Why the best financial planning advice is simple

Filed Under (Budgeting) by William Blake on 18-10-2008

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by William Blake

Some people find themselves in so much debt they can see past it in order to plan for their financial future. They are very preoccupied with retirement because they are having a hard time keeping their head above water day in and day out. However, financial planning can help a person feel more secure about the future. It is not about getting rich. It’s about deciding what you want your future to be and then setting a plan in motion to help you get the things you wan. Such a plan will help you gain containing in life and accomplish all that you are hoping to.

The best financial planning advice should start by evaluating your current financial situation. Then it should chart a course for achieving your career, family, and personal goals. By following a series of simple steps, you can take charge of your financial planning today.

* Determine where you stand financially right now

* Establish goals.

* Establish a plan to reach your goals

* Simplify your record-keeping system.

* Make a record of all money earned and spent

* Develop a plan for how to pay off credit card bills.

* Measure your progress.

What are your goals? Financial planning advice can’t exist in a vacuum - you can’t separate your financial goals from other areas of your life as if they weren’t connected. Successful financial planning transforms your relationship with money so you can live a purpose-filled life.

Start saving and save every month. Make no excuses for not saving. You can ask your bank to automatically transfer a monthly amount from your checking account into a savings account. $100 a month if that’s all you think you can spare, but get serious about saving today. $100 divided by 30 is $3.33 a day. That’s all it takes to get started. Start in your early twenties and even if you stop saving after one decade, your nest egg will be worth a quarter of a million when you retire at 65.

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Budget and Dave for a Brighter Future

Filed Under (Budgeting) by Gary Antosh on 15-10-2008

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by Michael Benifez

The level of personal savings has dropped to a concerning degree, even though it is understood that it is vital to save to be able to guarantee future comfort and security. You should teach yourself how to stay on track with your monthly expenses using a budget that will also allow you to build up surplus cash as a savings buffer.

Before you begin!

* Talk to members of your family in order to ascertain cost saving strategies and ways that you can work together to achieve this.

* Work out the amount you were able to save the previous year. How much of your income did you set aside for the future?

* Plan to use any windfalls you may obtain this year (eg a bonus or tax refund) to reduce debt and chase financial goals.

Put savings first with a budget

Where does the money disappear to? Many people in America are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their spending. Personal savings rates have fallen in recent years and continue to stay low by historical standards as many people continue to spend more than they can afford.

Now might be considered an ideal time to formulate a budget, particularly if you are one of those Americans who just cannot save. A good budget will help you to track where all of your money goes and will hopefully allow you to put some aside for the really important goals such as college or retirement.

Getting started.

Setting up a good budget means some effort, but any benefits you reap will more than offset the time and effort invested. The design or structure of the budget is up to you. Perhaps you will decide on using financial planning software (eg Microsoft Money or Quicken) or you may prefer the old trusty “pen and paper” style.

The primary aspect of any budget is income, that is, how much money you receive each month. In this you may consider your salary or wage, legal settlements, fees, and dividends from investments. When you have worked out your monthly income your budget will help you to ensure that you are not spending more than what is coming in. This in turn will assist you in ridding yourself of debt and increasing your savings.

After this is worked out, you will need to investigate how your money is spent. You can begin this process by keeping a record of your spending for a month, collecting bills and receipts. Don’t neglect all the “little” expenses such as visits to the corner store for drinks and newspapers.

Compile a list of all your expenses, placing them into categories. Suggested categories are “fixed committed expenses” (payments on things such as the mortgage, other loans and insurance that do not change from month to month); “other committed expenses” (necessities such as food, clothing and utilities) and “discretionary expenses” (things you would like but aren’t essential).

Less spending = more savings

When you are familiar with your spending patterns you will be able to analyze the expenses. The “fixed” expenses are most probably likely to remain the same unless you plan to move or sell the car. If these are greater than your monthly income, though, you won’t be able to save as you have too high a debt burden.

