Money Moves To Make Now

Money in a box - Credit: iStockPhoto.com

Most financial advisers provide long-term plans and ideas for financial success. While having a long-term view is crucial to your financial success, it can also be frustrating. After all, if you’ve taken the time to be proactive with your money moves now, then you deserve to see results right away. Before you run out to make the hurry-up-and-wait move with your financial adviser, here are seven simple money moves to make now.

Cancel ongoing memberships

Ongoing memberships are extremely convenient because they usually automatically bill your credit card each month, relieving you of the responsibility. Often these ongoing memberships are for services you need, such as roadside assistance or cellular phone service. While these are luxuries, they are also a matter of safety.

On the other hand, there are ongoing services that you might be able to do without. These include such things as gym memberships, movie rental services and magazine subscriptions. There are other viable options, such as working out at home or outside and visiting the library for movies, books and magazines. While these options may be less appealing, they are money moves to make now if you’re looking to cut costs and see an immediate change in your savings account.

Cut up department store credit cards

Building your credit score is a long-term financial objective, but there are money moves to make now that will immediately help your credit rating. While canceling old credit cards is usually a bad idea, there are some exceptions. Old credit cards provide credit history, which is good for your credit report, so keep all of your major credit cards. What you should do, however, is cancel and cut up your credit cards that are issued from a particular store, such as those from a home improvement or department store. These cards have high interest rates and fees and they can only be used at one location.

Lower your credit card interest rate

Paying off a large credit card debt takes months, if not years. While setting up a payment schedule is a good idea, you won’t see results for a long time. There are, however, money moves to make now that will yield results in a matter of minutes if you carry a balance on your credit card.

First, check your credit report and score to see how you are doing. If you have been making payments on time, your credit score has probably improved and you should call your credit card company to see if they will lower your interest rate. Believe it or not, they might be able to work something out because they want your business.

Automate your monthly savings

Nobody likes taking a portion of their paycheck each week and putting it into savings. In fact, many people don’t save because there isn’t enough left at the end of the month. And once other bills come up, it can be very hard to keep a balance in your savings while you pay the bills at the same time.

There is, however, something you can do today that will smooth over the process. It’s called
paying yourself first. Most banks will let you set up an automatic transfer from your checking account into your savings account. This way you won’t even have to think about saving because it will be just another one of your monthly “bills.” The money won’t be missed and you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your savings will bulk up. All money moves should be so easy.

Automate your bill payments

With the stress and obligations of daily life, it can be challenging to tackle your monthly bills -- even if paying your bills on time is vital for your financial health. Paying on time ensures your credit score will remain in stellar standing. Not paying on time could make your credit score drop and put you at risk for higher interest rates on loans.

Since the internet found its way into most of our homes, money making moves to make now have never been so easy, and automating the bill-paying process with online banking will save you time and money. The bills will be paid directly from your checking account, which will save you a stamp and ensure that at least the minimum payment is made to avoid fees.

Consolidate debts

Consolidating debt is the first step to building a stable financial future. In order to invest, you need to pay off short-term debt. This includes credit card debt and other short-term loans, as apposed to car loans or the mortgage on your home.

Consolidating debt means organizing it or combining it into one sum. Various companies will consolidate your debt into one monthly payment for a fee, and you can often negotiate for a competitive interest rate based on your credit score.

The most important thing is to pay off your debt in the shortest amount of time possible. In order to do this you might have to double up on payments and cut out several luxuries in your budget. It might be tough, but once your debt is gone, your financial footing will be that much more stable.

Set up a financial plan

Lastly, if you don’t have one already, now is the time to set up a financial plan. Consult the experience of a financial advisor who understands your specific needs and goals to set up your financial plan, which will include short-term and long-term objectives. Even if setting up a financial plan requires a consult with a financial advisor, it still qualifies as one of the money moves to make now.

nurture the money tree

As it turns out, there are many money moves you can make now that will change your situation. And if you have been waiting for long-term success, it is time to change your frame of mind and start today. Several years down the road, it might be surprising how far you have come and you will be glad you made changes when you did.
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