tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10997446545986430952024-03-13T23:17:50.067-07:00Financial NewsFinancial Management and how to set up a Simple and Practicalventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-38496194484892314942014-01-16T08:05:00.000-08:002014-01-16T08:05:17.936-08:00How to save money<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en" tabindex="-1"><span class="" title="Cara menghemat uang - Saat ini berhemat merupakan salah satu tips mengatur keuangan rumah tangga maupun pribadi agar bisa terus surplus.">w to save money - Nowadays frugality is one of the tips set of household and personal finances in order to keep the surplus . </span><span class="" title="Kenaikan harga barang terutama harga BBM belakangan ini bisa menjadi alasan yang kuat bagi anda untuk menghemat uang, untuk membantu usaha anda meningkatkan kondisi finansial.
">Price increases in fuel prices , especially these days can be a
powerful reason for you to save money , to help your business improve
financial conditions .<br /></span><span class="" title="cara menghemat uang anda
">how to save your money<br /></span><span class="" title="Kebiasaan boros sendiri merupakan gaya hidup yang cukup sulit dihilangkan.">Wasteful habit itself is a lifestyle that is quite difficult to remove . </span><span class="" title="Namun jika anda mau berusaha akan berdampak signifikan pada kondisi finansial anda.">But if you want to try to have a significant impact on your financial condition . </span><span class="" title="Berikut tips dan trik cara menghemat uang dan mengatur anggaran belanja anda agar penggunaannya lebih bermanfaat.
">Here are tips and tricks on how to save money and set your budget in order to use more useful .<br /></span><span class="" title="Tips menghemat uang
">Tips to save money</span><span class="" title="Jangan beli barang di tempat baru
">Do not buy goods at new place</span><span class="" title="Pastikan Anda memiliki teman atau saudara di tempat Anda membeli barang.">Make sure you have a friend or relative where you buy the goods . </span><span class="" title="Dengan begitu Anda bisa mendapat potongan harga khusus yang tak diperoleh orang lain.">That way you can get special discounted rates are not obtained by others. </span><span class="" title="Dengan begitu Anda akan lebih berhemat.
">That way you will save even more.<br /></span><span class="" title="Tak usah merayakan ulang tahun orang lain
">Needless to celebrate the birthday of another person</span><span class="" title="Mengucapkan ulang tahun pada teman atau pacar, cukup lewat jejaring sosial seperti Facebook atau Twitter.">Saying birthday at a friend or a girlfriend , just through social networks like Facebook or Twitter . </span><span class="" title="Dengan begitu, Anda tak perlu keluar banyak uang, dan tetap perhatian pada teman dan pacar Anda.
">That way , you do not need to shell out a lot of money , and keep the attention of your friends and girlfriend .<br /></span><span class="" title="Jangan biarkan teman Anda main ke rumah
">Do not let your friends play home</span><span class="" title="Tempat tinggal Anda bukan hotel dimana pengunjungnya harus bayar sewa kamar dan sarapan.">Your residence not a hotel where visitors must pay rent rooms and breakfast . </span><span class="" title="Jika teman Anda datang dari luar kota, dan bermaksud tinggal di rumah Anda sementara waktu, segera tawarkan penginapan murah di tempat lain.">If
your friends come from out of town , and intend to live in your home
temporarily , immediately offer cheap lodging elsewhere . </span><span class="" title="Anda juga tak perlu repot-repot bangun pagi menyiapkan sarapan.
">You also do not need to bother to get up early to prepare breakfast .<br /></span><span class="" title="Menumpang akses internet gratis
">Ride free internet access</span><span class="" title="Pada saat tertentu, Anda akan membutuhkan akses internet.">At some point, you will need internet access . </span><span class="" title="Jangan pasang internet sendiri di rumah Anda.">Do not install your own internet at home . </span><span class="" title="Cobalah cari tempat-tempat yang menyediakan akses internet gratis seperti restoran.">Try to find places that provide free internet access as a restaurant . </span><span class="" title="Duduklah di sekitarnya dan nikmati akses internet gratisnya.