You may be able to reduce your spending in the “other committed expenses” category, but it would be best to think of ways to reduce spending in the “discretionary” category first as this is generally easier to achieve. Reduce the number of meals that you eat out or visit less expensive restaurants and cancel magazine subscriptions that you no longer read. Create your own entertainment: it is possible to rent two DVDs for the same amount as one adult movie ticket. If you purchase some microwave popcorn, you will have a cheap night’s entertainment at home.

Digging deeper

When you have decreased the amount you are spending on “discretionary” items, take another look at the “other committed” items. Is it possible to create more economical meals? Can you buy in bulk and store it? Use public transport?

You should take a very close look at credit card debt. If this is high, you must investigate ways to reduce it. You may be able to negotiate a reduction in interest rates with the company or search for one with a lower rate. Take care that you do not fall into the trap of low introductory rates that soar sky high after six months.

Another consideration is a home equity loan or a consolidation loan. The former may offer a tax incentive. Check that you will be able to meet the payments - if you miss a payment on a home equity loan, the bank is able to foreclose within 90 days.

If after all this effort you find that you are unable to save because of the debt load you are carrying or if the monthly payments and necessary bills are becoming increasingly more difficult to meet, you probably need some help. A nonprofit group known as National Federation for Credit Counseling (call 1-800-388-2227, or visit nfcc.org) can assist you in establishing a budget and negotiating payment schedules with lenders for a small fee. When you are able to pay off the credit cards, that money can be transformed into savings.

The goal: more savings

When you have worked out the areas in which you can economize, you will be able to create an “expected” column in your budget. Any savings and commitments to your children’s educational expenses should be in the “fixed committed expenses” column. The reason for this is that it will encourage you to pay yourself first, which is a great way to learn how to save. By resisting the temptation to spend this, you are building towards your goals. Some banks or credit unions have payroll savings plans or a Chase reward card that offers credit card rewards and other things that can help you to save more. It is also advisable to investigate any employer-sponsored retirement plans at your workplace. These can offer tax benefits as well as saving for the future.

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Six Suggestions For Teaching Children Financial Responsibility

Filed Under (Budgeting) by Zacharias Allred on 06-10-2008

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by Zacharias Allred

Teaching children financial responsibility is one is of the most important things you can do as a parent. Money affects most every aspect of our lives and financial irresponsibility is the cause for most divorces and credit problems in general. Here are 6 techniques to help you.

1. Be an example. When my son was just 5 years old he started making comments to me about credit card use. Naturally he had overheard his mother and I talking about some of our credit card debt and how we needed to be careful. I did not realize he even knew what we were talking about but after that when ever I would use me credit card to get gas he would comment about it.

2. Take time when your children are young. Many times you are in a hurry when you are out and about so you do not take time to answer your children’s questions. I know it can be frazzling but think a few years down the road. You will want to explain things about money to them but they may not be asking because they already know all the answers. Take the little extra time when they are small.

3. Have a budget. Our spending overtime usually evolves into a budget system since most of us have to be careful with our money. Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids that each month you have a set amount of income that comes in and therefore, you have to be careful how you spend it. This may also help your cause when you are at the store and your child is asking you to buy them everything they see.

4. Immediate gratification? The next time your child asks for something they want talk to them about earning the money. If it is really big like a bicycle you can tell them that you will match the money they earn. Help them by finding jobs around the house and yard but do not make it too easy for them.

5. Take your kids shopping. You are probably already doing this so give them something to do. Show them your shopping list and as you go down the isles have them help you find the best price on certain items. You will be amazed at how good they can be at this and your children and you will find more joy in shopping.

6. Stock market. Whether you know it or not you are investing in the stock market. If you have a savings or checking account then right now part of your funds are invested everyday. Get some books from the library or use the internet to start educating your children about the world markets. So many things are in the news and your children will become very money savvy.

Children can learn to be financially responsible when you as a parent start early and teach them by example. Let them be part of the solution when you are shopping and trying to make good decisions. When they want something show them how they can earn the money with your help. Do not forget the world markets as a tool for teaching your children. Discuss financial concepts. Like me you can learn a lot as well.

