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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.

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.

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.

It’s incredible to think that in just a short time credit cards have gone from a luxury that few could acquire, a true testament to someone’s earning power and prestige, to an item that virtually everyone has, and that many in fact have multiple forms of. Have credit cards truly become a necessity that can’t be lived without, or are the credit card companies simply racking in the bucks off our greed and vanity? Regardless of your take on the subject, there’s no doubt that credit cards do provide a level of comfort and freedom that may be lacking without them. Let’s look at some of the benefits of credit cards.

Convenience - Credit cards are now accepted virtually everywhere, and avoid the hassles and potential risks involved with carrying even moderate amounts of cash around. They’re also a near necessity for shopping online where many great bargains and deals can be had. This little strip of plastic is convenience personified.

Emergency Help - We all come upon those situations at one point or another where we need something in a hurry but may not have the cash on hand for it. Be it a plane ticket or groceries, credit cards ensure that when these emergencies pop up, you’ll have a fall back option. Assuming of course your limit isn’t already met.

Options - Credit cards allow us to indulge in conveniences we may not otherwise be able to take advantage of. Say a brand new T.V has just gone on sale for a week only, or a cruise in the Caribbean has just seen a temporary dramatic price drop. You can take advantage of these situations which you may not be able to do with cash if you’re running low, and which may more than make up for any fees incurred through using the card.

Discounts - Many establishments, including shops, gas stations, airlines and hotels have deals in place with credit card companies whereby you’re rewarded with points or discounts by paying for your purchase with the card. Sometimes you’ll be rewarded both discounts and points, making credit cards a great choice when at these institutions.

Membership Rewards - As mentioned above, most cards offer rewards based upon money spent at particular locations, or money spent in general. These points can often be redeemed for gifts such as airline tickets, music related items, watches, etc.

Free Insurance - Credit cards were initially largely connected with the travel industry, and this early partnership shows deep roots to this day, with some credit card companies providing free travel insurance with their cards. When combined with the discounts achieved through airfare, hotels and car rentals, this can make vacations much more appealing and comforting with card in hand.

Weighing these conveniences against the yearly APR rates and fees associated with credit cards and risks involved in over indulging in their use and putting yourself in a bad financial situation are things that need to be judged by each individual person. If the rewards outweigh the risks, then credit cards will surely provide you with an extra level of comfort and security on your journey through life.

With more and more Americans finding themselves further and further in debt to credit card companies, it may be more important than ever that consumers educate themselves about the terms and conditions of their credit card contracts. And the most important of those is the APR or Annual Percentage Rate.

The APR determines how much interest the cardholder must pay on any principal balance not paid by the end of the month. A lower APR, of course, is better than a higher APR because it means less interest. The APR can vary from card to card, and it can vary from cardholder to cardholder. Typically, cardholders with poor credit histories will be charged a higher APR because they represent a greater risk of nonpayment. Customers with excellent credit, on the other hand, are typically offered better percentage rates.

Like with any other expenditure or investment, shopping around for the best deals is always a good idea. Credit card companies are always offering better deals, sometimes with lower APRs, sometimes with rewards, sometimes with more lenient charges on balance transfers. It’s important that the consumer know what exactly he or she is getting for the money.

To further complicate matters, credit card companies often charge different APRs for different types of transactions. While one rate, usually the one advertised, applies to purchases and balances held, another rate may apply to cash advances. Still another rate may apply to balance transfers from another credit card or financial instrument. If the consumer doesn’t realize it, he or she may end up paying much more interest than the advertised APR seemed to call for, making that seeming good deal no deal at all.

Card companies do compete for business, though, and they do that by trying to offer better interest rates than their competitors. Consumers owe it to themselves to shop around for the best APR they can find. Consumers also owe it to themselves to negotiate the best deal possibly with their current lender. This can be done by keeping a close eye on your payment track record and presenting it to the company with a request for a lower APR. If a card company knows that you are eligible for better rates elsewhere, they’ll offer you a better rate to keep your business.

