Finance

We used to live in a cash economy that made the vast majority of daily transactions simple and straightforward. These days, the situation couldn’t be more different. Cash is vanishing from society at a frightening pace and many people do not have the skills to function in a world where online shopping, quick credit and digital transactions are king.

What is financial literacy?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand how to make good financial choices and manage your money in a way that allows you to prosper. A financially literate person can allocate an appropriate proportion of their income to cover their expenditure and put money towards other goals such as debt repayment, savings and creating a rainy-day fund. They are also able to navigate the financial marketplace with confidence and make informed decisions about products such as credit cards, loans and investment opportunities. This guide on the various pillars that make up a solid foundation of financial literacy is a good starting point but if you want the shorter version…

There are five key principles of financial literacy. They are:

1. Understanding how much you earn, including pay, benefits and the deduction of tax
2. Saving and investing to achieve short-term and long-term financial goals
3. Protecting your money by avoiding fraud and buying insurance policies
4. Spending wisely by comparing prices and budgeting
5. Managing your credit record and borrowing money at the lowest rate of interest

Why is financial literacy so important?

Financial literacy is more important now than it has ever been before. That’s due to several factors. Firstly, consumers have never had so much choice as they do today, and many of those products are more complex and sophisticated than they have been in the past. Consumers are also shouldering more of the financial decisions, with many people choosing to manage their own retirement planning. The financial markets are also swifter and more volatile, with conflicting views making it difficult to create and follow a financial roadmap.

One study in 2008, found that those who are financially literate have double the wealth of those who are financially illiterate in retirement. As well as failing to adequately plan for retirement, those with low levels of financial literacy also borrow more, earn less and pay more interest and unnecessary fees on financial products throughout their lives.

What can people do to improve their financial literacy?

Any improvement an individual can make to their financial literacy can have a profound impact on their future financial prospects. The good news is that there is no shortage of tools available to those who want to become more financially literate, and importantly, they should always be accessed for free.

Your bank’s app or website is a good place to start learning about the different financial products available. Your bank’s app may also allow you to track your spending patterns and help you create a budget. There are also a number of podcasts that offer free financial lessons and tips to help you develop your skills in your own time and build from the ground up.

What’s the most important financial lesson you’ve ever learned? Please share your thoughts with our readers in the comments below.

To read more on topics like this, check out the finance category.

Once you decide that you will finance a new car, it’s a commitment. It will last for the next five years or so. Therefore, you shouldn’t sign unless you’re ready for the financial repercussions. If you really want to buy a car now and financing is the best option, these are the things you need to do before signing any document.

Check the terms

You need to understand the terms. What are the charges for delayed payments? How many delayed payments will result in the repossession of the car? Are there hidden fees apart from what you already know? You need to check the answers to these questions to guarantee that the terms are fair and reasonable.

Ask questions

You have to clarify a few things with the dealer before you decide to sign the contract. You might still have issues regarding the interest rate or possible charges. There might also be some terms in the contract you don’t understand. It helps if you ask questions first and wait until you understand every detail.

Check your finances

You need to know where you are now in terms of your financial status. You might have a lot of problems right now, and taking on car finance would only make things worse. If you have other recurring bills or loans to pay, you should hold off on your plans until you’re in a better position financially.

Ask yourself if you can change your lifestyle

Car financing requires a change in lifestyle. The payments can eat up a huge portion of your monthly salary. It might require you to sacrifice a lot of things. Weekly spa trips might be off the table along with golf club membership. Unnecessary travel plans need to be suspended right away. If you can’t sustain this new lifestyle, you shouldn’t get a new car.

Look for terms that are too good to be true

You might see clauses that seem too good to be true and are highly questionable. It doesn’t mean the financing option is bad. It only means that you have to clarify things first. For instance, you might see no deposit car finance. Usually, down payments are big, and it’s a way for dealers to guarantee that you can afford the monthly payments. However, some companies are willing to give you a no down payment scheme provided that you submit the requirements and prove your capacity to pay the monthly payments. It’s not necessarily an impossible deal, and it’s becoming popular these days. The monthly payments might be high, but there’s nothing to pay at first.

Once you go through these steps, you’ll be ready to sign the contract. You understand the terms well, and you’re happy about your decision. Start looking for a reliable car financing company now and the specific model you want to buy. Follow the requirements, and you won’t have any problems. You will soon be driving your dream car and enjoying it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the finance category.

Have you decided to start saving money right now? That is fantastic! It is always a good idea to save your money, no matter what your end goal is for that extra cash. Here are a few easy ways to help you start saving your dollars right now.

Assess Your Budget

Take a look at how much money you have coming in each month and then take a look at all the bills you have to pay. It is a good idea to look at your previous few bank statements to see exactly where your money is going. This will give you a good idea of how much money you can realistically put aside and save each month. Make a line in your budget specifically for “savings” and set up an automatic bank transfer to your savings account in this amount if possible. Budgeting to save is the best way to get your savings account growing!

Eliminate Your Debt

In order to truly save money, you need to get out of debt. Take a look at your debt and consider the best way to pay it off. Are you able to make extra payments? Is there a way to lower your interest rate? Consider consolidating any debt you have using quick loans giving yourself one easier to manage monthly payment. When you consolidate your debt, it will be easier to decipher how to pay it off quickly!

Cut Back Your Spending

Look at where you are spending money frivolously and try to eliminate any unnecessary spending. If you love to shop, maybe you should cut back for a few months. Perhaps you’re constantly eating out at restaurants and can start cooking delicious food right at home for half the price. You can search online for great recipes that are fast and simple to cook. This will reduce your spending and will help you save money instantly!

Check Your Bills

Go over your utility bills and see if there is any place you can save. Maybe your electric company has an ongoing deal or maybe you phone bill can be lowered with a simple phone call. Many times, if you give your utility providers a call, they can work with you and reduce your payments. Checking your cable bill always helps as well. Use CableCompare to reduce your bills. It never hurts to ask!

Create an Interest-Bearing Savings Account

When you start saving your money, you should put that cash into an account that will grow. Work with your bank to set up an interest-bearing savings account and let your money grow all on its own!

Remember What You Are Saving For

No matter what the reason for saving money, you should always keep your goal in mind. Every time you feel the need to spend, remember the reason why you are saving and you will likely be able to resist the urge to spend money. Stay focused and you are sure to meet your savings goals!

To read more on topics like this, check out the finance category.