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The Significance Of Recovery Audit Software

Filed Under (Accounting) by Steven Jones on 06-10-2008

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by Bob Morris

It is an economic truth that companies that do well grow in complexity over time, which also enhances the the probability of problems. It is also a new corporate truth that companies are finding it increasingly necessary to identify extra ways to enhance profits during these financially hard times. For both these reasons, a frequent recovery audit using recovery audit software has become an increasingly crucial part of regular business practice. The overall result of a recovery audit is an instant improvement in profit margins as it identifies lost monies and works to obtain their retrieval and this works towards keeping the ‘bottom-line’ healthy.

Although the chief role of a recovery audit is to regain lost profits through duplicate payments, a helpful consequence is its position in perfecting business practices and as a consequence assisting to lower outgoings. In the analysis of businesses accounts processes, a recovery audit will also analyze why duplicate payments was made and how it was allowed to be made. This is the beginning step in increasing efficiencies in the finance chain. Strengthened efficiency leads to lowered costs and enhanced profit margins for companies.

There are a range of factors that recovery audit software and a recovery audit can uncover that contribute to duplicate payments. For many corporations, it’s simply a product of large transaction volumes and having multiple clients. The issues of scale mean that even a 0.1% error rate can result in thousands and even millions in lost profits for a corporation. Other issues can also be caused by recent, specific events that have occurred for the business such as quick growth or business mergers, which can result in, for example, many systems that don’t integrate correctly and which can lead to errors. In this case, the error is a discrete one and has the notable advantage of only needing a simple fix in order to fix.

A recovery audit team using specialized recovery audit software can also discover deeper, on-going issues that can lead to continued duplicate payments. These are normally issues concerning a company’s business methods such as inadequate controls, unreliable communication, a lack of standardized procedures and insufficient staff training. All of these are causal factors to a growth in duplicate payments and will demand a workplace to work on its workplace culture and potentially a permanent adjustment in normal business methods and procedures in order to address it.

A recovery audit is frequently started through the installation of a piece of recovery audit software. This can be the most economical and easiest way to discover duplicate payments, especially for small-to-medium workplaces. A range of recovery audit software is available on the market, with variances in price and size in order to cater for every workplace.

For those corporations with unique pricing mechanisms, a considerable amount of clients or are just needing a more in-depth and thorough audit in the hands of experts, a skilled recovery audit team will demonstrate the best value for money. These teams, together with their software, will methodically analyze where duplicate payments are happening and can go one step further by recommending answers to any identified problems.

When selecting your recovery audit software, it’s crucial to think about an assortment of variables. The first factor is whether the audit software is compatible with your accounts software. This is a necessary consideration in order to sidestep unanticipated computer problems that can sometimes cause problems. Additional issues to think about is whether the price of the software demonstrates good value for a company of your size, how the software aims to attain its objective and what its limitations are. If you choose to go with a recovery audit company, you will discover that they regularly use specialized software that has been developed by the audit business itself. Therefore, the team should be fully familiar with the progamme and can implement it smoothly into a business system while an audit is being conducted. A recovery audit team will also employ data technicians and analysts who can see what the software can not and, most crucially, advise a business on solutions to solve any problems that were contributing to additional duplicate payments.

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Find Problems Right Away With Recovery Audit

Filed Under (Accounting) by Bob Morris on 27-09-2008

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by Stephen James

It is a fiscal truth that companies that do well develop in complexity over the years, which also enhances the margin for error. It is also a modern corporate truth that companies are finding it increasingly critical to discover new ways to grow revenue during these financially challenging times. For both these reasons, a recurring recovery audit employing recovery audit software has become an ever more necessary part of average business methods. The ultimate result of a recovery audit is an instant improvement in cash flow as it identifies lost profits and works to obtain their recovery and this works towards keeping the ‘bottom-line’ healthy.

