LIFESTYLE & TRAVELBUDGETING

A Beginners Guide to a Healthy Financial Future

Being financially healthy in the future is a process that starts right now. Get familiar with your options and tools now, so if a situation comes up, you have a plan in place.

Credit score

A credit score is a big deal and follows you around for the rest of your life. It’s a score that measures how well you handle your money and pay people back. A good way to build your credit score is taking out a loan like a credit card, using it and paying it back in a timely manner. Being late on payments or not paying it back at all will lower your score. Having a high credit score will give you more loan options at a more affordable rate in the future for when you need the money for a big purchase.

Loans

If you need money that you don’t have now or think you will need money in the future, take some time to learn about all the different kinds of loans that are offered. There are long-term loans and short-term loans. Look at your options for auto loans and home loans. Take a look at their interest rates and penalties very closely so you can plan ahead. Be aware of hidden fees as well. A line of credit, or credit card, is also considered a loan. It may be best to talk to your financial institution about your situation and see what they advise for your personal financial situation.

Budgeting

Budgeting is important regardless of how much money you have. Some of the richest people in the world have lost their money because they didn’t have a plan. Starting budgeting early will make it easier as your finances get more complicated. Learning how to itemize your expenses now is extremely important and will become an easier process as you keep adding expenses through your lifetime. Start building your savings account now. Look at your savings account options, some have higher dividend rates than others but may have fees, and some may lock your money in for a certain amount of time, or have fees if you fall below a certain balance.

Tips and tricks

Your financial institution knows what they offer better than anybody else. Call them or go to a branch and ask any questions you may have. You might find financial opportunities that you didn’t know existed. If you prepare for a situation before it happens, it will make you stronger financially and ready for the future.