of hiring a financial advisor will easily be defrayed by the amount of savings having a professional help you straighten out your finances will gain you. These financial experts know how to help you identify where you can make changes and create savings accounts for your future and for emergencies.

Most people hesitate to use a financial advisor because of the cost, but because they are embarrassed by their financial situation and laying it open in front of a virtual stranger can be challenging. If you can put these concerns aside and understand these professionals have seen it all and know how to get you on the right financial path, you will not regret your decision. Not only will they help you get a much-needed emergency fund in place quickly, but they can help you with every aspect of your finances, leading you to financial freedom.

The Amount of Your Emergency Fund

Most people ask when contemplating an emergency fund is how much should the fund contain? If you are a novice at saving, the answer is that you should start small and save an amount of $1,000 as quickly as possible. These savings will easily cover small issues such as a car or home repairs or other similar issues.

Once you have the $1,000 emergency nest egg, it is time to build that savings to cover bigger issues such as job loss or medical issues that could cause longer-term income loss. Most experts will recommend this amount be equal to at least six months of your income. Doing this will ensure you are covered if there are hindrances to employment for a prolonged period.

Once you have six months of your income saved, it is suggested that you continue to build towards a year. Keep in mind these savings is never to be touched for anything other than an emergency or financial hardships. You should still have other savings to include those for specific large purchases or vacations and those specifically towards your retirement funds. But before you contribute to any of those other savings accounts, you should use all your savings efforts to build your emergency fund.

Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund

There are several places you could keep your emergency fund, but some definite rules you want to follow to make sure your emergency funds are kept in the right place(s).

Before deciding where to keep the funds that work best for you, there is one rule to follow, no matter where you choose to keep this fund. Ensure it is accessible without penalties or days of red tape to obtain. After all, it has emergency right in the name, implying you will need it right away. However, don’t make it so accessible that you will be tempted to use it for non-emergency purchases. Restrain yourself from “borrowing” from this fund for non-emergency desires of your heart.

One of the safest places to keep your emergency funds while also fitting the previously describe rule of thumb is in an online bank. Banks that are completely housed and operated online make electronic transactions easy while also being an account not attached to your traditional bank account, making accessing it more tempting.

Another great account that will not be attached to your traditional bank account is a money market account. This type of account is not only a standalone account, but it can gain your interest while your money is sitting in reserve, waiting for an emergency. Savings accounts that gain interest are never bad, especially when you are trying to build this emergency account to equal a year’s income.

Conclusion

Keeping these three important aspects of an emergency fund in mind when considering building this savings account will ensure you have coverage in your times of financial need. Having this fund will not only provide you with peace of mind when an emergency arises, but it will provide you with it knowing it’s there if you should ever need it.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Time management is probably one of the things every employee who works from home would agree they have issues with when it comes to accomplishing daily workloads. Even in an office environment, time management is a difficulty for many employees. While in some cases, the issue is that people bite off more than they can chew and commit to more than can be done in the time allotted. In many cases, the issue is poor time management. Here are seven things you can do to improve time management and meet your goals and the goals of your superiors.

Plan Ahead

Planning is the best way to lay out what you need to do and what you need to accomplish the task or tasks at hand. If you have everything you need in place and do some planning and preparations, it will save time when you get into the work. You can use a calendar, planner, or make lists somewhere you will often see to help you keep on schedule and task. If you’re smart, you can even build in padding to accommodate the inevitable wrenches that get thrown in. If you plan for unforeseen issues, you will still accomplish what you need to for the day.

Group Related Tasks

Grouping together related tasks will make your workflow make sense. For example, if you need to read over documents and print other documents, you should group these tasks because you will already be in your documents folder. The grouping of related tasks should take place in the planning of your day. If you have new tasks assigned during the day, unless you are told it has to be done right away, you can add the task to another task or group where it makes sense.

Prioritize

Prioritizing should be in the planning stage also. However, once you start working or begin your day, the priorities may shift. So though you can pre-plan your priorities, you have to be flexible to change the plan if something needs your attention sooner. You need to make your priorities clear to your co-workers and superior, so they know not even to approach you if what they need from you is not as important as you already prioritized behind what you have planned.

Unless you have something pressing, you should always prioritize the tasks you dislike or that are difficult or the most time consuming first. Getting those out of the way will lessen the chances that you will procrastinate them or have to work past the end of the day to finish them.

Make a Mental Narrative

This might sound a little crazy since it is about to be suggested that you talk to yourself, but if you layout your day and priorities out loud in the form of a story, you can make adjustments when something is not working. This type of mental preparation is like brainstorming with yourself and works well. It is similar to the difference between reading something in your head and reading it out loud. You will notice that you comprehend information quicker when you read it out loud.

Keep the Drive Going

Even if you lose your juice in the middle of a task, unless it is one that will take several hours or days, keep pushing yourself through because when you stop, it is often hard to restart. This can be especially true for tasks you don’ like or that are far more challenging. That being said, if you need a break and not having one is hindering your progress mentally or physically, take a break, but make it quick.

Use a Timer

If one of your issues is accomplishing tasks promptly, use a timer. If you know how long it takes or should take to finish a task, set your timer for that time. The ticking clock will push you to keep going, and also, if you are consistently blowing past the buzzer to finish tasks, you may need to reassess the tasks or time it takes. Using a timer is meant to be a tool to help you stay on task, so don’t let it add stress. It is just a guideline.

