There is a formula for achieving financial freedom. Yet, we seem to believe that achieving financial freedom is somehow reserved for an elite group that does not include us. Resistance chatter including "There has never been any money in my family" and "Things like that don't work for me" interfere with our seeing that achieving financial freedom is possible for everyone!
For those whose commitment to achieving financial freedom is anchored in passion, actually achieving financial freedom is a accomplished with ease.
Ask yourself "Do I Have What It Takes?" As you answer, consider:
1. Achieving financial freedom will enable me to:____(fill in)
When you are passionate about why you are accomplishing something, you effortlessly get the job done. The droning sameness of everyday routine has a tendency to choke off the passion. If you are foggy about your areas of passion, I encourage you to play the "What would I do if I knew I could not fail?" game. Have fun with it! Quiet the voices that say, "Impossible" before your imagination unfolds. Remove the barriers. Where does your heart take you? I guarantee you, when you remove the limiting thoughts, something makes your eyes dance!
2. I am prepared to work hard to make that happen.
Roll up your shirtsleeves and get to work and don't whine. Put the caliber of effort into your business that will make you sleep well, appreciate your down time, and take pride in what you have done.
3. I am open to possibilities unforeseen. I am willing to learn
Know that your whole world may take a turn! These are dynamic times - particularly the world of internet marketing. Soak up the new stuff! (You may have to settle for Billions instead of Millions!)
4. I am able to follow the example of my mentors- I am coachable.
Find an example to follow. Study their steps. Learn from them. Watch them closely. Mastermind with them. Coach with them. Share ideas with them. Mentors will assist you tremendously in achieving financial freedom. It is their purpose to assist others.
5. I have courage and stamina and patience. I trust the process.
Achieving financial freedom is enabling in a variety of ways, and certainly allows you freedoms in many areas of your life that scarcity prohibits. The important thing to remember is that achieving financial freedom is a process. It happens over time. During that time, you absolutely have the choice to participate in the joy of the journey! Your patience is stretched and strengthened, and your courage is called upon many times. For those who choose to be aware, it is an exciting time of growth and accomplishment. I encourage you to focus consistently upon the abundance that is yours without limiting that focus to your income. Appreciate riches that are not financial. They are priceless.
Remember, if you are clear and passionate about what you want, if you work hard and are adaptable and eager to learn, if you follow the example of a mentor, if you find joy in small advances while keeping your eye on the target, you absolutely DO have what it takes to achieve financial freedom.
For those with a commitment to achieve the financial freedom that allows them to truly live a life of purpose, opportunities appear. What was once impossible, is now their reality.
I know there are readers who are, at this moment, considering the launch of a free enterprise venture. There is much to sort through and it is a decision to make carefully. What I hope to communicate to you is my confidence that you already have all it takes.
Achieving financial freedom is a function of time for you now.
Go for it!
Linda Berry is truly a woman moving to her own cadence. Born in Illinois, educated in Indiana spending the first years of her career based in New York City, she is now loving life on the Big Island of Hawaii. Her path has wound through a blessed childhood with a loving family, into an early theatrical career, a segment in the costuming world of Broadway, to her current entrepreneurial success living in paradise. She is a world traveler who is proud of her visits to all 50 states, and is a self professed high-end adventure seeker.
At this stage, she is moving into her own as a writer, and an empowerment guide. She aspires to be a voice of encouragement to all who encounter her, and is committed to a life of purposeful focus. She is thrilled to attract financial abundance as an avenue to influence the mindset of humanity, and is deeply committed to a life in joy for every spirit.
Budgeting is as Easy as 1-2-3
Establishing a budget to can help you save the money you need to start a small business, buy your first home or send your children to college. You might think that you don't need a budget and can save money without one, but everyone can benefit from a budget. Have you ever started the day with $20 and, at the end of the day, not known where it all went? If so, you might want to develop a budget.
A budget simply is a tool to help you understand where your money goes. If you own a business, knowing how to budget will help you understand how money flows in and out of your business. There are three steps to creating a budget:
1- Identify Your Net Monthly Income
The first step in developing a budget is to identify the money that comes into your household after all of the deductions have been made, such as taxes, Social Security insurance, etc.
2- Identify Your Monthly Expenses
The second step is to identify your expenses. Your expenses are the things you spend money on. Be sure to include expenses that occur every month like rent and phone bills, as well as expenses that occur periodically like car insurance and medical bills.
