The Wants vs. Needs Battle and How It Affects your Budget

Every person who enjoys a good afternoon of shopping knows well the tension that exists between the things we want versus the things we need. In our materialistic society, it can be very difficult to reconcile this tension. Often we convince ourselves that the things we want are the things we need. Most of us (especially those of us deep in debt) are very good at rationalizing our purchases. Here are some tips to help you overcome the urge to buy the things we want, rather than those we need.

What the wants vs. needs battle does to your budget

Buying what we want (or convincing ourselves that what we want is the same as what we need) can be dangerous to our budgets. If you find yourself in debt, there is a very good chance that you have been in a losing battle against your better judgment. But it is never too late to turn the battle around. When it comes to overspending, most of the time it has to do with overindulging. Before you can turn this battle around, you have to convince yourself of one basic truth: all you need is a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food on your plate. You don’t need a particularly fancy roof, expensive clothes or gourmet food. You just need to sustain yourself, and sustaining yourself means treating your hard-earned finances with respect.

Make a shopping list and stick to it

Here is one of the easiest and time-tested ways to buy what you need, and not what you want: make a shopping list every time you go out. Not just when you go grocery shopping, but every time you leave the door and head towards the store. Eliminate the concept of “browsing.” Browsing can easily lead to overspending. Every time you head to the store, make a specific shopping goal. For example, if you’re going back to school shopping tell yourself: “I need to buy a new notebook, pens, a new sweater and two new pairs of pants.” Be very specific and carry a list. Having your needs right there in front of you, in black and white, can be a powerful reminder of why you are at the store.

Ask yourself: Can it wait?

Buying only what you need all the time can be difficult and demoralizing. While you are at your favorite store and shopping for the essentials, you are bound to come across something beautiful that you love and want but probably don’t need, at least not right away. Instead of bemoaning your budget, ask yourself a simple question: can it wait? In most cases, it probably can, and you can even come back for the special purchase when your finances are (more) in order.

Watch who you run with

This can be difficult realization to make, but it is essential if you find yourself overspending. Do you have friends or family members who overindulge or overspend? Maybe they can afford such spending behavior (or maybe they can’t), but if you know you can’t, it’s time to take a break from these acquaintances. Constantly eating out, vacationing or going shopping with these friends is bound to do a number on your financial ledger. If you love your friends, but not their financial behavior, resolve to join in low-cost activities. Invite your friends over for a home-cooked dinner, picnic or to the art museum during free admission day. Be honest with your friends if they question your behavior. True friendship can overcome these spending differences.

Create your own mad money jar

Of course, always scrimping and saving is no fun. Do yourself a favor and create your own private money stash. Sock away stray dollar bills into a mad money jar and forget about it. Six months from the date of starting your jar, use the money for special purchase—something you want but don’t particularly need.

Six Savvy Car Shopping Moves to Keep You From Breaking the Bank

Unfortunately, in recent years transportation has once again become an issue for not only those with a tight budget, but for everyone. It literally is madness the way gas prices have continued to soar. It does not seem like that long ago when prices were sub eighty-cents per gallon. Now it feels like that would only happen in those pictures that occur between midnight and six AM.

There is an assumption that with the age tag of forty there is some stability in the workplace and at home. If that is the case there are some simple ways to save money on transportation costs, while also offering different experiences and health friendly alternatives.

For basic transportation issues, one of the best solutions is as simple as a carpool. If the drive is thirty minutes to work and there are two others who can alternate drive then the saved money from gas can reach three figures each month easily.

If the city is where one lives, perhaps a nice bike or a walk can really save a big load of money, while also keeping the circulatory system strong.

Travel is exciting for many people in the United States and beyond. Perhaps there are friends in New York, or a cool spot in Chicago, flying between home and multiple places can place a major strain on a wallet. Of course there are discounted flights that are popping up all over the place, but for many the cost of flying deters many from taking as many vacations as are desired. Shockingly many of these travelers have never considered a nice train ride to their destination. Now a train ride solves the problem of hassle, which accompanies a long car ride, and it saves a plethora of money that can be wasted on a flight. Modern trains are extremely comfortable, and who would not rather spend money on a Broadway show rather than a mode of transportation that will put everyone in the same destination.

It is a little shocking that the price of gas has become a major expenditure issue in the past few years, but it has been showing no signs of slowing down. Really the best choice is to cut back on gas expenditure in any way possible, be it with some carpooling, walking, or avoiding the jets. Simple steps can be made all over to save some transportation money and help out the environment. This is one tip you can use when trying to accomplish your goals.

Credit card debt is also considerably higher than 30-somethings. According to MSN Money one in 10 people in their 40s have more than $10,000 in credit card debt, compared with one in 12 people in their 30s.

