Trying to get your finances under control can be stressful. In recent years the cost of living has risen to astronomical levels and even the most carefully structured monthly budgets for your home or your business can still turn out a few unexpected surprises.
The problem often lies with irregular and unexpected payments which aren’t worked into your current budget. If you’re not careful, your month’s planning can be thrown into the most stressful disarray and cost you more than a few sleepless nights.
Below are three great options that can help ease the stress of your finances.
Online financial management
In addition to your bank there are some great financial management tools available online that will provide you with chart and graph breakdowns of your spending. One of my favorite is from Mint.com. Not only is it free, but it’s also simple to use. These resources are especially useful as they chart your daily, weekly and monthly spending and can help identify any problematic areas that need addressing.
For example, you may suddenly find that you are spending a huge amount of cash on eating lunch out at work. Tracking the cost of this on a weekly, monthly and annual basis really highlights just how much you could save. By changing to packed lunches from home you can cut out this costly expenditure.
Using cash as opposed to debit
Another great way to fix your stressful finances is to start using cash more than using your debit or credit card. By doing this you will have a better grip on exactly how much money you are spending. Taking out a small amount of cash for the week can help you avoid overspending. Set a daily or weekly budget and withdraw this amount of cash only.
Cash loans
Sometimes there is no simple answer to your financial difficulties and borrowing money is the only option. While this should be an absolute last resort, you can investigate your options regarding a cash loan and discover how they can tide you over in an emergency.
Many are readily available and have become a genuine option for many people who find they are in need of a fast injection of money. A same day loan can be effective in allowing you a little breathing room or help you be able to afford any household or business essentials immediately.
Of course it is still important that you borrow responsibly and information about a same day loan can be found here.
Great points! I completely agree with using cash instead of credit. I save $300 amonth now by not overspending with my cash!! It’s all about the budget!
Cash is good to get yourself into a spending habit, but I am always going to be a fan of responsible credit card usage. The credit card rewards are way to valuable.
I used credit cards for rewards for years and got lots of free gas cards.
I completely agree with your first two options. Learning how to manage your money and feeling the pain of spending actual cash are great suggestions. I really don’t condone cash loans (i.e. payday loans), but I guess sometimes there is no other option. Those interest rates they charge are highway robbery, though.
I agree that cash is better for those that have little control. However, credit can be used to make one a lot of money, too. Knowing yourself is what it’s all about.
I love Mint.com. I’d be wary of things like payday loans, or even cash advances. People really have to educate themselves on the costs of such measures; those who are in desperate financial situations may act quickly and do more harm than good to themselves.