Smart Money Tips

Smart Money Tips

Figure out your monthly "net" income- that is, after taxes.
List your monthly expenses and payments - both fixed (costs that are the same every month, like rent, car payment, insurance, etc.) and variable (such as phone bills, groceries, entertainment, etc.). Include your quarterly and annual expenses, like some insurance plans, subscriptions or Internet hosting charges. Just calculate what they amount to per month.
Keep a journal of every penny you spend for a month. Then you will be able to figure out all the necessary information you need to make good choices about your monthly budget. This way you can see whether you spend too much on coffee, junk food, clothes, beer (if you are over 21), and you can see if you run out of bill money too fast.
When you subtract your monthly expenses from your net income, you're left with your "fun cash"- the money you have left over after your necessary expenses are paid.
When spending money ask yourself if you really need the item or if you just really want it. If funds are tight you should focus on the need over the want.
Credit cards are great for emergencies, but beware of using them for CD’s, pizza, video games or clothes. Those balances will stack up and can haunt you for years to come.
When choosing a credit card, research first. Don’t get a card on a whim; look for benefits that are really going to work for you. Student cards are great to start out because they have lower spending limits and you won’t get yourself into too much trouble.

Check out the links below and read up on credit, finance and also how to start saving while you are still broke and in college

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