Tips For Building Your Financial Future

You’re making money, what do you do now? People talk about their financial future, but many don’t have a clue as to how to build that future. Here are a few tips that will help you reach the financial future you need:

Don’t Spend

Just because you’re making more money doesn’t mean you have to spend it. You don’t want to keep the car you’ve had since you got a part-time job in high school. You’ll want a new one. You’ll also want your own place to live. Even if you’re not just out of college, you understand the need for these two things. The point is not to overdo it. Get the car you need and rent a place to meet your needs, but don’t live beyond your means (see Living Below Your Means).

Use Credit Wisely

Usually, you need to have credit to get credit. It’s a catch 22. You do need to have a credit card to get started (see Building Your Credit From Zero). Get one, purchase something and pay it off ahead of time. Do that a few times and you’ll start building credit to get that car you need or that apartment you want without a cosigner.

Don’t Finance A Lifestyle

There is no need to have the best of the best, even if you can afford it. If you use your money doing that, you’ll never have the money you need to invest in your future. All that happens is your lifestyle increases as your salary increases.

Borrowing For Investing

Sometimes it pays to take financial risks. Borrowing money is a good idea when your gain will be higher than your borrowing costs. It might be investing in yourself since you are your greatest asset. You may want to attend college or some type of other training or want to start your own business. It could be investing in bonds, stocks, etc. You’ll have the financial leverage you need to help you achieve your goals financially. When you borrow for those short-term goals to finance your lifestyle, it’s may be worth the risk.

Look For Free Opportunities

Everyone loves the word "Free". There are a few free finance opportunities as well. Sometimes your company's pension plan or 401(k) plan will match what you put in. Take advantage of that and take the free money they give you. There are also legal ways you can take advantage of tax laws. In an IRA, the government is actually giving you free money so they can get you to contribute.

If you want financial independence, as most people do, it may not be simple. It is, however, possible to do if you know what you’re doing, set the right goals, and work towards reaching them.

• Money & Finances: Budget	• Money & Finances: Credit Cards	• Money & Finances: Debt	• Money & Finances: How-To	• Money & Finances: Retirement
• Money & Finances: Saving	• Money & Finances: Tips & Tricks