3- Subtract Your Monthly Expenses from Your Income
The final step is to subtract your expenses from your income. If you have money left over, you can decide how to spend or save that money. If your expenses are greater than your income, you and your family have to decide which expenses can be reduced or decide how you can earn more income.
A budget simply is a tool to help you understand where your money goes. If you own a business, knowing how to budget will help you understand how money flows in and out of your business. There are three steps to creating a budget:
1- Identify Your Net Monthly Income
The first step in developing a budget is to identify the money that comes into your household after all of the deductions have been made, such as taxes, Social Security insurance, etc.
2- Identify Your Monthly Expenses
The second step is to identify your expenses. Your expenses are the things you spend money on. Be sure to include expenses that occur every month like rent and phone bills, as well as expenses that occur periodically like car insurance and medical bills.
3- Subtract Your Monthly Expenses from Your Income
The final step is to subtract your expenses from your income. If you have money left over, you can decide how to spend or save that money. If your expenses are greater than your income, you and your family have to decide which expenses can be reduced or decide how you can earn more income.
Save Money on Attractions and Events Every Time With Special Offers and Discounts Online
Everybody likes to make the most of their weekends and days off, but it can be frustrating to discover how expensive it is to undertake the smallest of excursions. However, with a bit of forward thought and planning you can save an absolute fortune on tickets to all sorts of attractions and you will never have a dull weekend again!
Theatres, restaurants, theme parks and other attractions all love to sell offers and tickets well in advance so that they can guarantee as much custom as possible. They therefore often publish discount tickets days, weeks or months in advance and give you a chance to snap them up at a very favourable rate. There are hundreds of websites that sell these discounted, buy in advance, tickets and you will be amazed at how much you can save.
The key, especially if you have a family, is to sit down at the beginning of the season and note down all the attractions you would like to visit over the forthcoming months. Once you have an idea, and preferably a good list of more things than you could possibly fit in, you need to log onto the internet and start to search for cheap tickets for all of them. You should search special offers websites, special offer discussion forums and the hundreds of websites that offer buy in advance discount tickets. Although you are unlikely to find cheap tickets for everything you want to do you will still be amazed by how much you could save simply buy booking days out in advance, rather than just turning up on the day. If you have a family the savings can work out to be enormous in the long run.
The above strategy can be used for all kinds of days out and attractions and with a little planning you will find yourself with a constant stream of affordable things to do to keep you and your family occupied for an entire season. Buying tickets well in advance can also work for holidays and flights abroad. When tickets for flights are released the cheapest ones available are often made available first. By searching the internet effectively and well in advance you could end up with cheap flights to Florida and discount family tickets to one of the amazing theme parks out there!
Theatres, restaurants, theme parks and other attractions all love to sell offers and tickets well in advance so that they can guarantee as much custom as possible. They therefore often publish discount tickets days, weeks or months in advance and give you a chance to snap them up at a very favourable rate. There are hundreds of websites that sell these discounted, buy in advance, tickets and you will be amazed at how much you can save.
The key, especially if you have a family, is to sit down at the beginning of the season and note down all the attractions you would like to visit over the forthcoming months. Once you have an idea, and preferably a good list of more things than you could possibly fit in, you need to log onto the internet and start to search for cheap tickets for all of them. You should search special offers websites, special offer discussion forums and the hundreds of websites that offer buy in advance discount tickets. Although you are unlikely to find cheap tickets for everything you want to do you will still be amazed by how much you could save simply buy booking days out in advance, rather than just turning up on the day. If you have a family the savings can work out to be enormous in the long run.
The above strategy can be used for all kinds of days out and attractions and with a little planning you will find yourself with a constant stream of affordable things to do to keep you and your family occupied for an entire season. Buying tickets well in advance can also work for holidays and flights abroad. When tickets for flights are released the cheapest ones available are often made available first. By searching the internet effectively and well in advance you could end up with cheap flights to Florida and discount family tickets to one of the amazing theme parks out there!
Buying a Home Post Retirement
Retirement brings about whole new changes in a person's life. One may associate retirement with freedom from work life and deadlines, annoying bosses and aggravating colleagues, cups of coffee and impossible workloads. However, retirement also requires a great deal of adjustment. You are finally faced with the problems of old age. The feeling of dependence on others begins to arise at this time. You are no longer the earning member of your family. Questions of whether you will still be valued by those around you will arise. Are you likely to be taken care of? Or will you end up being taken for granted? Many an insecurity will arise the moment that you take leave of your work life and become a retired person. However, this does not mean that you spend the rest of your life worrying about tomorrow.
