Everyone wants to improve their financial situation. It’s human nature. The question is how to bring more monetary abundance into your life without having to change the way you live. Financial counselors say there are four smart ways to do a money makeover without enduring deprivation, striking oil in the backyard or inventing a best-selling product. What the strategies lack in excitement they make up for in effectiveness. Would you like to have more money left over at the end of each month? Here’s what the experts say you can do:
Adjust Your Budget to Allow for More Savings
Do a budget re-do and see exactly what you are saving right now. Is it two percent of your income, five percent, or more? Budgeting gurus say that working adults should be able to set aside 10 percent of their hard-earned money for a rainy day. Retirement is a very long rainy day and is where most of the savings will go. But it is possible to adjust your monthly budget by cutting out some excess spending and adding to your savings percentage. After a year or two, you’ll likely notice a significant bump in the amount you have at your disposal.
Refinance Your Student Loans
Refinancing student loans is one of the quickest ways to cut down on your monthly expenses, get a better interest rate, and improve your finances in general. Most working adults have much better credit scores in their late 20s and early 30s than they did when they took on their original student loans. That translates into good deals on refinancing with better overall terms and lower monthly payments. It’s possible to super-charge your budget with this simple approach.
Toss the Credit Cards
You’ve heard it before, but it makes perfect sense. Consider trashing all your credit cards but one and paying the balance on that single card to zero each month. This is another of the fast-start methods for boosting your bottom line.
Get a Micro Part-Time Job
Adding a 10-hour weekly job or gig can make an immediate difference for your financial health. Working at a local store, doing seasonal tax-preparation or taking on any number of online jobs can add a nice dose of m-o-n-e-y to your total assets. If your job allows for voluntary overtime, consider taking on a few extra hours every week. If you are in your mid-30s or older, talk with a local job counselor and see what’s available. Larger urban areas need part-time teachers and tutors for after-school programs. The pay is reasonable and the conditions are excellent. The great thing about micro-jobs is you can design them to your own specifications, whether you prefer to tutor, do delivery or work as a security guard.
Sell Your Stuff
The garage sale has taken on a new identity in the computer age. Just by cleaning out your closet and garage you can add at least a few hundred dollars to your savings. The big money is in used cars and high-tech appliances. If you have any of the good stuff you can part with, your savings account could grow significantly.