More income and more experience money managing explain why fewer 40-somethings are getting behind in bills. At the same time people in their 40s are getting much more serious about retirement than the younger aged. Once again MSN Money states, “The percentage of people who have workplace retirement plans or IRAs rises to 59% for those in their 40s, compared with 53% of 30-somethings.” This statement should mean a lot to those in their 40s.

You can find several transportation resources for seniors in your telephone directory or on the Internet. Check with your municipal and county departments for available services. In some cases, you may have to complete an application form. Some may require the signature of your doctor or medical professional. If you live or plan to live in a senior facility, private shuttle services to shopping malls and group social activities might also be available as a standard part of the residential package.

Ten Ways to Simplify your Life and Lower Debt

You should shop for quality insurance. Ask your friends for their recommendations. Do they like their insurance representative? Does the insurance agent seem to be responsive to their needs? Is the agent easy to contact? How long have they had this agent handling their insurance?

Determine your real needs. What types of insurance will you need in retirement? Consider medical, dental, free or low cost coverage. Look at your medical bills and see the types of services you were charged for? Do you anticipate needing surgery or more heath care?

Get several quotes. Even if a company is recommended by a friend or relative, you might want to get at least three quotes so you can make a comparison of the services and fees. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for any complaint. Also check the rating of the insurance company. Among the commonly-known rating financial agencies are Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

Be prepared to answer a long series of questions as they relate to your health.

Ask about annuities, Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, prescription drug payment assistance, long-term care insurance, travel insurance, etc.

How stable is your current income flow? Do you currently own financial products? Are you wondering whether you should cash out any of your financial products? Ask your rep if you should refinance your home or not.

There are many reasons to save money. One main reason is retirement. Today you cannot live off of social security alone. Another reason to save is because there are situations ahead. Even if your children are still in high school, college is not far away, and neither are cars and graduation parties. Another good reason to save is because you know you’ll want bigger, better things soon. You know soon you’ll want that bigger house, or that better car, or that boat you’ve been dreaming of. Save now so all of those are an option. Another reason to save is because of the unexpected things in life coming toward you. For example there’s job less, illness, or home repairs. These are all things you’ll need saved money for. According to bankrate.com, “Americans today spend more than they earn. Savings are less than zero. But you can break out of that mold all on your own and reap the benefits of feeling free and independent.”

Here are some real ways to save, and save aggressively. First of all, pay off all of your credit cards. That credit being open is an amazing opportunity, character uplift, and safety net. Debt is suffocating. Next, make sure you budget your income so your cost of living is as low as possible in contrast to your income. That is, if you calculate your bills, your gas, food, and extra spending, it is much less than what you’re bringing in. With that extra money, you save. Put it in a savings account and act like it does not exist. Another great way to aggressively save is to have a roommate. If you are single, this is a great way to literally split your bills in half. Carpooling is also a great way to save money and split a bill in half.

Lastly, when it comes to saving it is very important to remember you’re spending and what is necessary and just a want. For example, calculate how much money you are spending on going out to eat and how much that would equate to for groceries. You’d be surprised. Remember how much you’re buying that you don’t need, that you won’t even use that often. Is it worth it right now? Saving and not spending when it comes to wants is exactly what makes it aggressive saving.

Living the Budget Balancing Act and Coming Out Ahead

These days, most of us are doing a funny dance. It’s called the budget balancing act and it can make many of us feel crazy at times. However, keeping a budget and balancing it with the rest of our lives is a responsible and worthwhile enterprise. Budget balancing means taking responsibility for your finances, living within (or better yet, below) your means and coming out of it with our sanity intact. Here are some tips for living the budget balancing act and coming out ahead.

Make your budget real by putting it into real numbers

Many people make the mistake of thinking of their budget in abstract terms. “I’m on a budget,” you might tell a friend who asks you to accompany her on vacation, or to an expensive dinner. Most of us are on such a “budget.” But what does it really mean? Take your budget out of abstract terms and make it real. Sit down and do the math, as hard as it can be. Many of us avoid taking a good long look at our finances because it can be too hard, especially if we suspect we are deep in the red. It’s time to take control, and taking control means having the courage to sit down and take a good look at your finances. Take out your bills. Are you in debt, and if so, how much? Be honest and don’t overlook any accounts. Lying to yourself about debt is not helpful or necessary. If you are not in debt, but perilously close, figure out why. Most numbers don’t lie. Are you spending too much on housing? Is that extra car payment eating away at your budget? Are your child care costs soaring? Know your budget ins ide out—what you can and can’t afford, how you pay for things, your debt and credit score, and savings.

