Equity Finance

all about equity finance

Posts Tagged Spending Habits

Introduction to Finance

Aug 4

Posted by admin in Accounting | No Comments



For many people the term finance is easily misunderstood. Simply put finance is about money management and this is a task for those who have a hard time doing exactly that. It is not as difficult as most people describe it to be and it is possible to attain financial control. This is the key element to eventually having your money work for you and not you having to work for your money. It is essential that you learn to live within your means.

This means that you should know your spending limits and to be fully aware of your spending habits. You need to ask yourself how much you realistically need in order to survive, how much you will have left after expenses and if there is an amount that you can save. It is also vital that you understand when it comes to finance that you should not spend without a savings target in mind.

It is always important to put money aside for emergencies which have a habit of creeping up on us when you are least prepared. Make the necessary cut backs and target a percentage of your salary to go to savings. This is achievable with some creativity and discipline. It is also advisable that before spending, you understand how to save.

There are many ways to learn how to save money; you just have to be willing to give it a try. You should avoid making impulse purchases, and do not make purchase just because they are on sale. Learn to buy things when you absolutely need them and do not purchase the latest trends at the height of the season. Have a savings target and ensure that you put this money aside even before you spend your income.

By: Mercy Maranga

About the Author:
Mercy Maranga writes content on Finance and Finance Management. Visit her site here for more information on Finance. Finance Information



Caffeinated Content

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

101 Money Saving Tips

Nov 2

Posted by admin in Personal Savings | No Comments

Looking for cost cutting tips or need to start pinching pennies on household expenses to save money? From frugal shopping tips to common sense spending habits, it’s all right here. I have scoured the net and racked my brain to come up with the best money saving and cost cutting tips I could come up with.

These are very simple tips for the frugal and money conscious. They’re not what I would call ‘Extreme Money-Saving Tips’ like ‘Eat out of the pan’ but I might make that list too.

