Do you find yourself reaching the middle of the month and wondering where all of your wages have gone? It’s a familiar feeling that many of us dread, however with effective management of your finances you can ensure that you have enough money to spread across the month.
One of the key things to remember is that organisation is key. Savvy budgeters will have a spreadsheet set up with all of their monthly income and outgoings. This kind of careful organisation will ensure that you always know where you money is going. Making a list of all of your financial outgoings will also allow you to work out which ones you can do without. Are you paying for two lots of music subscription services? It’s time to cancel!
If you have a smartphone, take a look at the finance apps available. Goodbudget Budget Planner is a great tool for anyone looking to keep their finances on track and is compatible with I0S devices. This tool will allow you to sync and share your budget, keeping track of everything from groceries to entertainment.
You should always focus on your savings. Even if your monthly income is tight, it pays to put a little aside to help in emergencies. Factor savings into your monthly outgoings so that you get used to transferring cash to a savings account or mutual fund.
If you find yourself putting small purchases on your card, try sticking to cash instead. Take out only as much as you have budgeted for each week, and make sure you know exactly how much is left all the time. It is much easier to stop yourself making impulse purchases when you are handing over physical cash and not just swiping your card.
Supplement your income through matched betting. Even if you’re not a gambler, this is a great way to earn extra cash with little risk. Watch out for offers from the major bookies that are designed to entice new gamblers to their site. They will match the amount that you put in, giving you control over your bets. Make sure you do your research carefully so that you can get the most out of this.
Credit card interest can leave you feeling that you will never pay off your debt. If you are worried about the additional fees, search for great deals on interest free balance transfers to give you a breather whilst you concentrate on paying off the lump sum. Pay as much as you can off the card each month, even if this is just the minimum amount – it all adds up.
Getting on top of your finances can be tricky, but by sticking to your guns and using some of these techniques, you will soon start to feel back in control.