One way in which a retired person can make himself feel at home is by buying a home. Yes, you read that right. It may be a little hard to believe that a person who is currently unemployed would be willing to spend his savings to buy a house. However, this can be quite a sensible decision. A house provides a sense of security. If you own a home, at least you know that no matter what, you will always have a roof over your head. Come rain, hail, storm, or family problems, that building of bricks and cement will keep you safe and warm. The question is, how does a retired person avail of a mortgage to buy a house?
To start with, you will have to look at your existing funds. What kind of savings do you have in the bank? Have you invested in any funds that are about to mature sometime soon? Do you already have a large house which you would like to sell before you move into a smaller one? Would your pension fund be able to help you garner a mortgage? These are only some of the initial questions that you will have to ask yourself. Having done so, you will need to check out a few mortgage deals and then ask yourself if you will be able to repay the money.
The next step is to read through the fine print on the various deals that seem the most suitable. Each mortgage that you look at is bound to have some advantages and some disadvantages as well. Be alert and objective as you decide which deal would help you buy your own home.
One way in which a retired person can make himself feel at home is by buying a home. Yes, you read that right. It may be a little hard to believe that a person who is currently unemployed would be willing to spend his savings to buy a house. However, this can be quite a sensible decision. A house provides a sense of security. If you own a home, at least you know that no matter what, you will always have a roof over your head. Come rain, hail, storm, or family problems, that building of bricks and cement will keep you safe and warm. The question is, how does a retired person avail of a mortgage to buy a house?
To start with, you will have to look at your existing funds. What kind of savings do you have in the bank? Have you invested in any funds that are about to mature sometime soon? Do you already have a large house which you would like to sell before you move into a smaller one? Would your pension fund be able to help you garner a mortgage? These are only some of the initial questions that you will have to ask yourself. Having done so, you will need to check out a few mortgage deals and then ask yourself if you will be able to repay the money.
The next step is to read through the fine print on the various deals that seem the most suitable. Each mortgage that you look at is bound to have some advantages and some disadvantages as well. Be alert and objective as you decide which deal would help you buy your own home.
Defensive Savings
What is the difference between something and nothing? The answer is everything. Do you have a savings account or other means to sock money away? If you don't, you may put yourself in a higher risk category than you have ever dreamed.
Start today, and put aside as much as you can into a cash savings account. Have a target of $500.00. That is something. Not having that $500.00 available in your time of need can be a real heartbreaker. If you needed immediate cash for something, would you be able to get it? A number of banks allow you to have more than one account under your name. Start with a checking account or money market account for daily or monthly cash management. Then start putting money into a cash reserve savings account. You should target $500, but if you can put away more, that's great. If it's in an interest bearing account, all the better. If you deplete this account, make sure you replenish it as soon as possible.
The next level of savings you should set as your goal, is a reserve of three to six months worth of your normal income. What happens if your job is "right sized" and you find yourself out of work? I have seen that happen way too many times to know it can happen to anyone. While looking for something else, you will have the option to live on your income reserve account, while you seek other employment. Do not touch this account, unless you have lost your primary means of generating income! If you never need to touch it, then great, it will reflect as a nice asset on your financial statement.
Lastly, develop a savings plan for retirement. Put away whatever you can afford to do, and target the maximum you can that can be matched by your companies matching policy (if there is one). Whenever you get a raise, increase your savings amount as well. This is typically done through 401(k), 403(b), IRAs or other securities plans that you can contribute to. This is typically a pre-tax deduction from your paycheck, so you end up paying less on your taxes (today), but may be required to pay taxes on that money when you want to cash in on your long term savings. Talk with your tax adviser at least annually.
What does this have to do with our credit score? Everything. If you have the ability to continue to meet your obligations in the face of adversity or recession, then you have protected your credit score. If you develop good savings behaviors and prohibit yourself from making poor buying decisions, you can secure a much better financial future for yourself and your family.
