It may sound illogical but the best money move I made was declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy. After both my husband and I lost our jobs within a month of each other, we never were able to "catch up" especially since our new jobs were for significantly less pay and benefits. Before the bankruptcy we were using credit easily because the next check was always just a few days away. Now though we live paycheck to paycheck, it is because we do not use credit and are living as close to our means as possible. We've learned the hard way how to be more frugal, more DIY and continue to learn as we go forward.
Best move I ever made was once I had a real job, I paid off my first big debt--a car--as quickly as I could. That was 16 years ago, and that one goal has turned into a financial habit. I pay every debt off as quickly as possible, so my extra savings can be placed into stocks, an IRA and other investments. My credit is impeccable and I don't have the worries some of my generation do that there may never be money for retirement. The sooner you start on the right foot, the further you can go!
I have submitted over 10 emails to Gapbuster over outstanding payments owed and not recieved a single reply. Now I am locked out of my account. DO NOT TRUST GAPBUSTER THEY ARE CON ARTISTS.
Yes! A good spice grinder or coffee grinder is great for this. Spices taste better when you grind them yourself, and you're more likely to have the real deal if you buy it whole.
We nearly purchased a $400K home at 24 years old. I loved the idea of that house, but it wasn't really practical for us...it was a quaint bungalow with tons of charm in a great location, but didn't have much room to grow and the low ceilings made my husband feel like a giant! My husband talked some sense into me and all we lost was $100 deposit.
A few months later, we ended up buying a $235K house in the suburbs. It's newer, energy efficient, has room to grow, we love the neighborhood...and we have a 15 year mortgage and no PMI!
This single decision has saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars and has made our future look brighter! I am thankful everyday that we picked the right house! Our house is a blessing instead of a burden!
My best money move was creating a budget and tracking every dollar I spend to make myself more aware of my spending habits. This new awareness has completely changed how I handle my money and has allowed me to save large amounts every month which I then immediately put toward my student and auto loans. My new focus is now on paying off all my debt as quickly as possible. This means sacrificing things I used to do all the time...like going out to eat, movies, bars, shopping for clothes, online shopping, etc....but it's going to be totally worth it if I knock out all my debt within the next few years!
With yields so puny, why take on any risk? The incremental return is not worth it. The best MM accounts are online. Last week I say some as high as .9 or maybe even more than that. But in any event, having a cash reserve is so important these days and yield is almost a secondary consideration.
The smartest move I made was setting up an automatic transfer fom my checking to my savings account. I started small at first ($10/week), but I hardly noticed it when it was taken out. And I was glas I had done it when an unexpected vet bill came up!
Anything I'm tempted to buy, other than essentials like regular grocery purchases, household supplies, basic toiletries, etc, I put on the list and re-visit the idea after one week.
Very often, I don't want to make the purchase after a week's wait!
Networking will only work if you are trying to build genuine relationships. People are quick to figure out if you are just trying to use them. Be helpful honest and friendly. The sooner you start networking the you become and the easier it gets. Dont look like a stalker when you are networking.
I am a college student in the same situation with a 2011 Chrysler 300c st8.. I live in a college town with free transportation and I just have to say this was the smartest idea on the forum. Great easy advise with a safety net (by keeping the car for emergencies)
I agree with Anton and the guest about on the point about keeping credit cards to build credit. It's more important to learn how to use credit cards correctly and manage payments (eg #2). And to add on to #2, if you can't pay them immediately, set a specific date each month where you make your payment(s) - make it a habit and mark it down on a calendar.
Before I graduated college I made sure to pay off my car. Any extra money from student loans, overtime, etc was applied towards my modest car loan (15,000). I knew when I had to start paying my student loans I couldn't afford both car and student loans. It was the greatest feeling of finally owning something. I still don't make a lot and had to lower my student loan payments but my fiancé and I agree we should pay off a big chunk before purchasing a house. I may not have a high salary but I'm not going home stressing I can't afford my current lifestyle.
One of the best money moves I made? I got a part time weekend job at a coffee shop. I used to buy myself coffee as a "treat". Now I take an equal amount of $$ I used to spend for my cup of joe and add it to the monthly payment on my highest interest rate credit card. One of the "perks" of working there is free coffee. Not only do I get a little extra income to pay off my credit card faster, I still get my coffee treat ~ and it doesn't cost me a thing!
About 15 years ago, I was a new mom and wanting to stay home with my baby. I had joined a warehouse club because it was supposed to save me money on diapers and stuff. But the first time I went they had a copy of The Complete Tightwad Gazette on sale. I had heard of it so I bought it and read the whole thing cover to cover. Rocked my world and I have never looked back. Immediately found an opportunity to save a small fortune when our washing machine died and was replaced by a used one (still working 15 years later). And I learned that disposable diapers were cheaper if I bought the grocery store brand and stocked up when they went on sale. Never did find the warehouse store so great on prices. The book really changed my mindset. I have made lots of great financial decisions since then, but it was catalyst.
It may sound illogical but the best money move I made was declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy. After both my husband and I lost our jobs within a month of each other, we never were able to "catch up" especially since our new jobs were for significantly less pay and benefits. Before the bankruptcy we were using credit easily because the next check was always just a few days away. Now though we live paycheck to paycheck, it is because we do not use credit and are living as close to our means as possible. We've learned the hard way how to be more frugal, more DIY and continue to learn as we go forward.