Single-Tasking

While you may think that time management gurus will suggest multi-task, nothing could be further from the truth. Most experts believe that multi-tasking, in reality, is not a possibility in many cases. It is possible to multi-task things like brushing your teeth and blowdrying your hair, but you can’t take a shower and blowdry your hair. You also can’t do something like read the newspaper and talk on the phone, one of those two tasks or both will suffer. Now time management experts suggest you give everything you have and focus on a single task until it is completed. It has been discovered the quality and speed of the work were far superior to that of the employee that was multi-tasking.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

A small business start-up will rarely have all the capital needed to establish, operate, and sustain the business through the difficult first year of business. Most small business entrepreneurs will be seeking capital.

While recent years have seen some other sources for raising capital such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer financing, and instant online loans, commercial bank lending is still the most sought after option for small business start-ups or those small businesses who need capital to grow. And lending by the government-backed Small Business Administration is at record levels.

While it is suggested that a small business owner uses every available resource to raise the capital needed to start or grow their business, they should also know what top commercial bank lenders expect to see when considering a loan to a new or growing business. Here are the five essential steps every small business owner should follow to secure a small business loan.

You Must Become Credit Worthy

Before you even step foot into a commercial banking institution seeking a loan to start a small business, you need to take care of any negative or inaccurate credit score issues on your credit report. You also need to resolve any tax issues or previous business issues that could harm you as a lending risk. Anything such as tax or loan liens, garnishments, negative bank balances, or owing back taxes can all be risk red flags for a potential lender, so you must have all of these issues resolved, or seeking a loan will be a waste of everyone’s time.

There are many ways to repair negative financial issues you have gotten yourself into, and you need to use them before you look to secure a loan for your small business.

You Must Create a Strong Business Plan

The top commercial banking lenders say that a well-written and realistic business plan is essential to a positive answer to your loan request. Your business plan is an insight into your realistic understanding of how your business will be operated. Still, it shows you have thought out what you are getting yourself into and how to handle all the aspects required to run a successful business.

Your business plan should include financial projections, marketing strategies, business management, and operations. The business plan allows the lender to see you have a plan for repayment through these researched and well thought out aspects of the plan. The business plan gives the lender confidence that you can repay the loan. Without this confidence, no lender will give you a business loan.

You Must Plan for Every Case Scenario

In the financial projections, lenders expect to see a breakdown of at least twelve months broken down by month, including the best, mid, and worst-case scenarios. The potential lender needs to see that you will financially survive and make loan payments even if your business has a month that sees a drop of 10, 20, or even 30%.  Showing this amount of monthly detail will let a lender know that you have a plan to survive the inevitable downturns businesses experience.

You should do this as a monthly breakdown because knowing the good and bad time of year for your business shows you understand your business and its finances. Some businesses will boom in the summer and die in the winter, and others are strong during the holidays and potentially make their year in a two or three-month period. Having this deep knowledge of your business and its financial projections month to month will give a lender great confidence and get you a positive result.

You Must Have Business History or the Equivalent Cash Equity 

If you are obtaining a loan to help your business grow, you will have some business history. Many lenders will require two-years of business history in these cases. However, if you are a new business, a lender may require the owner to have cash equity to inject into the business. The lender may require other capital supplements to reduce the loan amount, reducing the risk of repayment.

You Must be a Hands-on Owner

A lender is more likely to grant a loan to an owner who has proactive plans to collect accounts receivables and ensure that revenue is not tied up in bad debt expenses. You should also show that all your cash liquidity isn’t going to be tied up in inventory but readily available to use for unforeseen business needs or to cover payments.

You should also show that you have a strong and direct marketing plan that will be carried through even when business is slow. Lenders understand that marketing is key to the success of a business. It has its own prominent section in every good business plan showing that it is an essential part of any business to generate customers and revenue.

Conclusion

Lenders are not ready to say no to every business that walks in the door seeking a small business loan. Because the banking institution will gain revenue from the interest paid on your loan, they want to say yes. It is up to you as a small business entrepreneur to ensure you follow all these steps to ensure you are the business that gets that yes, they want to give a worthy business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

When starting or growing your small business, even if you have some capital saved to put into the business, chances are you won’t have enough to cover all of the costs. If you have no means to provide the money to operate or grow, you will have to look at other financing means.

Before you pursue financing, you must make sure you have a comprehensive and well-written business plan. Most think you only need a business plan for a startup business; however, you should be updating your business plan every year to project growth and use data from the previous year to make those projections. Here are what should be included in your business plan:

• Executive Summary: The executive summary introduces your company to the reader and includes your mission statement and what your business is about.
• Company Description: The company description is a deeper dive into what the company will do, its goals, and the expected customer type.
• Market Analysis: The market analysis is a detailed analysis of the market to which your business belongs.
• Competitive Analysis: The competitive analysis is the comparison to your indirect and direct competitors.
• Management and Organization: Management and organization is the structure of your management team and the entire organization.
• Products and Services: This will be a thorough description and breakdown of the products or services your company will offer.
• Marketing Plan: Your marketing plan will be how you intend to market the business and the costs.
• Sales Strategy: The sales strategy will include how you plan to offer your product and how the sales team will go forward. It will also include projected sales targets.
• Financial Projections: The financial projections should cover at least six months, if not a year or month by month, financial breakdowns, and analysis.