">Sit around and enjoy the free internet access .<br /></span><span class="" title="Selain itu, Anda juga bisa mendapatkan akses internet gratis dari tetangga-tetangga Anda yang tak mengunci akses `wi-fi` nya.">In addition , you can also get free internet access from your neighbors who do not lock access wi - fi ` ` his . </span><span class="" title="Tenang saja, ini bukan mencuri.">Relax, this is not stealing . </span><span class="" title="Di abad 21, hal ini sama dengan meminta secangkir gula.
">In the 21st century , it is the same as asking for a cup of sugar .<br /></span><span class="" title="Makan di rumah
">Eating at home</span><span class="" title="Jika Anda sering memesan makanan lewat telepon atau makan di luar, hentikan kebiasaan ini.">If you frequently order food over the phone or eating out , stop this practice . </span><span class="" title="Masak di rumah dan Anda bisa menentukan menu sendiri.">Cook at home and you can specify the menu itself . </span><span class="" title="Bonusnya saat Anda tak makan di luar, Anda tak perlu memberikan tips pada pelayan.">Bonus when you do not eat out, you do not need to give tips to waiters . </span><span class="" title="Ini adalah tambahan uang bagi Anda.
">It is extra money for you .<br /></span><span class="" title="Berhenti merokok
">quit smoking</span><span class="" title="Anda bisa lebih berhemat jika Anda berhenti merokok.">You can save even more if you stop smoking . </span><span class="" title="Belum lagi, waktu yang biasanya Anda habiskan untuk merokok bisa digunakan untuk menghasilkan uang.">Not to mention , the time you normally spend on smoking can be used to make money . </span><span class="" title="Jika Anda benar-benar merokok, dekati teman Anda yang sedang merokok, dan mintalah satu atau dua batang rokok darinya.
">If you actually smoke , approach your friends who were smoking , and ask one or two cigarettes from him .<br /></span><span class="" title="Jangan bawa uang tunai terlalu banyak
">Do not carry too much cash</span><span class="" title="Seringkali Anda membawa sejumlah uang lebih dari yang Anda butuhkan ke tempat belanja atau kemanapun.">Often the amount of money you bring more than you need to store or wherever . </span><span class="" title="Jika begitu, Anda akan kesulitan menahan diri saat Anda melihat produk lain yang menarik.">If so , you will find it difficult to refrain when you see another interesting product . </span><span class="" title="Bawalah uang tunai secukupnya saat Anda ke luar rumah.">Bring enough cash when you are out of the house . </span><span class="" title="Siapkan kartu ATM berjaga-jaga
">Prepare ATM card just in case<br /></span><span class="" title="Sumbangkan waktu Anda, jangan uang
">Donate your time , not money</span><span class="" title="Jangan berlagak dermawan jika Anda sendiri masih kesulitan mencari uang.">Do not be a philanthropist if you are still having trouble finding the money themselves . </span><span class="" title="Biarkan Bill Gates saja yang melakukannya.">Let Bill Gates are doing . </span><span class="" title="Anda toh masih bisa menyumbangkan waktu Anda untuk melakukan hal-hal berguna bagi orang lain.">Yet you can still donate your time to do useful things for others . </span><span class="" title="Ingat, waktu adalah uang juga.
">Remember , time is money too .<br /></span><span class="" title="Jadi orang rumahan
">So the home</span><span class="" title="Cara terbaik menghemat uang adalah dengan diam di rumah.">The best way to save money is to stay home . </span><span class="" title="Anda tak perlu cermas karena terbayang-bayang barang yang ingin Anda beli.">You do not need cermas as pictured item you want to buy . </span><span class="" title="Banyak hal menyenangkan yang bisa Anda lakukan di rumah seperti nonton TV dan sarapan murah.">A lot of fun things you can do at home such as watching TV and cheap breakfast . </span><span class="" title="Dalam enam bulan saja, Anda bisa menghemat sejumlah uang.