Start today, and put aside as much as you can into a cash savings account. Have a target of $500.00. That is something. Not having that $500.00 available in your time of need can be a real heartbreaker. If you needed immediate cash for something, would you be able to get it? A number of banks allow you to have more than one account under your name. Start with a checking account or money market account for daily or monthly cash management. Then start putting money into a cash reserve savings account. You should target $500, but if you can put away more, that's great. If it's in an interest bearing account, all the better. If you deplete this account, make sure you replenish it as soon as possible.
The next level of savings you should set as your goal, is a reserve of three to six months worth of your normal income. What happens if your job is "right sized" and you find yourself out of work? I have seen that happen way too many times to know it can happen to anyone. While looking for something else, you will have the option to live on your income reserve account, while you seek other employment. Do not touch this account, unless you have lost your primary means of generating income! If you never need to touch it, then great, it will reflect as a nice asset on your financial statement.
Lastly, develop a savings plan for retirement. Put away whatever you can afford to do, and target the maximum you can that can be matched by your companies matching policy (if there is one). Whenever you get a raise, increase your savings amount as well. This is typically done through 401(k), 403(b), IRAs or other securities plans that you can contribute to. This is typically a pre-tax deduction from your paycheck, so you end up paying less on your taxes (today), but may be required to pay taxes on that money when you want to cash in on your long term savings. Talk with your tax adviser at least annually.
What does this have to do with our credit score? Everything. If you have the ability to continue to meet your obligations in the face of adversity or recession, then you have protected your credit score. If you develop good savings behaviors and prohibit yourself from making poor buying decisions, you can secure a much better financial future for yourself and your family.
Saving Money Through Budgeting
Many people tend to ignore the importance of saving money. There are many ways in which money can realise its full potential instead of being spent impulsively. Most of the richest people of the world keep a track of where their money goes in order to augment income.
So, it makes sense to keep a spending log. Pay yourself first before spending and ensure that at least portion of your income goes in compulsory investment plans. Only spend on stuffs that are important. With money saving and wealth building opportunities aplenty these days it is not much of a problem with a little bit of budgeting.
The first step to a proper budgeting is to figure out the differences between a want and a need. Avail the different money management plans to achieve the financial goals successfully. Investing wisely often helps to spread risks associated with investments. There are many plans available to choose from. In this growing information regime it is also not difficult to get good solid information on saving money through proper budgeting. It makes sense to get in touch with good financial consultants to augment your moneysaving skills. With healthy spending habits budgeting will no longer appear to be a distant dream.
Some of the common money saving tricks that can help your budgeting process is as follows-
-Money multiplier Scheme
-Multi Gains Current Account
-No Frills Accounts Scheme
-Multi Gains Savings Account
-Deposit Reinvestment Scheme
-Apply for medi claim policies
-Apply for household insurance policies
-Apply for tax saving schemes
-Invest in recurring deposit schemes
-Apply for fixed deposit schemes
-Invest in Mutual funds like Systematic Investment plan, growth funds
-Directly invest in Monthly income schemes
-Apply for senior citizen term savings scheme at a fixed rate of interest.
- Invest in company bonds, debentures, and equity funds
-Do not go for payday loans and its likes, which will charge you a higher rate of interest in charge of quick money.
Other common household moneysaving tricks are as follows-
-Compare rates with several dealers when taking home loans to find the cheapest one.
- Subscribe to e-newsletters, which comes free of cost and also are easily accessible.
-Avoid spending on unnecessary costs like smoking.
If you find budgeting to be too difficult you can also take the help of budget planner where you can easily type in your income and expenses.
Budgeting also includes making the most of money saving offers given by airlines, travel agents, malls and stores. You can also think of utilizing spare time in ways that can profit you. As a recent poll indicated moderate savings on big items along with savings in smaller items can reap huge benefits for you. So fend off your ugly money woes by following a proper budgeting. Next time when you get your salary make sure to budget your way to smarter spending.
Keep yourself informed to maintain a proper financial portfolio through budgeting. Look for worthwhile savings. Buy multiple items at a lower price. By adopting a few basic budgeting techniques you can save a lot and strengthen your financial prowess in the long run.
So, it makes sense to keep a spending log. Pay yourself first before spending and ensure that at least portion of your income goes in compulsory investment plans. Only spend on stuffs that are important. With money saving and wealth building opportunities aplenty these days it is not much of a problem with a little bit of budgeting.