Now that you have a solid business plan, here are four types of financing you can obtain for your small business.

Take it to the Bank

The most obvious means of financing your small business is to go to a banking institution and obtain a loan. The bank will expect to see a business plan, business credit scores, personal credit scores, financial statements, or any other documents that will help them decide to give you a loan. The bank is looking for the amount of risk there will be if they grant you a loan.

Friends or Family

If you have friends or family that believe in your business, they will often help you finance your business with no strings attached. While they will still expect to be paid back, they often want no stake in the business and help you succeed. Be careful when borrowing from friends and family because if you have difficulty paying them back, it can cause a rift, but often this is a great way to borrow for your business because it will most likely be interest-free.

Outside Investors

You can look for outside investors who have expressed a desire to invest in small business startups or growing. These investors will become stakeholders and expect a return on their investment and often limit when they expect to see some return on their investment. In some cases, investors will expect a seat at the table when it comes to business decisions.

This involvement can be a blessing or a curse depending on the investor. Some have a vast amount of business experience, and their involvement and ideas could help your business grow and thrive. Others can be a challenge to deal with, so choose your investors carefully. Base your choice of investors on reputation and research them thoroughly if they have an investment track record.

Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is a fairly new financing source for businesses or projects. While you will still have to give the investors a return on their investment, you can, in many cases, gain quick and total financing for your business if it is a great idea with a solid business plan. If you are great at selling your ideas and getting others excited, crowdsourcing would be the perfect financing pursuit for you and your business.

Conclusion

Financing is a part of any small business, whether it is a startup or a business operating for some time that is growing. If you have a great business plan and have made sure you are personally financially strong, you should have no problem obtaining financing via one of these four sources.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Do you know that over 60% of Americans find it challenging to manage money effectively due to the high cost of living and the temptation to spend impulsively? However, with the right money management tips and advice, you can take control of your finances. Learning how to manage your money better and applying practical money management skills can set you on the path to a stable financial future, embodying the essence of what is money management.

Key Takeaways

• Creating a budget and diligently tracking your income and expenses is crucial for effective money management. Embracing these money management tips and incorporating personal financial management strategies into your routine can significantly enhance your financial planning.

• Understanding the psychology of spending can help you make better financial decisions.

• Identifying and eliminating financial leakages in your daily life can significantly impact your financial stability.

• Adopting a realistic budgeting strategy ensures that you can meet your financial goals without feeling restricted.

• Streamlining your finances through direct deposit, account alerts, and automated bill payments can help you stay organized and consistent.

Understanding Your Cash Flow: The Foundation of Personal Money Management

Understanding your cash flow is vital for your finances. It’s all about the money coming in and going out of your account regularly. Grasping this concept is a cornerstone of money management tips, showing why maintaining a positive cash flow is key to managing your money wisely.

Mapping Your Income and Expenses

Tracking your earnings and expenditures is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of your finances. This insight allows you to assess the available funds for your needs or savings. By scrutinizing your spending patterns, you can identify areas for improvement and enhance your money management practices.

Setting a budget is a strategic way to organize your earnings and expenditures, allocating funds for essentials like housing, travel, food, and leisure. Effective budgeting is a fundamental aspect of money management, ensuring you use your resources wisely and adjust your budget to reflect changes in your financial situation.

Psychological Aspects of Spending

Understanding the motives behind our spending is crucial for managing your cash flow wisely. Recognizing how emotions and impulsive decisions influence our spending can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy finances, highlighting the importance of being mindful of our spending habits.

Sometimes, shopping serves as a coping mechanism for stress. Identifying less costly coping strategies, such as exercising, engaging in hobbies, or spending time with friends, can positively impact your financial well-being.

Identifying Financial Leakages in Your Daily Life

Small, unnoticeable expenses can slowly drain your finances over time. These spendings, called financial leakages, can be from daily purchases you don’t keep track of. By monitoring your expenses closely, you can prevent these financial leaks and make more effective use of your money.

Financial leakages, such as unused subscriptions, impulsive purchases, frequent dining out, or luxury expenses, can drain your resources. Cutting down on these expenses can lead to significant savings. Redirecting this saved money towards your savings or emergency funds is a smart financial move.

Next, we’ll look at how a realistic budget can be a game-changer in managing your finances.

Adopting a Realistic Budgeting Strategy

Learning to manage your money well starts with a realistic budget. A budget is a plan for your money. It shows what you earn and spend to help you make smart choices and meet your financial goals. We’ll explore various money management tips and how to set a money management plan that aligns with your goals.

First, figure out how much you make and spend. Track your income, like your job pay, freelance gigs, or money from investments. Then, list your costs as fixed (like rent or car payment) or variable (like food or fun). This shows your money flow and spots where you could spend less or be smarter with your money, a fundamental money management tip.

Next comes setting up your budget plan. One good way is the envelope system. You put cash in envelopes marked with spending categories. This makes it clear how much you have for each and stops overspending.

Another good plan is the 50/30/20 rule. It says to use half your money on needs (like housing or bills), 30% on wants (like eating out or hobbies), and save 20%, all to keep a good balance.

