Best Finance Personal

A budget is the most fundamental and effective financial management tool available to everyone and it doesn’t cost a penny. Absolutely anyone can work out their budget and simply doing so helps you to see how much you earn, how much you spend and where you are spending it.

If you want to work out your own personal budget you can do so in many ways. If you prefer the traditional paper and pen method that is fine as it works just as effectively as using a computer. If you are more akin to personal computers or laptops then you could use a spreadsheet to note down your budget. You can also buy computer programs designed specifically to help with personal finance planning.

A budget tends to have different headings for various kinds of income and spending, against which you can note down your own figures. Monthly outgoings are a good starting point for any budding budget planners.

Begin by making a record of exactly what you spend money on each month. If you cannot remember all outgoings off the top of your head then take a look at recent bank statements and look for regular payments such as gas, electricity, telephone, rent and council tax. If you have any direct debits or standing orders don’t forget to include these.

Continue reading ‘Personal Finance – The Benefits of Budgeting’ »

He has been termed as a legend; many know him as the king of pop and the supreme entertainer of all times. Michael Jackson transcended all races and touched the lives of many people. Whether his influence on his fans was positive or negative, I leave that to you to make your own verdict.

The one thing that Michael did is make money from his music. He paid close attention to his potential and found ways to perfect his music and dance moves while keeping his wardrobe up to date with the relevant costumes. He made good use of his talents to generate immense wealth but the sad part is that he did not manage this wealth properly.

Continue reading ‘Financial Management Lessons to Be Learnt From Michael Jackson’s Life’ »

Fees…glorious fees…They can turn a bank account into a collector’s dream before you know what even hit you. Most people will pay some fees at some point, but when paying fees becomes the norm in your life, then, you have a financial problem that needs a very quick resolution. During this economy crisis, most people can’t afford to make fee-paying a mainstay in their lives because they are already financially stretched.

For some people, fees account for large portions of their personal expenses. These expenses could be curtailed and, if only you could find a better way to manage your finances, you may actually realize a large financial saving. Costs, lifestyle, and general lack of effective financial management are huge catalysts for being drawn into a world of “forever fees”.

Just take a look at these few examples of fees that you could avoid and the financial savings that you could realize over time. Understanding the fee-cycle and breaking it can help get your family back on track, financially. Here’s how to get started:

Continue reading ‘Living Practically Fee-Free Can Add Up to Big Savings During This Economy Crisis’ »

1. “My Money Is My Money”
“Approximately two-thirds of Jesus’ parables are about money and financial management.” Let’s not only remind each other that “it’s all God’s money.” We know that money does not originate from God’s hand. BUT!! He has put you in charge of a certain amount of it. In that sense, your money is your money to manage. God expects us to use it well and not to abuse it. Money is for managing first and spending second. The difference between the two is the difference between the financially foolish and the financially confident people.

2. “Tithing is not for me.”
God himself is willing for you to put him to the test with tithing and He has never failed yet. Your 10% is foremost and exclusively a gift to God, not to an organization, as a voluntary act of worship. The church is simply the vehicle for putting God’s money into circulation. God made up the 10% rule so to speak. The tithe represents the first 10 percent of our income. Prov.3:9-10 That means before taxes (gross, not net) and before we pay any other bill. Give regularly as part of your worship. Your attitude is what counts, not the size of your gift. Continue reading ‘6 Financial Deceptions – Who Has Them?’ »

During these last lazy days of summer, a fishing trip might seem like a great idea as a favorite past time for many.

But beware of other types of ‘phishermen’ on ‘phishing expeditions.’

Phishing is the favorite process of scam artists to try to get consumers to divulge personal identification information like account numbers, Social Security Numbers or addresses.

Once a scamster has your personal information it can wreak havoc on your personal financial management.

Methods familiar to most include elaborate imitation websites combined with emails and some type of message that your account information needs to be reverified because of some sort of special offer or need to update the institution’s account database.

With the recent credit crisis and proliferation of special loan programs, homeowners have been favorite targets. One example: Email solicitations by a legitimate-sounding credit union advertising low rates for mortgage refinancing. Or emails offering loan modification programs or ways to stop foreclosure.

Other techniques are taking advantage of the trend toward the use of more social networking sites. With the advent of such resources like Linked In, Twitter or Facebook, some identity thieves will find enough personal information (i.e. employment, residence, education) to help them become you.

Continue reading ‘Gone Phishing’ »