">In six months , you can save some money .<br /></span><span class="" title="Jika Anda pria, Sering-sering main ke rumah pacar Anda
">If you are a man , oftentimes play to your girlfriend's house</span><span class="" title="Jangan biarkan kantong Anda terkuras karena harus jalan-jalan dengan pacar Anda.">Do not let your bag should be drained because the streets with your girlfriend . </span><span class="" title="Bayangkan betapa borosnya Anda, harus membeli tiket nonton dan makan.">Imagine how extravagant you are , have to buy a movie ticket and a meal . </span><span class="" title="Main ke rumahnya akan membuat Anda lebih hemat.">Play to his home will make you more efficient . </span><span class="" title="Selain itu, Anda juga bisa dapat makan dan minum gratis di sana">In addition , you can also free to eat and drink there</span></span>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-12903047647157065602014-01-16T07:45:00.000-08:002014-01-16T07:45:35.279-08:00Ways to Manage Finance<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en" tabindex="-1"><span class="" title="Pengelolaan keuangan keluarga bukanlah hal yang mudah, bahkan hal ini acap kali menjadi sumber pertengkaran antara suami dan istri.">Family financial management is not easy , even this is often a source of contention between husband and wife . </span><span class="" title="Maklum saja, sebagaimana dikatakan Rheza Karyanto, Assistant Vice President Head of Investment, Bancassurance, and Treasury Products Commonwealth Bank Indonesia, uang adalah sesuatu yang sensitif, apalagi jika dikaitkan dengan kehidupan rumah tangga.
">Understandably , as it is said Karyanto Reza , Assistant Vice
President Head of Investment , Bancassurance , and Treasury Products
Commonwealth Bank Indonesia , money is something that is sensitive ,
especially when associated with domestic life .<br /></span><span class="" title="“Persoalan rupiah ini biasanya berawal dari perbedaan kebiasaan mengelola dilanjutkan dengan saling merasa benar dan berakhir dengan pertengkaran,” ujarnya dalam rilis yang diterima Bisnis, Rabu (16/10).">"
The issue of dollars is usually originated from the habit of managing
differences continued to feel each other properly and end up fighting , "
he said in a release received by Business , Wednesday ( 16/10 ) . </span><span class="" title="Supaya hal ini tidak terjadi, dia membahas satu per satu tipsnya membangun fondasi RUMAH.">So that this does not happen , he discussed one by one the tips to build a foundation HOUSE . </span><span class="" title="Berikut ini penjelasannya:
">Here's the explanation :<br /></span><span class="" title="R = Rekening Kebutuhan Rumah Tangga
">R = Account Household Needs<br /></span><span class="" title="Rekening bersama atau pisah?">Joint accounts or separate ? </span><span class="" title="Ini kerap dibahas pasangan baru, terutama jika masing-masing punya penghasilan sendiri.">It is often discussed new partner , especially if each one had their own income . </span><span class="" title="Apapun pilihannya, yang penting adalah adanya keterbukaan dan perencanaan bersama.">Whatever the choice , the important thing is the openness and joint planning . </span><span class="" title="Hal ini berkaitan dengan pengeluaran yang semakin tinggi, seperti untuk biaya anak sekolah, dan lain-lain.
">It is associated with higher expenditures , such as children to school , and others .<br /></span><span class="" title="Berdasarkan survei, banyak pasangan yang merasa menggabungkan rekening atau joint account merupakan solusi yang lebih mudah.">According to the survey , many couples feel combine accounts or joint accounts is an easier solution . </span><span class="" title="Jika pemasukan dijadikan satu, kita akan lebih mudah memantau pemasukan dan pengeluaran.
">If income into one , we will be easier to monitor income and expenditure .<br /></span><span class="" title="U = Utang
">U = Debt<br /></span><span class="" title="Sumber prahara rumah tangga selanjutnya adalah utang.">Sources tempest is the next household debt . </span><span class="" title="Masing-masing individu tentu memiliki pendapat yang berbeda tentang besaran utang.">Each individual would have a different opinion about the amount of debt . </span><span class="" title="Alangkah baiknya sebelum menikah diskusikan masalah ini dahulu, sebab utang pasangan akan jadi utang kita juga nantinya.