Keep a log book

If a log book sounds too technical for you, just think of it as a notebook where you keep your records. Make a note of your earnings, saving, debt and purchases. Think of your log book as a place where you can do your math. Your log book should be private and a place where you feel free to jot down notes, calculate interest rates and keep financial notes to yourself.

If you haven’t already, set up your bank account online

Almost every bank in the world now allows its customers to keep an online account. If you haven’t already, set up your account. This is an easy way to manage your accounts, check balances and make payments. Set up an automatic bill payment. This is an easy way to make sure that your payments are always made on time. Many credit card companies and banks will even send you email reminders and payment confirmations if you so choose.

Avoid debit cards if you’re on a strict budget

Debit cards are a convenient and safe way to pay for everyday purchases. They can also be very dangerous if you are on a strict budget and you are trying to save. If you are serious about saving money, forgo your debit card for a while. Once you have constructed a good solid budget, on pay day, head to your local bank or ATM machine. Withdraw enough cash to make necessary purchases and then tuck your debit card away somewhere safe. This is a surefire way to stick to your budget.

Check your interest rates

If you have credit card debt, do you know how much you are paying in interest? Especially if you are juggling several accounts, it can be easy to forget or overlook interest rates. How much exactly are you paying on purchases and balances? Check with your credit card for this information. If you have long-standing accounts in good standing, try to lower your interest rate.

Three Banking Tips to Keep Money … In the Bank!

A credit card annual fee is an expense that you must pay per year in order to keep your credit card. The good news is that these fees are generally very low. Most annual credit card fees vary from $10 to $75 a year. Rewards cards fees are usually higher than this, and annual fees are normally used in the form of points and percentages. For example, 10 points is the equivalent of 10% of your credit line. When paying an annual fee for a credit card, this usually brings down your interest rate. Some credit cards have no annual fee, but their interest rate will be higher than those of a credit card with an annual fee. So you’ve got to ask yourself, depending on how long the card is in your possession and how much money your card is worth, which option will be better in the long run. Should you pay an annual fee every year for a lower interest rate, or should you purchase a credit card with no annual fee, but a higher interest rate?

Some credit card companies will sometimes offer to waive your annual fee if you spend enough money each year using your credit card. While this seems like a good idea and it’s easy to make big purchases with one swipe of your credit card, you must consider that you are probably going to end up paying more in the long run. Would you rather pay $10 per year, or have to spend 5 years paying off the $5,000 extra dollars you spent trying to avoid that annual fee? Credit card companies want your money, and some things, such as a waiver for annual fees, can often be tricky to see around.

Credit card companies will try to trick you into buying their card by flattering you with certain deals on annual fees. One example mentioned above is the waiving of the annual fee, but other card companies are even more inconspicuous. Some say they’ll give you no annual fees for the first year, but their interest rates will be higher. Some offer a low fee for the first year, but this will also make a higher interest rate. Credit card companies that offer a low annual fee for the first year normally have higher annual fees than usual, and you’ll usually end up paying the difference between your ‘low annual fee’ and the company’s normal annual fee somewhere within your interest rate. Sometimes, when your annual fee is waived for the first year and the interest rate is high, the interest rate will not decrease when you begin to pay your annual fee.

Annual fees can be good and bad—you just have to be careful and consider each aspect from different angles before making your decision.

Credit cards can be useful, but there are many fees that come along with them, and some of the fees are hidden. Not only must you pay back what you spent, but there are many other things to pay off as well. Some of these fees include interest rates, annual fees, late payment fees, set-up fees, credit limit increase fees, cash advance fees, and others. These fees will be elaborated on below.

Interest rates are additional fees you pay while paying back what you spent on the card. These rates change depending on other factors about your credit card. For example, the amount of money you’re paying back can increase or decrease interest rates, and whether or not there is an annual fee on your credit card can change your interest rate as well.

Five Money Ways to Simply your Life and Breathe a Bit Easier

Are you stressed out over your finances? Do your finances remind you of a weedy jungle, full of chaos and danger? If this description strikes a chord, it’s time to get control over your financial life. One of the biggest benefits, and curiously under-touted aspects of simplifying your life, is that it can help you save money. Simplifying your life can not only help you save lots of money, it can also help you breathe easier. And who doesn’t want to breathe easier? These things—money, stress and organization—are intricately connected to one another. When we get one into control, the others will follow. Here are some tips for getting control of your finances, save money and lower your overall stress levels.