Make a budget that fits your real life and goals. Don’t make it too hard to follow. Think about what you really need and desire to make your budget work for you, incorporating money management tips to ensure it’s effective.

Keep in mind that budgeting is a journey, not a one-time thing. You’ll need to check and adjust your budget as life changes. Do this to see how you’re doing, find ways to do better, and make any needed changes, a crucial money management tip.

With a good budget, you steer your own financial ship. It guides your decisions, steering towards your goals and a safe financial future, embodying the essence of money management.

Money Management Tips for Streamlining Your Finances

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” – Dave Ramsey

In today’s world, simplifying how we handle money is key. It lets us save time, cut stress, and make our money work better. I’ll share some easy-to-follow money management tips that could revolutionize your finances.

Setting up direct deposit and account alerts

• Direct deposit: Direct deposit puts your paycheck right into your bank. It eliminates the need to handle physical checks and ensures your money is there when you need it. This step is great for smooth cash flow.
• Account alerts: Mobile banking alerts are handy, too. You can receive notices about your balance, withdrawals, or any strange activity. They help you keep an eye on things and catch any problems early.

Automating bill payments for consistency

Setting up automatic bill payments is a big help. It ensures your bills are paid on time every month, so you won’t have to worry about late fees or forgetting.

This also frees up your mind and time. You won’t need to remember when bills are due or log in to pay them. Plus, it keeps your finances running smoothly without the worry of missed payments.

Trying these tips can really improve your finances. Direct deposit and alerts help keep your cash flow steady and watch for any issues. Automating bills adds convenience and peace of mind by making sure they’re paid on time. Taking control of your money this way, through effective money management, leads to a less stressful and more effective financial journey.

Importance of having an emergency fund

In today’s world, it’s smart to have an emergency fund. Building an emergency fund is like creating a cash cushion. It guards you against the unexpected and keeps life stable. It brings peace of mind and secures your financial future, making it a crucial part of saving for an emergency fund.

An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses, such as sudden illness, car problems, or job loss. It acts as a financial safety net, standing between you and financial stress.

Starting an emergency fund early is key. It does more than cover bills:

• Financial security: Having an emergency fund shields you from sudden costs without resorting to debt. This means less worry and more calm, ensuring financial stability during unexpected events.
• Protection from debt: An emergency fund keeps you away from expensive loans and credit card debt. Breaking the debt cycle is key to financial health, highlighting the importance of an emergency savings fund.
• Flexibility and independence: It offers freedom to take up new jobs or start a business without fear. An emergency fund is your ticket to independence.

Ready to start your fund? Here’s how:

• Evaluate your current financial situation: Check your money in and out. See what you can save each month.

• Set a savings goal: Aim for three to six months of living costs. This is a solid emergency nest egg.

• Create a budget: Find ways to spend less and save more toward your fund. A budget guides your saving discipline.

• Automate your savings: Making savings automatic helps a lot. Set up transfers from your checking into your fund.

Don’t forget about your emergency fund after setting it up. Check it regularly. Refresh what you use. This fund ensures your financial peace in the long run.

Debt management strategies

We’ll discuss ways to manage debt and achieve financial freedom. These strategies can help you lower your debt and aim to be debt-free.

Consolidating debt payments is a key method. This means combining all your debts into one payment with a lower interest rate. It makes paying off loans simpler.

Next, it’s crucial to prioritize. Prioritize your debts. Focus on debts with the highest interest rates or penalties first. This helps you save money and improve your finances.

Then, strong negotiation. Negotiation skills become important. If you’re having trouble with payments, talk to your lenders. They might change your payment plan or lower your interest. They care about getting their money back, so they might be flexible.

With these methods, you can take charge of your financial life. Work on combining debts, focusing on high-priority debts, and talking to your creditors. Persistence and good money habits are key to being debt-free.

Credit score management

Keeping track of your credit score is vital for a healthy financial life. It’s key in setting the interest rates you get on loans and credit cards. Plus, it affects your chances of getting a home, job, and other financial opportunities.

Understanding how your credit score is calculated is the first step to improving it. Begin by getting a copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Then, check the report for errors that might hurt your score.

Regular financial reviews

Checking your finances regularly is crucial for effective money management and for managing your credit score. You should look at your income, what you spend, and your debts. This can help you see where you can do better and then act on it.

Make a budget to keep track of what you earn and what you spend. This keeps your financial duties in line and helps you find ways to save and lower your debts. Also, looking over your bank and card statements often helps catch any mistakes or surprise charges, a key aspect of money management.

It’s also smart to keep an eye on your credit report for any warning signs of fraud. Dealing with any issues fast helps keep your credit score and money life safe.

Working on your finances regularly shows you care about your financial health. It also prepares you to take chances and deal with problems to reach financial success, embodying the essence of money management.

Conclusion

Being wise with money is key to lasting financial comfort. By using the advice in this guide, you can shape a secure financial future. It’s about taking charge and laying down the right financial principles, following essential money management tips.

Saving is crucial for good money handling. Start with a clear budget and automate your bills. This way, your financial health stays steady, and you cut out unnecessary costs. An emergency fund is a must for those surprise moments. It offers financial peace of mind when the unexpected hits, aligning with smart money management tips.