">It would be nice before marriage discuss these issues beforehand , because the debt we owe the pair will be too later .<br /></span><span class="" title="Pertimbangkan perjanjian pisah harta.">Consider the separation of property agreement . </span><span class="" title="Jangan beranggapan buruk tentang perjanjian ini yang berguna untuk melindungi aset kita dari utang pasangan.">Do not think badly of this agreement is useful to protect our assets from debt partner . </span><span class="" title="Tindakan berjaga-jaga diperlukan apalagi jika pasangan atau kita berutang pada rentenir yang menggunakan kekerasan untuk menagih.
">Precaution is necessary especially if the spouse or we owe to the loan sharks that use violence to collect .<br /></span><span class="" title="M = Monitor
">M = Monitor<br /></span><span class="" title="Menjalankan rumah tangga tak ubahnya dengan mengatur perusahaan.">Running a household is like to regulate companies . </span><span class="" title="Kita perlu memonitor, membuat standar keberhasilan dan pencapaian agar terhindar dari kecurigaan.">We need to monitor , create success and achievement standards in order to avoid suspicion . </span><span class="" title="Jangan sampai kita menuduh pasangan boros gara-gara uang bulanan kerap habis.
">Let us not accuse couple wasteful because often runs out of money monthly .<br /></span><span class="" title="Biasakan duduk bersama memutuskan alokasi uang.">Get used to sit together to decide the allocation of money . </span><span class="" title="Utamakan untuk menyiapkan kebutuhan primer seperti sewa rumah, cicilan rumah, biaya makan, listrik, telepon, air, kesehatan, sekolah, dan transportasi.">Prioritizing
to prepare primary needs such as rent , mortgage , the cost of food,
electricity , telephone , water , health , schools , and transportation .
</span><span class="" title="Lanjutkan dengan kebutuhan pribadi, pakaian, salon, rekreasi, pariwisata, dan pembelian barang mewah.">Continue with personal needs , clothing , salon , recreation , tourism , and the purchase of luxury goods . </span><span class="" title="Buatlah daftar his dan her lalu negosiasikan jumlahnya.
">Make a list of his and her then negotiated amount.<br /></span><span class="" title="A = Anggaran Dana Darurat
">A = Budget Emergency Fund<br /></span><span class="" title="Milikilah dana darurat sejumlah 3-6 bulan dan letakkan pada deposito atau tabungan yang memiliki likuiditas tinggi alias bisa diambil sewaktu-waktu.">Have
an emergency fund of 3-6 months and put a number on deposits or savings
that have high liquidity alias can be taken at any time . </span><span class="" title="Jangan diambil untuk pengeluaran pribadi karena dana inilah yang kelak akan menyelamatkan kita dari beragam bencana seperti PHK, sakit, atau lainnya sehingga keuangan rumah tangga tidak guncang.