The first step to a proper budgeting is to figure out the differences between a want and a need. Avail the different money management plans to achieve the financial goals successfully. Investing wisely often helps to spread risks associated with investments. There are many plans available to choose from. In this growing information regime it is also not difficult to get good solid information on saving money through proper budgeting. It makes sense to get in touch with good financial consultants to augment your moneysaving skills. With healthy spending habits budgeting will no longer appear to be a distant dream.
Some of the common money saving tricks that can help your budgeting process is as follows-
-Money multiplier Scheme
-Multi Gains Current Account
-No Frills Accounts Scheme
-Multi Gains Savings Account
-Deposit Reinvestment Scheme
-Apply for medi claim policies
-Apply for household insurance policies
-Apply for tax saving schemes
-Invest in recurring deposit schemes
-Apply for fixed deposit schemes
-Invest in Mutual funds like Systematic Investment plan, growth funds
-Directly invest in Monthly income schemes
-Apply for senior citizen term savings scheme at a fixed rate of interest.
- Invest in company bonds, debentures, and equity funds
-Do not go for payday loans and its likes, which will charge you a higher rate of interest in charge of quick money.
Other common household moneysaving tricks are as follows-
-Compare rates with several dealers when taking home loans to find the cheapest one.
- Subscribe to e-newsletters, which comes free of cost and also are easily accessible.
-Avoid spending on unnecessary costs like smoking.
If you find budgeting to be too difficult you can also take the help of budget planner where you can easily type in your income and expenses.
Budgeting also includes making the most of money saving offers given by airlines, travel agents, malls and stores. You can also think of utilizing spare time in ways that can profit you. As a recent poll indicated moderate savings on big items along with savings in smaller items can reap huge benefits for you. So fend off your ugly money woes by following a proper budgeting. Next time when you get your salary make sure to budget your way to smarter spending.
Keep yourself informed to maintain a proper financial portfolio through budgeting. Look for worthwhile savings. Buy multiple items at a lower price. By adopting a few basic budgeting techniques you can save a lot and strengthen your financial prowess in the long run.
Personal Finance Software - A Must For Planning Your Finacial Future
Personal finance software is an excellent tool to guide anyone's financial planning process. Personal finance software helps you manage your finances by tracking of things like your bank accounts, credit card accounts, expenses, taxes, and your income. Personal finance software is just the tool you need to get your finances under control.
With this powerful program, not only can you can easily check and mange your monthly income and expenses, you can also analyze financial information within financial markets. In the corporate world, business finance software has gained popularity, frequently used in computerized financial planning systems, which reports information crucial to the organization. By doing this, finance software fulfills all the needs for a financial manager.
Maintaining your own personal financial outlook can be very difficult if you don’t have the right tools. Before purchasing any financial software, you should properly determine the requirements you need. One of the main issues that people have encountered when using personal finance software, is to keep using it for more than a few months. Account calculations in personal finance software is much faster than handling this job manually, since the software does the math, and all you do is enter the transactions while you review your statements. Since all your purchases, payments and credits are entered into the credit card and checking accounts, the personal finance software does the mathematics for you to report exact account balances. In addition, automated transactions such as direct deposit and automatic payments can be set up for automated entry into finance software.
Personal finance software can be useful tools in any money management strategy; by allowing you perform tasks such as forming a budget and maintaining a checkbook. Personal finance software includes features that allow users to automate their budget by reconciling their bank and credit card accounts, pay their bills, calculate and fill out tax forms, and track their investments. Personal finances software will track your progress with the objective of providing you better money management. Personal finance software can also take care of all your investing needs by obtaining stock quotes and helps manage your mutual funds, stocks, bonds and 401K.
By helping users balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track income and expenses, track investments, and evaluate financial plans, personal finance software is great tool because it comes with a variety of features that can make money management easier. Users of personal finance software are much more capable of predicting their financial outlook well into the future. Using personal finance software is definitely the way to go.
With this powerful program, not only can you can easily check and mange your monthly income and expenses, you can also analyze financial information within financial markets. In the corporate world, business finance software has gained popularity, frequently used in computerized financial planning systems, which reports information crucial to the organization. By doing this, finance software fulfills all the needs for a financial manager.