Remember wealth growth and smart investments. Get advice from pros and keep up with wise investing tips. This knowledge will help you build your wealth. Remember, it’s a journey that needs both time and effort. Stay on top of your finances through regular checks and an adaptive investment strategy. Adjust where needed to keep moving forward.

FAQ

What are some money management tips for beginners?

Beginners should start by setting up a budget. You should also keep track of what you earn and spend. And don’t forget to list your money goals in order of importance, a fundamental money management tip.

How can I effectively manage my cash flow?

Start by recording your money in and out. Incorporate money management tips to make a plan for how you will spend your money. Then, always look at and adjust your budget regularly to stay on track.

What are some strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages?

Easily find where your money goes by looking at your expenses closely. Think about what you buy often and apply money management tips to find cheaper alternatives or cut out things you don’t really need, effectively helping you cut expenses.

How do I create a realistic budget?

To make a budget that really works, first, see what you spend every month. Then, figure out how much you make. After that, decide on your most important money wishes. Use your budget and money management tips to make sure these wishes are met.

What are the benefits of setting up direct deposit and account alerts?

Direct deposit means money is always coming in. Account alerts keep you updated on your money moves and help you avoid surprise bills or fees, ensuring a smoother financial journey.

How can automating bill payments help streamline my finances?

Automating your bill payments stops you from forgetting, which prevents late fees. It also helps you keep your spending smooth and steady, contributing to better financial health.

Why is having an emergency fund important?

An emergency fund acts as a cushion. It’s there for those times when extra costs pop up, supporting your financial health over the long haul and serving as a critical component of a solid emergency fund strategy.

What are some debt management strategies I can use?

If you’re dealing with debts, try focusing on the most important ones first. You can also talk to your creditors about making it easier to pay off debt. Putting together a solid plan to tackle your loans and debts is key to financial freedom.

How can I manage my credit score effectively?

Keep your credit score high by paying your bills when they’re due and managing your loans wisely. Try not to owe too much on credit cards and avoid checking your credit score too often without a good reason.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Starting an online business used to be a thing of the future and difficult to do. Now, starting an online business is not only simple, but the cost for a startup in most cases is so low that almost anyone can bear it. Many wantrepreneurs stay in the dream stage and never pursue starting their own business into a reality because they think they can’t afford it or lack the skills.

While there is truth in the fact that starting any business carries some risks and takes some guts to do in the case of online businesses, many of them can be started and run while you don’t quit your “day job” for security. This fact has now eliminated your last excuse, and it’s time to go from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur. Now let’s make it even easier for you to get going and start your online business today! Here are six easy to start online businesses you can start NOW!

Start a Listicle Blog

A fun, easy, and cheap business idea that anyone with some creativity can start is a listicle blog. A listicle blog is a short-form blog that uses lists as the key structure of the blog. These blogs are quick to create, and the costs to start the site will be obtaining the domain name and website hosting, which is minimal and can vary depending on which hosting site you use. The other option is to set up your listicle blog on an already established blog site, which can be completely free in many cases.

Start Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is selling or promoting products for websites or sellers. When you market a product as an affiliate, you make a commission for every item that sells due to your efforts. The best part of affiliate marketing is that you don’t have to deal with the product shipping or other aspects of the sale. You are presenting the product for sale to audiences to which you have access. Most major online retailers have affiliate programs. You merely need to sign up, set up payment arrangements, and start posting and linking to products. How you do that is up to your creative mind.

Selling Your Products and Services

If you are creative, you can make your products or services to sell or offer online and start your own online shop. There are site builders that help you build a website for little to no money, and you can attach shopping tools that will give your customers the ability to order your products or services through the site. You can also join websites that charge you a fee or a percentage of sales to have a shop on their site. Social media is another way you can sell or offer your products and services, and it is free unless you pay to take out ads on the sites.

App Building

If you are creative and have great app ideas, you can make money by creating an app. For the cost of app creating software, you can take your app idea and make it a reality, then offer it through app stores on various devices. Depending on how in-depth the app is, you can charge upfront for the app or have in-app add ons or ads as ways to monetize your creation.

Stock Trading

While stock trading may seem more like investing than a business, with the options available online when it comes to playing the stock market, it can be a profitable full-time job. Since most of us didn’t go to school to become stockbrokers, this online business will require some research. This list is also a bit more expensive at startup, depending on how much the minimum investments are. If you have a bit of startup capital, you can start this business right away.

Professional Freelancer 

Freelancing covers a multitude of industries. If you have a skill that you can hire out for contract work, becoming a freelancer is a great business to start. The best thing about freelancing is you aren’t limited to one type of skill if you have more than one that people may seek.  If you have a skill and want to start your own business, freelancing is the way to go. Not to mention, you get to do what you love and not what you don’t!

Conclusion

There are so many online businesses you can start quickly. These six are businesses you can start today with little to no capital. A few things to keep in mind when starting an online business. Choose something you will love to do, make sure you can afford the startup, keep your main job until your online business equals at least 70% of your current income, and don’t be afraid to start more than one type of business.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Interest rates affect our financial life in two ways, either when it comes to savings, in which case we want higher interest rates, and with loans and other lines of credit related to repayment, in which case we want lower interest rates. When we start our savings account or obtain a loan or credit card, we should negotiate the best rates possible.