">Do not be taken for personal expenses for this fund who would save us
from a variety of disasters such as layoff , illness , or other
financial household that does not shake .<br /></span><span class="" title="H= Harus Investasi Teratur
">H = Must Invest Regularly<br /></span><span class="" title="Jika kebutuhan primer sudah tercukupi, utang dilunasi, dan dana darurat terpenuhi, mari pikirkan investasi.">If the primary needs are fulfilled , the debt is settled , and emergency funding is met , let's think about investing . </span><span class="" title="Sisihkan dari awal menerima pendapatan dan pilihlah instrumen investasi yang tepat.">Set aside from the initial receiving income and choose the right investment instruments . </span><span class="" title="Reksa dana bisa menjadi salah satu pilihan karena bisa dimulai dari jumlah sangat terjangkau Rp.100 ribu.">Mutual funds can be an option because it can be started from the very affordable amount of Rp 100 thousand . </span><span class="" title="Biasakan memiliki satu rencana investasi untuk setiap tujuan keuangan misalnya pensiun, pendidikan anak, dan sebagainya">Get used to having an investment plan for each financial goals eg retirement , children's education , and so on</span></span>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-57220175306046099822014-01-16T07:16:00.000-08:002014-01-16T07:16:32.341-08:00Family Financial Planning Tips<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en" tabindex="-1"><span title="Seberapa-pun penghasilan koq sepertinya kurang terus ya.">How - even income seems less scar continues yes . </span><span title="Sepertinya Anda harus mulai menyusun perencanaan keuangan keluarga yang tepat agar terhindar dari masalah keuangan semacam ini
">It looks like you have to start preparing proper financial planning to avoid the financial problems of this kind</span><span title="shutterstock 90201643 Tips Perencanaan Keuangan Keluarga
">90201643 Shutterstock Family Financial Planning Tips<br /></span><span title="Tips perencanaan keuangan keluarga bagi keluarga baru
">Tips on financial planning for a new family<br /></span><span title="Kebanyakan orangtua baru mengalami kesalahan dalam perencanaan keuangan keluarga mereka sehingga perencanaan keuangan keluarga seperti tak terkendali.">Most new parents experience errors in their family financial planning financial planning so as uncontrollable . </span><span title="Setiap habis gajian, uang sudah habis sedangkan bulan masih berjalan untuk beberapa minggu lagi ke depan.">After every payday , the money has run out while the moon is still running for a few more weeks ahead . </span><span title="Kebanyakan keluarga menggantungkan kehidupan keuangan di pundak suami, sedangkan istri bertugas mengatur perencanaan keluarga dengan baik agar seberapapun penghasilan suami dapat mencukupi kebutuhan keluarga.
">Most families rely on the shoulders of the financial life of the
husband , while the wife's job to manage the family planning so that no
matter how well the husband's income to provide for the family .<br /></span><span title="Namun dengan tugas rumah tangga yang sudah menumpuk, membuat para Bunda ini seperti tidak punya waktu untuk menyisihkannya sekedar melakukan perencanaan keuangan keluarga.">But
with household tasks that have been piling up , making the Mother 's do
not have time to put it aside just doing financial planning . </span><span title="Berikut ini beberapa tips yang bisa kami uraikan untuk mempermudah Bunda mengatur perencanaan keuangan keluarga dengan mudah dan tepat.
">Here are some tips that we can describe to facilitate family financial planning Mother set easily and precisely .</span><span title="Jangan menghamburkan uang untuk keperluan yang tidak bermanfaat
">Do not spend money for purposes which are not beneficial<br /></span><span title="Wanita identik dengan ‘shopping’.">Women synonymous with ' shopping' . </span><span title="Kalau sudah asyik shopping kaum hawa ini bisa lupa waktu tanpa memikirkan berapa banyak biaya dan uang yang sudah dihamburkan.">If
it 's busy shopping womenfolk could forget the time without thinking
about how much it costs and money that has been squandered . </span><span title="Jikalau Anda butuh berbelanja, sebisa mungkin catat keperluan yang Anda butuhkan di rumah.">If you need to shop , as much as possible record purposes you need at home . </span><span title="Misalkan susu buat si kecil, bumbu dapur, diapers, sabun cuci, pasta gigi, dan sebagainya.">Let the little ones milk , spices , diapers , laundry soap , toothpaste , and so on . </span><span title="Tentunya Anda sedang tidak membutuhkan baju baru, sepatu baru, atau parfum baru khan?">Surely you 're not in need of new clothes , new shoes , or a new perfume , right? </span><span title="Pakailah dulu yang ada di rumah
">Wear the existing first home<br /></span><span title="อ่านต่อ: http://id.theasianparent.com/perencanaan-keuangan-keluarga/#ixzz2qZh5S79z"><br /></span></span>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-73407910820676138812013-11-09T06:37:00.000-08:002013-11-09T06:37:01.259-08:00 6 Tricks to Pay for Long LastingYou've heard the term seven-point salary? However on 7's "coma", Of
course, this is not because the salary the person is under the minimum
wage, but because of lifestyle than the pole peg. Basis of the coma that
you experience are actually the wrong financial management. Robert
Pagliarini, MSFS, CFP, author of The Six-Day Financial Makeover and
president of Pacifica Wealth Advisors, Inc., Offers a system to control
your finances:<br /><br />1. Create a spending report<br />The only way to
check is to check the finances, where the departure of your money. Write
down everything you spend for a week. Most people would not be
surprised to see such a large expenditure rent, gasoline or insurance.
