Money for Goals

Money is a resource that is frequently need for the goals you want to reach. Here are some ways to maximize your financial resources.

Think carefully before making any purchase- make a list of questions to ask before buying to carry in your wallet and refer to it to avoid impulse buying.

Use credit wisely as a good credit record is very important. You are entitled to a free annual credit report. Don’t spend more than you take in. Don’t incur more debt than you can handle.  Do pay the balance on your credit card each month to avoid interest fees. If you have credit card debt, use tools from thebalancemoney.com to reduce and eliminate debt. Games from fdic.com help to understand debt.

Have a bill paying system to ensure that bills are paid on time.

Print Uncle Bill’s Bill Manager (pdf)

Make and follow a budget. Use a printable budget worksheet.

Set up files and make an important papers roadmap. Two helpful resources:

• File It, Find It Home Filing System (pdf)
• KState Organizing Household Records (pdf)

Choose a Financial Goal and use a chart to track your progress on saving money. Review net worth for a big picture view of finances.

Learn more about managing money at www.mymoney.gov, find financial tools at Mind Your Finances, and explore resources at USAA Educational Foundation. Online financial literacy course from Khan Academy.

Books and TED talks

• One Year to an Organized Financial Life by Regina Leeds
• Your Legacy on Main Street by Alina Trigub, TED talk How to teach your kids financial literacy
• Messages From Money by Ellen Rogin, TED talk The surprising way to teach your kids to be smart with money

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.