We often get these accounts, cards, and loans and don’t know we can do better because we feel as though these rates are set in stone. There is nothing further from the truth. Here are three ways to get the best interest rates and bang for your buck with your banking institution.

Choosing a Bank

Banks are about getting your business. The banking industry is competitive; therefore, you can afford to be choosy. Here are some things to look for in a bank that will get you higher returns on your savings and lower rates on lines of credit:

• Low bank fees
• Higher interest savings account
• Interest gaining checking account
• ATM fee forgiveness
• Cashback checking account
• Low-interest membership loans
• Low-interest credit card

The bottom line is when choosing a banking institution. You want to make sure it is well-rounded and gives you a lot of value for your money. In some cases, credit unions, online-only banks, and banks created to serve specific customers tend to have more to offer members than chain banks. However, don’t count those chain banks out. Many of them are making changes to match their more specialized competitors.

Renegotiation

If you already have a banking institution and are not getting a high return on your savings or are paying high-interest rates on loans or other lines of credit such as credit cards, it is time to renegotiate. Remember, banks are competing for your business, so you might be surprised at how willing they are to negotiate. It is a business, so they may not advertise that they are excited to negotiate lower revenue for themselves, but they also don’t want to lose the gains they get from having you as a customer.

Keep in mind that they are more willing to negotiate with someone who is a loyal customer who has been making deposits and regular and on-time payments, so before you go in for the renegotiation, be armed with data that supports your status as a loyal customer that should reap the rewards for that loyalty. Another bargaining chip that every bank member has is that they can take their business elsewhere, so use that fact as leverage if your current bank is unwilling to renegotiate terms.

You can go to another bank that offers better terms upfront, and if you carry a credit card, loan, or other lines of credit with the bank you are leaving, there are options to relieve you of those debts so that you can break all ties. Remember, banks need you more than you need them, so you do have some power.

Credit Repair

In many cases, the reason you have the interest rates you do is because of poor credit. You can do many things to raise your credit score and repair it, which will give you more financial strength to get better rates or qualify for banking institutions that factor in credit reports when setting up accounts or considering lines of credit. Here are some things you can do to repair your credit and give you more power:

• Get a secured credit card and charge items you can immediately pay off
• Get a secured loan and make double payments or pay in full quickly
• Pay off any legitimate issues on your credit report
• Dispute any non-legitimate issues on your credit report
• Make double monthly payments on any bills that report to credit bureaus
• Obtain a low-interest loan to pay off all debts to consolidate them

There are many other things you can do to improve and repair your credit. All that is required to fix and raise your credit is effort. Many of those who have poor credit give up hope and don’t realize they can fix it and that it is never too late.

Conclusion

These three focus areas will ensure that you get the best interest rates and returns on accounts or rates that have gains attached. They will also ensure that you will get the lowest interest rates possible when you obtain credit cards and other credit lines through your banking institution. One thing is guaranteed. If you do nothing, you gain nothing, so there is no downside to trying.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Financial debt is something that many have to deal with at some time or another in their life. Due to poor spending habits or taking out loans for larger purchases, you need to work to overcome debt. Overcoming debt is possible, but there are some mistakes that many people make when it comes to debt. Here are six common mistakes people make and how to overcome them to wipe out the debt.

No Negotiation

It is surprisingly easy to negotiate your credit card debts. Most people don’t even think about negotiating the terms of their debts and payments, but it is one of the easiest things to do. In most cases, you merely need to pick up the phone and call your bank and ask if a lower interest rate is possible. Though this is an easy task, many people don’t do it. One call could save you thousands of dollars in some circumstances, so make that call.

Failing to Plan

Most people don’t think it is necessary to have a planned budget to pay off their debts. This could not be further from the truth. You need to have a planned budget that shows you exactly where you’re spending, so you know where to make changes and cuts.  The most important thing to remember is that you need to create a strategy and stick to it. While you may have to do without some luxuries for a little while, it will be worth it when you are debt-free because of your efforts.

Failure to Prioritize

Many people don’t prioritize debt. If there is difficulty with making payments in some cases, they ignore the debt and allow it to grow or default. Once you make your debt a priority, you must put the debt that carries interest first, such as credit cards or loans. Paying off the highest interest debt first will save you money as the interest rates can make the debt grow and possibly become unmanageable.

Paying Bills Late

When people fail to pay their bills on time, the amount increases after the due date because of late fees. It means that you are just giving away your money in late fees to credit card companies, banks, and landlords. Paying late on some bills also affects your credit score, so you not only get hit with the fees but also decrease your purchasing power. To fix this problem, you need to budget and live within your means and pay your bills on time. If you are consistently late, you need to find where the problem is and fix it.

Not Asking for Help

Pride is a tough thing to deal with, but many people have it when It comes to finances. While it is not suggested that you ask for financial assistance to pay your bills or make ends meet regularly, there are times when it could be the difference between peace of mind or dire issues. You need a roof, electricity, water, and food. If any of those are threatened and don’t have the means to cover them, you can ask for help. In some cases, you may have a friend or family member that can give you a no-interest loan you can use to consolidate and pay down debts so you can start on an even field. Put aside that pride and ask, the worst they can say is no.

No Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund saved is so vital that a whole article could be dedicated to it. If you have no other savings, account you should at least have an emergency fund. Start small and save $1,000 in as large increments as you can afford without hardship. Once you have reached this goal, start saving towards equal to six months of your income. Once you have this saved, you can decide if this is enough padding for you or save to twelve months of income.

Some important things to remember while building an emergency fund. Don’t focus on any other savings until your emergency fund is complete. Use the highest interest savings account you can find for these savings, so it grows. Money market accounts are notoriously great for this type of savings because of interest and ease of access without being too easy to access that you are tempted to spend for non-emergency expenditures. Have a trusted friend or family member named on the account or give power of attorney to someone if you are incapacitated so it can be accessed to take care of everything during those times.  

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Are you ready to take control of your financial destiny? Do you dream of a life free from the shackles of debt and financial stress? The path to financial freedom may seem daunting, but anyone can achieve their financial goals with the right tools and knowledge.

At the heart of this journey lies the art of budgeting. But not just any budgeting – effective budgeting that empowers you to make informed decisions, track your expenses with precision, and allocate your resources in a way that aligns with your values and aspirations.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of budget categories, exploring the essential expense categories that form the foundation of any successful financial plan. From personal expenses to business operating costs, we’ll leave no stone unturned in our quest to help you master your money.

Whether you’re just starting on your financial journey or a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your approach, this article will provide you with the insights and strategies you need to take your financial management to the next level.

The Importance of Accurate Expense Tracking

Navigating personal expense tracking is crucial for effective financial management. Tools like QuickBooks help individuals understand their financial status, manage budgets, and make informed decisions. Implementing a comprehensive expense categories list maintains control over budget items and cash flow, preventing overspending and insufficient savings.

Precise expense tracking is essential for effective expense management. With clear insight into spending, funds can be distributed wisely across categories, ensuring a balanced financial plan. Meticulous tracking fosters discipline, curtails impulsive purchases, and enhances expense control.

Common Expense Categories

Before delving into the intricacies of personal and business finances, familiarize yourself with these common expense categories:

• Housing: mortgage or rent payments, property taxes, homeowners or renters insurance, and maintenance costs
• Transportation: car payments, gas, insurance, and repairs
• Utilities: electricity, water, and internet
• Food: groceries and dining out
• Personal Care: toiletries, cosmetics, health care essentials, and clothing
• Entertainment and Discretionary Spending: non-essential but common parts of most budgets

Personal Expense Categories

While the general categories are relevant to both personal and business finances, specific household budget categories are particularly pertinent to personal finance:

• Education: tuition, textbooks, and other related costs
• Childcare and School-related Expenses
• Personal Savings: setting aside money for emergencies, retirement, or specific objectives
• Insurance Payments: life, health, and auto insurance
• Debt Repayment: student loans, credit cards, or personal loan

Small Business Expense Categories

For small business owners, distinct business expense categories must be considered:

Operating Costs

• Office Rent: cost for the physical space where the business operates
• Utilities: electricity, water, gas, internet, and other essential services
• Office Supplies: paper, pens, printer ink, and other materials necessary for day-to-day operations
• Salaries: payments made to employees for their services
• Employee Benefits: non-wage compensation such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off

Other Business Expenses

• Advertising and Marketing Costs
• Professional Fees: lawyers, accountants, and consultants
• Business Insurance
• Taxes
• Interest and Bank Fees

Tracking Fixed and Variable Expenses

Fixed expenses are consistent monthly, including mortgage or rent payments, car payments, insurance premiums, and subscription services. While they are consistent, regular reviews can lead to expense reduction opportunities.

Variable expenses vary each month, including groceries, gas, dining out, and entertainment. The flexibility of variable expenses allows you to adjust your spending in alignment with your financial situation and objectives.

Budgeting for Savings and Investments

Savings and investments should never be an afterthought; they ensure financial stability and foster growth. Allocate funds for an emergency reserve, retirement savings, or investments such as stocks or real estate.

Setting clear financial goals is a powerful incentive for consistent savings and smart investing. Accumulating wealth and striving for financial freedom demands more than mere savings; investing plays a critical role in wealth expansion. Nonetheless, comprehend the associated risks and engage in investing with a strategic, informed approach.

Embarking on Your Journey to Financial Mastery

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the critical budget categories that form the bedrock of effective financial management. From personal expenses to business operating costs, we’ve provided the tools and insights needed to take control of your finances and pave the way for a brighter financial future.

But knowledge alone is not enough. To truly transform your financial life, you must take action. Start by implementing the strategies and tips outlined in this article. Create a budget that reflects your unique goals and values. Track your expenses with unwavering dedication. And most importantly, remain committed to your journey, even in the face of challenges or setbacks.

Remember, mastering your finances is not a destination but a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery. With each step you take, you’ll gain greater clarity, confidence, and control over your financial destiny.

So, embrace the power of effective budgeting. Let the insights from this guide serve as your compass, guiding you toward a life of financial freedom and abundance. The road ahead may be filled with twists and turns, but armed with the knowledge and tools you’ve gained, you have everything you need to succeed.

Your journey to financial mastery starts now. Take that first step, and watch as your dreams of financial independence become a reality. The future you’ve always envisioned is within your reach – all it takes is the courage to pursue it.