Maintaining your own personal financial outlook can be very difficult if you don’t have the right tools. Before purchasing any financial software, you should properly determine the requirements you need. One of the main issues that people have encountered when using personal finance software, is to keep using it for more than a few months. Account calculations in personal finance software is much faster than handling this job manually, since the software does the math, and all you do is enter the transactions while you review your statements. Since all your purchases, payments and credits are entered into the credit card and checking accounts, the personal finance software does the mathematics for you to report exact account balances. In addition, automated transactions such as direct deposit and automatic payments can be set up for automated entry into finance software.
Personal finance software can be useful tools in any money management strategy; by allowing you perform tasks such as forming a budget and maintaining a checkbook. Personal finance software includes features that allow users to automate their budget by reconciling their bank and credit card accounts, pay their bills, calculate and fill out tax forms, and track their investments. Personal finances software will track your progress with the objective of providing you better money management. Personal finance software can also take care of all your investing needs by obtaining stock quotes and helps manage your mutual funds, stocks, bonds and 401K.
By helping users balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track income and expenses, track investments, and evaluate financial plans, personal finance software is great tool because it comes with a variety of features that can make money management easier. Users of personal finance software are much more capable of predicting their financial outlook well into the future. Using personal finance software is definitely the way to go.
Three Essential Personal Finance Tips
Personal finance is extremely important in today’s society. Whether you are looking to purchase a new home, pay for college or take a trip of a lifetime, personal finance can help you achieve these goals. While there are many ways to benefit from good money management, here are three essential personal finance tips that can truly help you achieve your goals.
Save and Invest
It is absolutely essential that you save as much money as possible and then invest it so that it can work hard for you. Saving money is vital to having a nest egg in the future for the purchases you desire. Saving requires a plan and usually lots of time. One of things that you should do once you receive your paycheck is to pay yourself first. Take a set amount of your pay check and put it away. Once you have money saved, the next step is to invest it and make it work hard for you. Over the years, you can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars off of just $30K to 50K in savings using the power of compound interest. There is no magic involved. In order to create a nest egg in 10, 20 or 30 years save money and invest it.
Create a Budget
Creating a budget is essential for anyone that has an income and expenses. Many of us are usually carefree and do not keep a record of all our purchases, however if we knew just how much we spent each year on junk or impulse purchases we would be aghast. Creating a budget is a great way to understand what we spend our income on, reduce spending on non essential items and discipline ourselves to save and invest our money for the long term. Creating a budget is extremely simple and requires only a few hours of time each month. A simple budget can literally save you thousands of dollars a year and give you true piece of mind.
Use Credit Wisely
Credit cards can be extremely convenient, but many times they are equally destructive. A credit card is not a license to spend; it is in effect a loan. Understanding how credit works and how to use it responsibly can make your life much easier. Credit cards can be a great option in certain situations, however using them properly is essential to proper money management.
Save and Invest
It is absolutely essential that you save as much money as possible and then invest it so that it can work hard for you. Saving money is vital to having a nest egg in the future for the purchases you desire. Saving requires a plan and usually lots of time. One of things that you should do once you receive your paycheck is to pay yourself first. Take a set amount of your pay check and put it away. Once you have money saved, the next step is to invest it and make it work hard for you. Over the years, you can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars off of just $30K to 50K in savings using the power of compound interest. There is no magic involved. In order to create a nest egg in 10, 20 or 30 years save money and invest it.
Create a Budget
Creating a budget is essential for anyone that has an income and expenses. Many of us are usually carefree and do not keep a record of all our purchases, however if we knew just how much we spent each year on junk or impulse purchases we would be aghast. Creating a budget is a great way to understand what we spend our income on, reduce spending on non essential items and discipline ourselves to save and invest our money for the long term. Creating a budget is extremely simple and requires only a few hours of time each month. A simple budget can literally save you thousands of dollars a year and give you true piece of mind.
Use Credit Wisely
Credit cards can be extremely convenient, but many times they are equally destructive. A credit card is not a license to spend; it is in effect a loan. Understanding how credit works and how to use it responsibly can make your life much easier. Credit cards can be a great option in certain situations, however using them properly is essential to proper money management.
Brits Advised To Prepare For 'Financial Emergencies'
Although more people are saving money, pressure on Britons' finances could still be set to increase, according to a new study.
In findings published in Birmingham Midshires' regular Saving Britain report, two-thirds of consumers (67 per cent) have some money set aside, in comparison to the 62 per cent recorded at the same time last year. However, as general living costs have increased over this period, the financial services provider indicated that there is a shortfall in the amount of money set aside. Over the last three months, the average Briton has saved some 910 pounds, down by a third from 2006's statistics which noted 1,376 pounds being put away.