The APR isn’t the only thing important in the Terms and Conditions of a credit card contract, however. Penalties for closing the account should be taken into consideration. With cards that offer rewards, those should be taken into account as well, though often keeping the rewards is not enough incentive to keep the account open when the APR is too high especially when so many 0 APR credit options exist.

Perhaps the best advice to consumers would be to be thoroughly familiar with the entire Terms and Conditions of any credit card agreement. Ignorance of the APR and what it means, and what using the card will cost you, is no excuse and can lead to real trouble for the cardholder who can’t pay his or her bill.

Articles and books on personal finance will provide as many tips as possible in an effort to make at least a couple of them stick. This approach may convince readers to save for emergencies and pay out less than they bring in, but in some cases you can say to much without explaining anything.

In this article we’ll focus on just one technique to improve your finances - paying in cash. Here’s how making cash-only purchases can help you to budget, save and invest.

A Plastic Paradise

With rapid increases in the use of plastic over hard currency, some people consider carrying cash old fashioned. To be fair, plastic is much sexier than a bit of coloured paper with a deceased president gazing into the great beyond. Some banks even allow you to customize the colour and graphics on your credit and debit cards.

Debit and credit cards also offer the advantage of security. With them, you need a signature and/or a PIN number to access your funds. Cash is only protected by your ability to defend it should someone want to take it from you.

Except for the odd country store, plastic is accepted in as many places as cash is. Yet cash is almost always the better choice for making a purchase. Here’s why:

Overpaying

One of the drawbacks of credit and debit cards is that they encourage you to spend more than you intend to by giving you easy access to more capital. With cash, spending more than you intend requires going to a bank or ATM, then returning to the store to complete your purchase. This provides time to reconsider whether your budget can handle the extra strain.

Carrying only the cash you are prepared to spend on a given product can prevent you from ‘buying up’ and paying for features you don’t need. This works for minor items, but buying a boat or pickup truck requires more cash than you may be comfortable carrying on you. If a cheque can’t be used, a debit card is better than a credit card because you can only spend money you already have.

Over-Shopping

Cards won’t just lead you to pay too much for single purchases, they also encourage you to buy more items than you mean to. Stores build displays to make their wares appealing so that you will purchase more. In some cases a checklist is insufficient in preventing impulse buys.

People tend to spend more with credit cards than with cash. One study found that people spend up to 18% more when using credit cards, and McDonald’s notes that average purchases rose from $4.50 to $7 when customers used plastic over cash.

Only carrying enough cash to buy the things on your list is the best way to shop within your budget. If you take the time, you can find sales or inexpensive alternatives to your regular brands to make your cash go further.

Cash Vs. Credit

For the purpose of this article, cash means money you have already earned. Using your Visa for a cash advance does not solve the problem of using high-interest debt to cover your expenses.

Cash has one clear advantage over credit cards: if you carry a balance on your card, or only make the minimum monthly payment, you will incur interest at a rate of 15% or more on your purchase. This means paying $15 or more for every $100 you spend. If you save enough cash for the same purchase, you give yourself the equivalent of a 15% discount by not using your card.

Cash Vs. Debit

If we just portrayed cash as a better alternative to credit cards, few would argue against us. In contrast, debit cards enjoy a protected status, despite ATM fees.

A debit card can also trivialize purchases. Being a square of plastic, it is difficult to tell how much money is spent through your debit card. It becomes a matter of $2 here, $6 there and so on until you give up tracking how much you spend. It’s a shock when the monthly statement comes. With cash, you can monitor your funds as you spend.

Conclusion

Using a credit or debit card offers more security than cash in most cases. For large purchases, cash is often not an option and writing a check or getting a bank draft may be more trouble than it is worth. In addition, a properly used debit card can be a great alternative to cash instead of resulting in credit card issues.

A credit card can also be a convenient tool, but it’s only a fair substitute for cash when your balance is paid in full at the end of each month. Otherwise, your reward for convenience is debt.

If you tend to overspend, shopping with cash is one way to adhere to your budget and limit impulse buying.