Although the primary role of a recovery audit is to recapture missing monies through duplicate payments, an important by-product is its function in perfecting business methods and as a consequence helping to lower costs. In the audit of businesses financial processes, recovery audit software will also identify why duplicate payments was made and how it was allowed to be made. This is the beginning part in enhancing efficiencies in the cash flow chain. Strengthened efficiency leads to reduced costs and better profit margins for companies.

There are a variety of factors that recovery audit software and a recovery audit can identify that contribute to duplicate payments. For most companies, it’s simply a product of huge transaction numbers and having a multitude of clients. The issues of scale mean that even a 0.1% error rate can result in thousands and even millions in lost profits for a corporation. Other issues can also be a result of recent, specific events that have occurred for the business such as quick growth or business mergers, which can lead to, for example, many systems that don’t integrate correctly and which can lead to errors. In this case, the issue is a simple one and has the distinct advantage of only needing a one-off fix in order to fix.

A recovery audit team using professional recovery audit software can also discover deeper, on-going issues that can lead to continued duplicate payments. These are regularly issues relating to company’s business processes such as inappropriate controls, unreliable communication, a lack of standardized procedures and inappropriate staff training. All of these are contributing factors to a rise in duplicate payments and will require a company to consider its workplace culture and maybe a permanent change in regular business methods and processes in order to fix it.

A recovery audit is usually started through the addition of a piece of recovery audit software. This can be the most inexpensive and easiest way to identify duplicate payments, especially for small-to-medium companies. A range of recovery audit software is available on the market, with differences in cost and complexity in order to cater for every workplace.

For those workplaces with unique pricing mechanisms, a notable number of buyers or are just needing a more comprehensive and thorough audit in the hands of specialists, a qualified recovery audit team will demonstrate the best value for money. These analysts, alongside their software, will carefully analyze where duplicate payments are happening and can go one step further by proposing solutions to any identified errors.

When picking your recovery audit software, it’s crucial to take into account an assortment of issues. The first thing is if the audit software is compatible with your accounts software. This is a critical consideration in order to avoid unanticipated computer errors that can sometimes create problems. More factors to bear in mind is if the price of the software represents good value for a business of your size, how the software aims to achieve its objective and what its drawbacks are. If you choose to go with a recovery audit company, you will find that they typically use specialized software that has been created by the audit business itself. Therefore, the audit business should be completely familiar with the software and can implement it seamlessly into a business system while an audit is being conducted. A recovery audit team will also employ data technicians and analysts who can see what the software can not and, most crucially, advise a business on solutions to address any issues that were contributing to extra duplicate payments.

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Accounting: Basic Principals and Personal Accounting

Filed Under (Accounting) by Zindy Maseko on 26-09-2008

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by Zindy Maseko

Accounting has been defined as (by Professor of Accounting at the University of Michigan William) a pattern of having one basic function: “facilitating the administration of economic activity. This function has two closely related phases: 1) measuring and arraying economic data; and 2) communicating the results of this process to interested parties.”

With GAAP, if GAAP is not the principles used for preparing financial statements, then a business needs to make clear which other form of accounting they’re used and are bound to avoid using titles in its financial statements that could mislead the person examining it.

In what’s called double-entry bookkeeping, the liabilities are summarized. And obviously a company wants to show a higher amount of assets to offset the liabilities and show a profit. The management of these two elements is the essence of accounting. There is a system for doing this; not every company or individual can devise their own systems for accounting; the result would be chaos!

Personal accounting

If you have a checking account, of course you balance it periodically to account for any differences between what’s in your statement and what you wrote down for checks and deposits. Many people do it once a month when their statement is mailed to them, but with the advent of online banking, you can do it daily if you’re the sort whose banking tends to get away from them.

Income - any money you’ve earned from working or owning assets, unless there are specific exemptions from income tax.

A business might also choose not to record asset losses that should be recognized, such as uncollectible accounts receivable, or it might not write down inventory under the lower of cost or market rule. A business might also not record the full amount of the liability for an expense, making that liability understated in the company’s balance sheet. Its profit, therefore, would be overstated.

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