The company also reported that recent increases by the Bank of England's monetary policy committee have currently left interest rates at a six-year high. Despite this, Birmingham Midshires stated that in spite of the resultant rising difficulty in making secured loans repayments, consumers should look to make as best use of the rises as possible and put money into savings schemes.
Commenting on the figures, Jason Robinson, director of savings operations for the financial company, claimed that regularly saving money can help consumers should they incur unexpected difficulties such as redundancy or illness and struggle to service debts. He said: "It's easier said than done but it's recommended that people have three months' salary put aside in case of financial emergencies - this equates to 5,899 pounds for those on an average income".
Research from the firm also showed that younger people are preparing more effectively for their financial future. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 were reported to have saved 1,523 pounds over the last three months. However, this figure more than halved for the over-55s who were indicated as putting 688 pounds away.
Men were also shown to be more conscientious savers as they have stored 1,105 pounds for a rainy day during the past three-month period, compared to 733 pounds for women. Those living in Scotland, meanwhile, were said to be most financially prepared. Some 86 per cent of consumers in the Scottish Borders region are revealed as having recently put money away, with those in the north of the principality have the most cash saved in Britain at 1,820 pounds. This compared to a third (33 per cent) of people in the south-west of England who have failed to put any money into savings accounts and so could be set to see increased pressure on their finances in later years.
Earlier this year, figures released by engage Mutual Assurance showed that women are better at managing their money than men. Some 70 per cent of females claim that they are able to budget their finances well despite on average earning less money than males, out of which 68 per cent are able to plan their spending. The study also revealed that some 40 per cent of those approaching middle age (between 35 and 44 years old) have the most difficulty putting cash away for the long-term, compared to 32 per cent of all Britons. Marketing director Karl Elliott claimed that: "By getting into the habit of saving more often Britons can help secure both their and their family's future".
In findings published in Birmingham Midshires' regular Saving Britain report, two-thirds of consumers (67 per cent) have some money set aside, in comparison to the 62 per cent recorded at the same time last year. However, as general living costs have increased over this period, the financial services provider indicated that there is a shortfall in the amount of money set aside. Over the last three months, the average Briton has saved some 910 pounds, down by a third from 2006's statistics which noted 1,376 pounds being put away.
The company also reported that recent increases by the Bank of England's monetary policy committee have currently left interest rates at a six-year high. Despite this, Birmingham Midshires stated that in spite of the resultant rising difficulty in making secured loans repayments, consumers should look to make as best use of the rises as possible and put money into savings schemes.
Commenting on the figures, Jason Robinson, director of savings operations for the financial company, claimed that regularly saving money can help consumers should they incur unexpected difficulties such as redundancy or illness and struggle to service debts. He said: "It's easier said than done but it's recommended that people have three months' salary put aside in case of financial emergencies - this equates to 5,899 pounds for those on an average income".
Research from the firm also showed that younger people are preparing more effectively for their financial future. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 were reported to have saved 1,523 pounds over the last three months. However, this figure more than halved for the over-55s who were indicated as putting 688 pounds away.
Men were also shown to be more conscientious savers as they have stored 1,105 pounds for a rainy day during the past three-month period, compared to 733 pounds for women. Those living in Scotland, meanwhile, were said to be most financially prepared. Some 86 per cent of consumers in the Scottish Borders region are revealed as having recently put money away, with those in the north of the principality have the most cash saved in Britain at 1,820 pounds. This compared to a third (33 per cent) of people in the south-west of England who have failed to put any money into savings accounts and so could be set to see increased pressure on their finances in later years.
Earlier this year, figures released by engage Mutual Assurance showed that women are better at managing their money than men. Some 70 per cent of females claim that they are able to budget their finances well despite on average earning less money than males, out of which 68 per cent are able to plan their spending. The study also revealed that some 40 per cent of those approaching middle age (between 35 and 44 years old) have the most difficulty putting cash away for the long-term, compared to 32 per cent of all Britons. Marketing director Karl Elliott claimed that: "By getting into the habit of saving more often Britons can help secure both their and their family's future".
Unwise Student Spending Can Leave Brits With 'Debt Mountain'
With students receiving their A-level results today, the thousands of young people who are set to head to university are being warned that a lack of financial planning could leave them with debt problems later on in life.
