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13 Proven Personal Finance Hacks To Take Control Of Your Money

ByCorey Turner

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If you're feeling lost in the financial jungle, don't worry – I've been there too. But trust me, with a bit of budgeting magic and some savvy money moves, you can tame the financial beast and take control of your cash. 

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into these proven personal finance hacks that helped me turn my financial frown upside down.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

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Let's kick things off by facing the financial music. Take a deep breath and dive into your income and expenses. Look, I get it; it's not the most exciting task, but it's like putting on your financial superhero cape. Understanding where your money goes is the first step to reigning in those unruly expenses.

 

When I did this, I was shocked to see how much I was spending on takeout and subscription services. After a few months of cooking at home and removing multiple streaming services, I started seeing extra cash in my pocket.

 

Setting Clear Financial Goals

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Now that you know where you stand, it's time to set sail towards your financial dreams. Short-term, long-term – we've got 'em all. Make sure your goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

My main goal was to pay off debt and save up enough to pay my bills for six months. This would help mitigate the risk of a fluctuating economy. Having that clear target kept me focused and motivated.

 

Creating and Following a Realistic Budget

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Budgets are not about restriction; they're about empowerment. Break down your spending into categories – groceries, bills, entertainment – and allocate funds accordingly. There are loads of apps to make this easy; find one that suits your style.

 

I moved my funds to a bank that has a proprietary budget app. This was directly linked to my account and helped me gain insight into my spending habits. Suddenly, I wasn't blindly swiping my card. It felt like I got a raise just by being mindful.

 

Emergency Fund Essentials

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Life is unpredictable, and your car doesn't care if you've had a bad day. That's where the emergency fund comes in. Start small, but make it a priority. Having that financial safety net can turn a disaster into a mere inconvenience.

 

I mentioned earlier my goal of having six months' worth of bills saved up. This took a while to achieve, but part of that is with each month, I increased my emergency fund allocation. The first month, what started as just twenty dollars grew to a few hundred, especially once my truck was paid off. Thanks to my emergency fund, I don’t have to stress about towing and repairs.

 

Prioritizing High-Interest Debts

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Debt can feel like a dark cloud, but you can break it down. Attack those high-interest debts first – it's like slaying dragons on your way to financial freedom.

 

Be strategic about reducing your debt. There should be no emotion involved in this decision. If you have high-interest credit card debt, focus on that first. For me, I had a truck loan, student loans, and a mortgage. Since the truck loan had the highest interest rate, I focused on it first. A bonus was that it was also for the least amount. Once that was paid off, it felt like a weight had lifted.

 

Understanding and Improving Credit Score

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Your credit score is like your financial report card. Check it regularly, dispute errors, and work on boosting it. A better credit score opens doors to lower interest rates and better financial opportunities.

 

We could spend a lot of time on credit scores. Luckily, credit agencies make it easy these days to check in and even receive alerts when your credit score reaches certain levels. Really, at this point, no one has an excuse to not know their credit score.

 

Investing for the Future

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Investing can seem daunting, but it's not just for Wall Street suits. Start small, diversify, and let your money work for you. It's like planting seeds that grow into money trees.

 

The moment I settled the last payment on my truck, I redirected a portion of those funds into the world of investing. I began with a humble investment in a straightforward index fund. The sheer joy of witnessing your hard-earned money generate more wealth and shower you with dividends is indescribable. It was akin to cultivating a financial garden, and over time, I marveled as it blossomed into something truly remarkable.

 

Maximizing Employee Benefits

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Don't sleep on those workplace perks. Employer-sponsored retirement plans, health savings accounts (HSAs), and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are hidden treasures. Maximize these benefits to supercharge your savings

 

I ignored my employer's retirement plan for years. When I finally enrolled, I couldn't believe the free money I'd been missing out on. Don’t repeat this mistake, especially if your workplace offers any type of matching.

 

Negotiating Bills and Subscriptions

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Your bills aren't set in stone. Negotiate with service providers, shop around for better deals, and question those subscription costs. Your wallet will thank you.

 

I called my cable company and got a lower rate just by asking. It's like a secret code; they want to keep you happy.

 

Practicing Mindful Spending

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It's easy to confuse needs with wants, especially when that online shopping cart beckons. Implement the 24-hour rule – wait a day before making non-essential purchases. You'll be amazed at how many things you can live without.

 

Staying Informed About Personal Finance

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Financial literacy is a superpower. Stay updated on personal finance trends, read books, and attend workshops. Knowledge is your greatest weapon in the battle for financial freedom.

 

Devoting just a few brief moments to peruse these slides can make a substantial difference. Whether serving as a friendly reminder or introducing you to novel concepts, every nugget of information contributes, and the impact accumulates rapidly. I used to think investing was complicated. A couple of books later, I felt like I had a PhD in money.

 

Networking and Community Support

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You're not alone in learning about how to manage your finances. Join financial forums, talk to friends, and build a support system. Sharing experiences and advice can be a game-changer.

 

My friend recommended a financial planner who helped me uncover blind spots in my plan. Having someone in your corner is priceless.

 

Regularly Reviewing and Adjusting Financial Plan

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Life changes, and so should your financial plan. Regularly review your goals, expenses, and income. Adjustments keep you on the right path and prevent financial stagnation.

 

It's Your Turn to Thrive!

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There you have it – 13 battle-tested personal finance hacks to level up your money game. Remember, financial mastery is a journey, not a destination. Take one step at a time, stay persistent, and watch your financial landscape transform. You've got this!

 

Revamp Your Routines

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The little actions we take each day by habit create a major effect in our lives. It's worth checking in on your routines occasionally to see if they could use a tune-up.