Budgeting

If you’re like most of today’s college graduates, you may find yourself ill prepared for the real world of financial responsibility. You never saw how your parents lived when they were first married and struggling. Consequently, you may be basing your after-school expectations on an upper-middle-class lifestyle. Here is my financial advice for those of you learning to live on your own.

You owe it to yourself and your family to make certain you keep your financial New Year’s resolutions this year.

Last week we listed the ways university student are enticed into using credit cards. This week we will examine the economical impact of those initially small and convenient monthly payments.

Although 60% of college student’s pay off their balance each month, that leaves 40% who do not.

Learning how billionaires amass their wealth may expand your financial horizons and possibly stimulate some ideas that could lead to your name being added in the future.

Most people want to honor their debt. But many families have allowed their debt to spiral out of control, and they feel helpless, ashamed, and at a loss to know what to do. While bankruptcy isn’t anyone’s first choice, sometimes it is an important choice to consider.

It is possible to avoid driving a wreck without wrecking your finances.

This year, the busiest day will likely be two weeks later on Monday, December 11th.

Do whatever it takes. Ask your mother-in-law to hold your credit cards while you are getting out of debt.

Spending less money isn’t an end it itself. Directing your spending to what you truly value is what is important.

Keeping control of your finances means that you can have more fun with your money.

“Do I really want to spend my money in this way?”

The truly rich person is anyone whose income is greater than his or her expenses and whose expenses are sufficient to their desires.

Running a small business requires financial balance. Here are ten rules.

When you make a frivolous purchase, tell your spouse that you made it. If you can’t tell your spouse about the purchase, it isn’t worth the trouble. Above all, learn to work together in marriage. Being wealthy requires a husband and wife to both be frugal.

The real lifestyles of the rich in Charlottesville would get very low television ratings.

One of my favorite Christmas movies is the version of “A Christmas Carol” starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. I confess that I understand Scrooge’s character.

Admit your past debt mistakes readily. Like a former alcoholic you must be constantly vigilant against slipping up again.

You bought more things than you can pay for. That is an error in judgment. Given the evil in the world, your small financial troubles aren’t that bad.

Only after you have steeled your resolve not to borrow any more money are you ready to deal with paying off your current debt.

By definition, to get rid of consumer debt, simply stop borrowing money.

We are losing many potential asset management clients because of credit card debt! The difference between those in debt and millionaires is as small as slight changes in financial lifestyle.

Great financial wealth can be built by living a beer and chips lifestyle on a champagne and caviar budget!