Pointing to research from the Association of Investment Companies revealing that university attendants are taking on more levels of debt than ever before, Callcredit has suggested that this could impact upon their ability to access borrowing after graduation, as they struggle to pay off credit cards and loans. And by constantly choosing to fund holidays and nights out through borrowing consumers could well be left with a “debt mountain” after leaving higher education.
The company pointed to the example of Lee Barnes. After graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University, the 25-year-old found himself owing more than 60,000 pounds as he increasingly took out personal loans to cover daily expenses such as paying rent. “The problem was I got used to spending money. I wasn’t even aware of how much I was taking on,” Mr Barnes commented.
Melanie Mitchley, Callcredit’s director of industry relationships, claimed that although higher education can prove to be a great experience, young people should take caution of the monetary difficulties they can incur if they do not plan their spending wisely. She said: “We are urging all students - whether freshers or in their final year - to be aware of the potential pitfalls if they don’t take control of their financial affairs.
“If you do decide to borrow money be aware of the amount you are borrowing and think about how you will repay it. Our experience has shown that taking on credit needn’t be a problem if you manage your finances well and ensure you keep up your repayments.”
Consequently, those considering taking out a loan or making an application for a credit card were advised to “think” before taking such action. The consumer debt expert also recommended that people should get a copy of their credit history as it will help them to “get an overall picture of the current state of your finances” and decide whether they will be able to successfully manage to take on further borrowing.
However, earlier this year, Mintel suggested that a rising proportion of young people are aiming to take the “easy” way of unmanageable money problems. According to a study carried out by the firm just over a fifth of consumers aged 18 to 34 - an estimated three million - are willing to file for an individual voluntary arrangement or bankruptcy should they find themselves unable to make debt repayments.
Senior finance analyst Todd Davis claimed that as overdraft extensions, credit card deals and student loan uptake all rises, those in this age group no longer have a “stigma” about getting into debt. Meanwhile, such consumers were reported to have above average levels of unsecured borrowing as an estimated 60 per cent of respondents in the age bracket have taken out the form of credit. With more than £3,200 revealed to be taken out, young people were shown as owing more than four times the amount that over-55s do via credit cards and personal loans.
Pointing to research from the Association of Investment Companies revealing that university attendants are taking on more levels of debt than ever before, Callcredit has suggested that this could impact upon their ability to access borrowing after graduation, as they struggle to pay off credit cards and loans. And by constantly choosing to fund holidays and nights out through borrowing consumers could well be left with a “debt mountain” after leaving higher education.
The company pointed to the example of Lee Barnes. After graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University, the 25-year-old found himself owing more than 60,000 pounds as he increasingly took out personal loans to cover daily expenses such as paying rent. “The problem was I got used to spending money. I wasn’t even aware of how much I was taking on,” Mr Barnes commented.
Melanie Mitchley, Callcredit’s director of industry relationships, claimed that although higher education can prove to be a great experience, young people should take caution of the monetary difficulties they can incur if they do not plan their spending wisely. She said: “We are urging all students - whether freshers or in their final year - to be aware of the potential pitfalls if they don’t take control of their financial affairs.
“If you do decide to borrow money be aware of the amount you are borrowing and think about how you will repay it. Our experience has shown that taking on credit needn’t be a problem if you manage your finances well and ensure you keep up your repayments.”
Consequently, those considering taking out a loan or making an application for a credit card were advised to “think” before taking such action. The consumer debt expert also recommended that people should get a copy of their credit history as it will help them to “get an overall picture of the current state of your finances” and decide whether they will be able to successfully manage to take on further borrowing.
However, earlier this year, Mintel suggested that a rising proportion of young people are aiming to take the “easy” way of unmanageable money problems. According to a study carried out by the firm just over a fifth of consumers aged 18 to 34 - an estimated three million - are willing to file for an individual voluntary arrangement or bankruptcy should they find themselves unable to make debt repayments.
Senior finance analyst Todd Davis claimed that as overdraft extensions, credit card deals and student loan uptake all rises, those in this age group no longer have a “stigma” about getting into debt. Meanwhile, such consumers were reported to have above average levels of unsecured borrowing as an estimated 60 per cent of respondents in the age bracket have taken out the form of credit. With more than £3,200 revealed to be taken out, young people were shown as owing more than four times the amount that over-55s do via credit cards and personal loans.
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