Best move I ever made was once I had a real job, I paid off my first big debt--a car--as quickly as I could. That was 16 years ago, and that one goal has turned into a financial habit. I pay every debt off as quickly as possible, so my extra savings can be placed into stocks, an IRA and other investments. My credit is impeccable and I don't have the worries some of my generation do that there may never be money for retirement. The sooner you start on the right foot, the further you can go!
I have submitted over 10 emails to Gapbuster over outstanding payments owed and not recieved a single reply. Now I am locked out of my account. DO NOT TRUST GAPBUSTER THEY ARE CON ARTISTS.
Yes! A good spice grinder or coffee grinder is great for this. Spices taste better when you grind them yourself, and you're more likely to have the real deal if you buy it whole.
We nearly purchased a $400K home at 24 years old. I loved the idea of that house, but it wasn't really practical for us...it was a quaint bungalow with tons of charm in a great location, but didn't have much room to grow and the low ceilings made my husband feel like a giant! My husband talked some sense into me and all we lost was $100 deposit.
A few months later, we ended up buying a $235K house in the suburbs. It's newer, energy efficient, has room to grow, we love the neighborhood...and we have a 15 year mortgage and no PMI!
This single decision has saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars and has made our future look brighter! I am thankful everyday that we picked the right house! Our house is a blessing instead of a burden!
I started contributing money to 401K!
do you mix it with water or do you just rub it on your face
is there some home remedy that can be used to regrow hair or open up the follicles in the head
My best money move was creating a budget and tracking every dollar I spend to make myself more aware of my spending habits. This new awareness has completely changed how I handle my money and has allowed me to save large amounts every month which I then immediately put toward my student and auto loans. My new focus is now on paying off all my debt as quickly as possible. This means sacrificing things I used to do all the time...like going out to eat, movies, bars, shopping for clothes, online shopping, etc....but it's going to be totally worth it if I knock out all my debt within the next few years!
With yields so puny, why take on any risk? The incremental return is not worth it. The best MM accounts are online. Last week I say some as high as .9 or maybe even more than that. But in any event, having a cash reserve is so important these days and yield is almost a secondary consideration.
The smartest move I made was setting up an automatic transfer fom my checking to my savings account. I started small at first ($10/week), but I hardly noticed it when it was taken out. And I was glas I had done it when an unexpected vet bill came up!
The best move I ever made was paying cash instead of credit cards!
Using my one week "wait list".
Anything I'm tempted to buy, other than essentials like regular grocery purchases, household supplies, basic toiletries, etc, I put on the list and re-visit the idea after one week.
Very often, I don't want to make the purchase after a week's wait!
Networking will only work if you are trying to build genuine relationships. People are quick to figure out if you are just trying to use them. Be helpful honest and friendly. The sooner you start networking the you become and the easier it gets. Dont look like a stalker when you are networking.
Deciding to stop borrowing money and get out of debt completely.
I am a college student in the same situation with a 2011 Chrysler 300c st8.. I live in a college town with free transportation and I just have to say this was the smartest idea on the forum. Great easy advise with a safety net (by keeping the car for emergencies)
I agree with Anton and the guest about on the point about keeping credit cards to build credit. It's more important to learn how to use credit cards correctly and manage payments (eg #2). And to add on to #2, if you can't pay them immediately, set a specific date each month where you make your payment(s) - make it a habit and mark it down on a calendar.
Before I graduated college I made sure to pay off my car. Any extra money from student loans, overtime, etc was applied towards my modest car loan (15,000). I knew when I had to start paying my student loans I couldn't afford both car and student loans. It was the greatest feeling of finally owning something. I still don't make a lot and had to lower my student loan payments but my fiancé and I agree we should pay off a big chunk before purchasing a house. I may not have a high salary but I'm not going home stressing I can't afford my current lifestyle.
One of the best money moves I made? I got a part time weekend job at a coffee shop. I used to buy myself coffee as a "treat". Now I take an equal amount of $$ I used to spend for my cup of joe and add it to the monthly payment on my highest interest rate credit card. One of the "perks" of working there is free coffee. Not only do I get a little extra income to pay off my credit card faster, I still get my coffee treat ~ and it doesn't cost me a thing!
Realizing what "enough" is for me. I am still learning this, but what a difference it has made! Also learning to tell myself no. :)
Best money move was using coupons and educating myself about a frugal lifestyle!
Paying off my credit cards and never charging more than I can pay when the bill is due!
We put extra money on college loans and paid them off early!!
About 15 years ago, I was a new mom and wanting to stay home with my baby. I had joined a warehouse club because it was supposed to save me money on diapers and stuff. But the first time I went they had a copy of The Complete Tightwad Gazette on sale. I had heard of it so I bought it and read the whole thing cover to cover. Rocked my world and I have never looked back. Immediately found an opportunity to save a small fortune when our washing machine died and was replaced by a used one (still working 15 years later). And I learned that disposable diapers were cheaper if I bought the grocery store brand and stocked up when they went on sale. Never did find the warehouse store so great on prices. The book really changed my mindset. I have made lots of great financial decisions since then, but it was catalyst.
starting a roth IRA