When you’re in the market for a new car, it can be tempting to buy a vehicle that’s brand new.
Those cars are shiny and perfect with that new car smell everyone wants. You may think that driving one around town will show everyone how successful you are.
But before you drive that car off the lot, be sure you’ve given the purchase a lot of thought. There’s a lot of reasons on why buying a new car isn’t as glamorous as it sounds.
It’s a good feeling to know that you and your partner are there for each other through thick and thin.
Whether you are married or simply in a long-term, committed relationship, it’s always nice to know that the other person will always be there for you.
When you get to this point in the relationship, there are some transitions that are commonly made. You may get engaged or married, move in together and you may even join finances. While it might not sound like the most romantic step, the joining of finance is a very important milestone for many people in their relationship.
As with other big steps in your partnership, it’s not one to enter into lightly. There are many ways to join finances, and you need to be sure you’re choosing the method that works best for both you and your partner.
Many consumers all over the country are actively trying to reduce their debt.
It’s not easy, and sometimes people have to make big changes to their lifestyle to turn their debt-free dream into a reality.
A major source of debt for Americans is that small piece of plastic that you probably have in your purse or wallet.
Credit card debt can accumulate quickly, and often through fun activities, like trying new restaurants and going shopping. However, it is one of the most prevalent sources of debt in America. The average household has $15,762 in credit card debt alone, NerdWallet explained.
While other types of debt, such as mortgages, auto loans and student loans, typically have larger balances, paying them down might feel different to the borrower. This is because, when money gets tight, it’s easy to pull out the credit card for things like groceries or gas.
This solves a short-term problem, but it makes the long-term issue worse.
Sometimes paying bills can be difficult.
Beyond remembering when each bill is due, you have to be financially prepared for them.
Carefully planning your bill payments is important, but it can also be challenging and confusing at times.
For this reason, many people have a schedule that helps them prepare for each bill that comes their way. According to Gretchen Lindow, author of the Retired by 40 blog, creating her first bill schedule changed her financial life.
While she had previously been behind on payments, she and her husband are now slowly making their way to being up to a month ahead of schedule.
Whether you call it a rainy day fund or a financial security blanket , it’s important to make sure your emergency savings account is in good shape.
This account is a buffer for your regular financial responsibilities in the event that an unexpected and unfortunate event should occur.
If you’ve ever experienced a job loss, a sudden emergency room visit that wasn’t completely covered by insurance or had your car break down, you may know what it’s like to worry about how you’re going to pay for a surprise expense.
This is why an emergency account is there.
You will already have the money tucked away, and you won’t need to worry about adding to your credit card debt or wonder if you’ll still be able to pay your rent after all is said and done.