FAQs

Q: What are the essential budget categories for effective personal finance management?

A1: The crucial budget categories for the management of finances encompass housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, self-care, leisure activities, education, childcare, savings, insurance premiums, and debt settlement. Individuals can enhance their control by diligently monitoring and distributing funds among these categories. Strive towards achieving their financial objectives.

Q: How can accurate expense tracking help me improve my financial situation?

A: Precise expense tracking plays a role in adept financial management. By gaining insights into your spending patterns, you can make informed decisions regarding the allocation of your funds across various budget categories. This practice fosters discipline, curtails purchases, and empowers you to devise a rounded financial strategy that aligns with your immediate and long-term goals.

Q: As a small business owner, what key expense categories should I consider?

A: Small business proprietors should focus on expenditure categories such as expenses (rental charges, office space utilities expenses, office supplies costs) and other business outlays (expenses related to advertising and marketing initiatives, professional service fees, business insurance premiums, tax obligations, and banking charges). By monitoring and managing these expenses, business owners can uphold the well-being of their company and make informed decisions to foster expansion.

Q: What’s the difference between fixed and variable expenses, and why is it essential to track them separately?

A: Fixed expenses remain month after month, covering costs like mortgage payments, car installments, and insurance premiums. On the side, variable expenses fluctuate on a basis and encompass items such as groceries, fuel, dining out, and entertainment. Segregating these expenditures enables you to pinpoint areas where adjustments can be made based on your status and objectives. While fixed expenses can be periodically scrutinized for cuts, variable expenses provide room for immediate alterations.

Q: What are some final tips for mastering my budget and achieving financial freedom?

A: When it comes to mastering your budget and reaching freedom, it’s essential to prioritize consistency, self-control, and flexibility. Make it a habit to regularly assess and tweak your budget categories based on any changes in your circumstances and aspirations. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments along the road, as this can help you stay motivated. Remember that effective budgeting is about optimizing your resources to achieve your goals rather than depriving yourself. Embrace the process of learning and development. Stay dedicated to your journey toward financial expertise.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Every person who owns or leases a car should have car insurance. It is the law in most states, and not having it could cost you tickets and penalties. Since it is necessary, you need to make sure you get the right car insurance coverage that won’t break the bank. To help you find the right car insurance, here are eight money-saving tips.

Shop Around

Car insurance can widely vary depending on several factors. Your driving record, age, and car type are the main factors that affect the costs. Most people don’t realize that most insurance coverage is the same, no matter the insurance company, in what they offer for coverage options, especially if you are only carrying minimum liability. The differences are more dependent on how they structure factors about the person being insured.

If you have a great driving record, good credit, and are older, you will save hundreds of dollars. But don’t count yourself out if you have bad credit, an accident, or are under 25. Some companies still offer less costly insurance for your needs. The key is to shop around until you find insurance that meets the needs that you can afford.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Almost every major car insurance company has discounts they give drivers. Even smaller unknown insurance companies will have discounts. Do your research to see what discounts the companies you are considering have to offer.

Some insurance companies will offer savings upfront, and others will offer discounts as you go. These discounts can come from money back, lower premiums, or discounts for safe drivers, or for every year you are insured with their company.

Drive Safely

Driving safely may be the best way to save on car insurance. Everyone knows that getting a ticket or having an accident drives your insurances costs up. However, some don’t know that going without an accident or a ticket year over year. Suppose you are a driver over the age of 25; the savings increase. In many states, you can also take a defensive driving class to save. All of these show that you make safety concerns, and insurance companies will reward you for it.

Drop What You Don’t Need

When you purchase a car through a lender or lease a car, you will carry the maximum insurance. The lender wants you covered for everything since they technically own the car until you pay it off. Full coverage insurance can be costly. Once you have paid off your car, you should assess what you need and drop anything you don’t need.

If your car is older and not worth much, you will be wasting money having full coverage on the car. For example, if your car is worth less than your deductible, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on insurance. Minimum liability or whatever the minimum the law allows is more than enough for a less expensive car.

Purchase a Car that is Cheaper to Insure

The safer the car is considered in the market, the cheaper the car insurance. Certain types of vehicles will have lower insurance, such as minivans and certain SUVs. Some car models will always be expensive because they are at higher risk for tickets and accidents such as sports cars. Even some companies will raise rates if you get a sports car that is a bright color that attracts the attention of law enforcement and is generally ticketed more.

Increase the deductible

You can instantly save money when you raise the deductible if you carry full coverage insurance. It is similar to a down payment on a car lowering the overall car payments. If you are in a damaging accident and willing to pay more out of your pocket to repair the car, you will pay less per month on your premiums. You may never get in an accident; therefore, these savings make sense.

Improve Your Credit Score

Many car insurance companies run a credit check as part of the process of determining the premium of your car insurance. Raising your credit score can, in many cases, greatly reduce the overall cost of your insurance or lower the down payment the insurance company requires.

Usage-Based Insurance

If you don’t drive your car often, you might want to look into getting usage-based insurance. Some insurance companies factor in usage on all drivers’ levels, so if you can give an accurate accounting of your mileage, you can save a lot of money on your insurance. Those drivers that are mostly at home and drive for errands will see great savings over drivers who use their car to drive all over the country for work.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.