How to change your bad financial habits and boost your cash, fast!
Making ends meet can be tough, especially if you’re unemployed, on government benefits, a student or earning a low income. It can be hard finding the cash to cover your rent or mortgage and living expenses, not to mention the little extras that life can throw your way.
Trying to keep your finances up to scratch can feel like a never-ending battle. But take a close look at your habits with your cash, and you will likely uncover a few simple ways to keep more of your money in your pocket.
Financial commentator David Koch, one of Australia’s most respected television and business personalities has shared knowledge on common money mistakes we all make – and what you can do to stop making them. We’ve summarised the key points for you here.
1. Wandering around aimlessly
If you don’t set yourself some financial goals, it’s no wonder you’re not saving!
- Give yourself some financial goals to aim for, and motivate you to make real changes.
- Set a value target and lock in a specific date for when you want to achieve your goals.
- Put a savings plan in place to make sure you get there.
2. Flying blind
Not knowing where your money is going each month is just asking for trouble.
- Remember – knowledge is power!
- Set yourself a simple budget. This will help you to make – and stick to! – better financial decisions.
3. Drowning in debt
Sooner or later those interest payments are going to come back to bite you.
- Take a look at some ways you can pay off your debts faster.
- Putting a plan in place to pay off your debts might mean missing out on a few luxuries along the way – but it’ll be worth it.
4. Saying “it won’t happen to me”
Facing up to money matters can be boring, if not a little confronting. It’s often easier to tell yourself “I’ll deal with it later”.
- But it’s important you make it your job to understand where your money is going, and what’s happening with issues like your superannuation.
- Ensure that your retirement and your family are protected.
5. Not packing an umbrella
You just never know what life is going to throw at you!
- It’s important you aim to have a little money set aside for life’s little surprises – like the car breaking down or being faced with an expensive vet’s bill for your treasured family pet.
- Focus on building up a reasonable emergency fund for that inevitable rainy day.
6. Letting the team down
Know what’s happening with your – or your family’s – money.
- Don’t leave all of the financial responsibility lie with one partner in a relationship.
- Get involved with and informed about your family’s financial situation.
- Organise to sit down regularly with your partner and talk about money… your team will be stronger for it.