Spend 15 minutes every day cleaning up your finances

Many of us who find ourselves trapped in a chaotic financial life probably overlook the regular financial housekeeping that can keep the chaos at bay. It can be easy to forget, avoid or simply overlook several small tasks. These things eventually gather dust, take up space and pile up to the point that they become overwhelming, scary and bad for our finances. Here is a simple habit to fall into that can help protect you from the horrible sight of stacks of unpaid bills and stray papers overflowing on your kitchen table or desk. Spend fifteen minutes each day cleaning your desk, kitchen table, or wherever it is that you keep your important financial papers. Go over bills, throw out old mail, sharpen your pencils, and put things in order. If you are not the kind to keep extensive tabs on your papers, make it easy for yourself. Dedicate one desk drawer to your bills and other financial papers. Go through your drawer each day and make sure that there is nothing in there that will surprise or scare you one day. Si mply dedicating fifteen minutes each day is an easy way to simplify your life, stay organized and save money on unpaid bills, fines or other surprise costs.

Make your own easy household products

Here is an easy way to save money and keep things simple. Why spend five bucks on a bottle of multipurpose cleaner when you can spend pennies on your own homemade household product. Replace your expensive Windex cleaner with your own concoction of ammonia, vinegar, water and rubbing alcohol. If you want it to look blue, add a few drops of blue food dye. You can make a full bottle for about 35 cents. This is an easy way to make an effective, safe and very inexpensive household cleaner.

Keep household essentials in stock and save money by buying in bulk

Ever reached for tissue and find that you are out? Or what about needing a napkin and finding none in stock? Not having household essentials on hand can be stressful and frustrating. Many times when we are hurried and harried and shopping for a household essential, we tend to overpay. After all, who has time for comparison shopping when you are in the midst of a throbbing headache? Save yourself the stress by shopping in bulk for household essentials. You should only buy in bulk when you know you’re getting a good deal. If tissues are on sale, grab a few boxes. There are many non-perishable household essentials that are easy to buy in bulk, including toilet paper, toothpaste, tissues, napkins, canned food and others.

Get a bill calendar

With many of us juggling numerous bills, it can be easy to drop the ball every once in a while. Keep things simple and your bills paid by keeping a handy bill calendar. Buy an oversized calendar and put it somewhere easily visible. Make a note of when you have to make payments. Even simpler, automate your payments online if possible.

Sign up for email updates

If you can’t automate your payments but you check your e-mail often, signing up for email updates is an easy way to keep track of your accounts. Most credit card companies offer many easy tools for keeping a close eye on your accounts.

Realize a Bigger Paycheck by Plugging these Money Draining Holes

Everyone has them-those incidences, circumstances, or habits that drain them of their finances. They also have the people in their life who just take and take but do not give.

Take Action-Get Your Life Back!

If you are having issues with money it is time for you to stop blaming your outside circumstances. It is time to set boundaries between you and your money and those items which drain your pockets dry. Characteristics of Money-Draining Holes

A money-draining hole is usually recognized by its menace-ness. For instance, it could be a lemon vehicle that you have had to fix every day for the last month. It could also be carelessness with glass dishes, or it could be letting too many people borrow your DVDs.

It could also be an item that you cannot seem to do without, such as cigarettes, coffee, or alcohol (the definition "cannot do without" being it is your first priority over food or other necessities). Whatever the case may be, you need to take action.

How to Change your Habits

The over-used saying "Old habits die hard" is so true. It is not easy to say no to people and harmful substances. Moreover, it often can slip your money to turn your automobile lights off or to check your oil,However, taking proper care of your items and being careful who you lend them do is one step to take. The other is to seek help and accountability from those who have conquered bad habits. By the way, if you are one who needs to kick a habit such as smoking in order to save money you may be overwhelmed at the cost of therapy. However, in the long run you probably will save money. Besides, there are discounts for those who have a limited income. You also can find free help from peers in certain situations.

Moreover, saying no to people takes practice. If this is your biggest obstacle to financial freedom then you may need some assertiveness training. Read all the books, watch all the video, and listen to all the audio you can to help you learn what saying "no" sounds like.

Then, join a group of supportive people also learning how to say now. After you have taken assertiveness training then you will be better-equipped at handling guilt trips from a mom, dad, sister, brother, husband, wife, friend, or children, or other loved one.

Take One Day at a Time

Of course, do not be too hard on yourself if you cannot change your entire lifestyle within a few months. The time-tested saying "one day at a time" really does help people to concentrate on making decisions for that day that are healthy.

Do not worry about whether you will be able to do the same tomorrow-just for today concentrate on making the right decisions. Then, when you get up tomorrow concentrate on that day. This doesn't mean you shouldn't make some plans though.

Anticipate all Possibilities

You need a balance between taking one day at a time and being prepared for all possibilities. If you begin to change your habits and begin to be able to set financial boundaries you will have more money set aside for all expenses, plus any emergency that hopefully will not arise.

Purchasing house, car, and health insurance is also a very important aspect of being prepared. If you change your habit you will be surprised how much you would have available for these precautionary expenses. Roadside assistance coverage such as AAA also comes in handy "Just in case.”