1. Shorten the time you take in the shower.

2. Drop the home phone line and use the cell phone.

3. Switch to basic cable and get rig of the premium channels.

4. Get your DVDs from the library rather than renting them.

5. Teach the family to ‘turn it off’ when not in use.

6. Walk or ride a bike when you can.

7. Cut and fertilize your own lawn.

8. Buy a water filter instead of bottled water.

9. Avoid car repairs at the dealer unless it’s under warranty.

10. Sell unwanted items on eBay instead of throwing it away.

11. Trade baby sitting services with family and friends.

12. Use coupons wisely by only buying what you need.

13. Pack your lunch.

14. Eat breakfast before you leave home.

15. Eat before you go grocery shopping.

16. Don’t buy it just because it’s on sale.

17. Compare prices online rather than driving all over the place.

18. Turn down the furnace thermostat a couple degrees in the winter.

19. Turn up the central air thermostat a couple degrees in summer.

20. Look for store and generic brands as alternatives when shopping.

21. Use left-overs for lunch.

22. Avoid multiple trips out. Go to the store, bank etc. on your way from work.

23. Use public transportation.

24. Avoid vending machines. Bring snacks and drinks from home.

25. Try a family meeting as a cost cutting brainstorm session.

26. Check your insurance rates by requesting new quotes.

27. Car pool with a coworker.

28. Close off part of your home if it’s rarely used.

29. Learn to budget. Only spend what is planned.

30. Buy and trade used books, cds and dvds.

31. Take on a border or room-mate.

32. Shop the dollar store for gifts.

33. Make your own birthday gifts.

34. Buy in bulk for common items like soaps, dog food and rock salt.

35. Make your own pizza.

36. Grow your own flowers.

37. Vacation in a nearby town this year.

38. Go to the park for entertainment.

39. Buy tickets way in advance.

40. Research eBay alternatives before buying locally.

41. Don’t eat meat with every meal.

42. Drop extras on your home and cell phone bills.

43. Don’t let the water run when doing the dishes or shaving.

44. Purchase necessities before you leave for vacation.

45. Ask for discounts on large purchases.

46. Ask for lower interest rates on current loans.

47. Ask for your annual fees to be waved on credit cards.

48. Have a friend cut your hair.

49. Use rechargeable batteries.

50. Drive slower and less often.

51. Get dial-up internet service.

52. Avoid pawn shops and payday loans.

53. Balance your checkbook so you never bounce a check.

54. Avoid late payment fees by paying bills on time.

55. Read your newspaper free online.

56. Refinance your house if the interest rates are lower.

57. Buy a used car for cash rather than buying new or leasing.

58. Shop for groceries at lower-priced discount food stores.

59. Wait 24 hours before making a large purchase.

60. Pay off your credit card debt and never use them again.

61. Exercise at home and cancel your gym membership.

62. Cut bank charges by shopping for a cheaper bank.

63. Drop bank accounts that charge monthly or annual fees.

64. Share and discuss cost saving methods with your friends.

65. Replace burned light bulbs with compact fluorescent or halogen bulbs.

66. Replace your furnace air filter regularly.

67. Change your own car oil.

68. Withdraw money from your own bank to avoid ATM fees.

69. Barter with friends. “You fix my car and I’ll do your taxes” kind of thing.

70. Get a second opinion from another mechanic before paying for car repairs.

71. Forget loyalty when it comes to local stores. Shop where it’s cheapest.

72. Take advantage of “Kids eat free” deals when eating out.

73. Try ‘buy it with a friend’ agreements. You both want to rent a DVD? Share the expense.

74. Minimize impulse buying by making a detailed shopping list.

75. Take advantage of employee benefits such as a credit union or corporate discounts.

76. Save pocket change for Christmas or birthday presents.

77. Leave your children at home when shopping.

78. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water.

79. Keep your car’s tires inflated to the proper pressure.

80. When shopping stay away from isles & sections you don’t need.

81. Negotiate commissions when dealing with agents and brokers.

82. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

83. Freeze leftovers & extras and work it into another meal later.

84. Having the family over for dinner? Ask them to bring something.

85. Agree with other adults that ‘Gifts are for kids’ and buy a card.

86. Turn down your water heater thermostat.

87. Make a game out of ‘making a present’ with young children.

88. Go to a product’s website for online coupons to print.

89. Shop on double coupon days.

90. Keep old cloths and towels as rags for the garage.

91. Read magazine articles online for free.

92. Share rental expenses such as a carpet shampooer and power sprayer with friends and family.

93. Let older children buy their own cloths and extras.

94. Check local farms and farmer’s markets for cheaper food.

95. Eat turkey even when it’s not Thanksgiving.

96. Don’t buy sodas at restaurants, drink water. It’s cheaper and healthier.

97. Buy your pet’s toys at the dollar store.

98. Cover your windows with plastic film in the winter.

99. Save on play clothes by shopping at thrift stores.

100. Call your phone and cable company and ask for the best deal every 6-12 months.

101. Check your store’s discount bin to see if anything there’s on your list.


By: Brian Hawkins

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Personal Finance Topics Explained

Oct 22

Posted by admin in Personal Savings | No Comments

The various ways and methods you use to obtain money and the things you spend it for are what make up your personal finances.It implies not only the various channels through which you acquire funds for your personal use like loans and credit cards; it also includes the process of budgeting, saving and expenditure.

We need to, first of all, take a glance at the differing ways we borrow money. If you borrow money through credit cards you have to pay it back later with interest. Today the use of credit cards is quite widespread, but it is necessary to take caution when using them. Overspending when you are using credit cards is easy to do, so you may regret it when it comes time to make payments on the high interest balances.

In contrast, personal loans will reduce your spending because you will be borrowing only the amount you need for the purpose of your loan. You may use a personal loan for differing purposes, like home loans, auto loans, debt consolidation loans and to do cosmetic surgery. A personal loan has interest attached too, so you must abide by the terms of this loan to make repayment. If your loan is secured by collateral, you have to be more careful because if you fail to repay, you stand a chance of losing your assets.

The best results with the financial opportunities you have offered to you may be simple to arrive at and it could begin with you. The characteristic of prudence, and being economically minded and taking the time to research the loan market are all helpful. When you understand your financial limits and ability to repay, you can create a proper budget and maintain the habit of keeping with it. If you keep accurate record of your expenditures and begin to understand your spending habits and make the changes you feel are necessary, you will also be given an understanding of your credit card usage.

The loan market has trends and offers you must become acquainted with before you make any final loan deals. Do not hesitate to ask for a loan quote, this is the best way to get an idea of the cost of the loan. When you have the loan quote you will better understand whether or not you can afford the loan and comfortably pay for it, however, make sure you read the fine print to carefully look for hidden fees and costs.

Personal finance controls your quality of life and measures your ability to keep the economy of it under your control. When handled well, your finances will take care of the other parts of your life, but when mishandled, your finances will cause you nothing but anxiety and concern. If you gather as much information as you can on personal finances and learn how to handle your own you will be able to live a relatively safe and stress free life. Personal finance for each one of us consists of our own particular puzzle pieces to fit together to form a complete financial picture for us.


By: Alisdair Cosgrove

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,