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 Managing
cash flow
By
Bankrate.com
Update
your spending plan
It's wise and financially savvy to re-evaluate your spending
plans (budget) at least annually. Be sure to go over everything
again whenever you experience a lifestyle change, such a new
job or getting married. Fund the important things first, such
as savings, insurance and accumulating assets. Then manage
the rest to afford the things that are most important to you.
Links:
Make
a spending plan, How
to create a budget, Budget
worksheet, 10
tips for better money management, 5
easy ways to stretch your cash
Checking
account check-up
We all need a checking account of some form -- so this is
a good time to make sure your checking account still suits
your needs. Plan to do some comparison-shopping on the different
types of accounts. You could get everything you need free.
Or, maybe join a credit union.
Links:
Choose
the right checking account for you, Anatomy
of a checking statement, Free
checking accounts on the rise,
7
ways to avoid bounced check fees,
The
ins and outs of debit cards, 5
ways to beat ATM surcharges, New
checking account blues, Own
your own bank: Join a credit union,
Bouncing
back from a checking ban, Getting
more bang from your bank
Save for a goal
If you wait until you've paid all your
expenses, there won't be anything left for saving and investing.
Set a goal to build an emergency fund equal to three months
of expenses, then save for your future -- like a new car,
wedding or home. Just commit to save a specific amount. And,
get started!
Links:
Savings
check-up, Build
your emergency fund, 5
healthy saving strategies for a lifetime, 15
must-know savings terms, Where
do I stash my emergency fund?, Savings
options from short-term to long-term, Check
your brokerage when looking for CDs, Trim
the fat off your finances!
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