That people are more shocked when he saw many small expenses such as
movies, coffee with my friends or buy DVDs. Once accumulated, the amount
so much too!<br /><br />2. Apply envelope management<br />Some people go
through methods that are often considered ancient. Each week, take some
money from an ATM or a bank (according to your budget, or less than
that), then for, for as needed. Spend money only from those funds during
the week. You would not think how much you can save this way.<br /><br />3. Defer expenses<br /><br />There
are several types of expenditures that can be postponed temporarily,
for example, delaying a vacation or new car trade. By delaying these
expenses, you will get extra money for more pressing needs.<br /><br />4. Cancel<br />Cancel
expenses you do not use. For example, you register a member of the gym,
but never use your membership. Anyway, just being realistic, if sport
is not a priority you, better use the money for another membership. The
same thing can you apply for the extra costs of the additional channel
pay TV that you never watch.<br /><br />5. Reduce<br />Any expenses that you
cancel the extra savings in your wallet, suppose you have a habit of
eating with the family on Sunday afternoon, You can reduce this
tradition to eat with only two weeks. Another way to eat together every
week, but by choosing a restaurant that is not so expensive.<br />ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-27201466881738984252012-03-17T18:16:00.001-07:002012-03-17T18:17:35.130-07:00Financial Management<h2 style="font-weight: normal;">Financial management <span style="font-size: small;">entails planning for the future of a person or a business enterprise to ensure a positive cash flow. It includes the administration and maintenance of financial assets. Besides, financial management covers the process of identifying and managing risks.</span></h2><h2></h2>The primary concern of financial management is the assessment rather than the techniques of financial quantification. A financial manager looks at the available data to judge the performance of enterprises. Managerial finance is an interdisciplinary approach that borrows from both managerial accounting and corporate finance.<br />
Some experts refer to financial management as the science of money management. The primary usage of this term is in the world of financing business activities. However, financial management is important at all levels of human existence because every entity needs to look after its finances.<br />
<h2>Financial Management: Levels</h2>Broadly speaking, the process of financial management takes place at two levels. At the individual level, financial management involves tailoring expenses according to the financial resources of an individual. Individuals with surplus cash or access to funding invest their money to make up for the impact of taxation and inflation. Else, they spend it on discretionary items. They need to be able to take the financial decisions that are intended to benefit them in the long run and help them achieve their financial goals.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center></center>From an organizational point of view, the process of <a href="http://www.yourwealthpuzzle.com/">financial management</a> is associated with financial planning and financial control. Financial planning seeks to quantify various financial resources available and plan the size and timing of expenditures. Financial control refers to monitoring cash flow. Inflow is the amount of money coming into a particular company, while outflow is a record of the expenditure being made by the company. Managing this movement of funds in relation to the budget is essential for a business.<br />
At the corporate level, the main aim of the process of managing finances is to achieve the various goals a company sets at a given point of time. Businesses also seek to generate substantial amounts of profits, following a particular set of financial processes. <br />
Financial managers aim to boost the levels of resources at their disposal. Besides, they control the functioning on money put in by external investors. Providing investors with sufficient amount of returns on their investments is one of the goals that every company tries to achieve. Efficient financial management ensures that this becomes possible.<br />
Strong financial management in the business arena requires managers to be able to:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Interpret financial reports including income statements, Profits and Loss or P&L, cash flow statements and balance sheet statements <br />
</li>
<li>Improve the allocation of working capital within business operations<br />
</li>
<li>Review and fine tune financial budgeting, and revenue and cost forecasting <br />
</li>
<li>Look at the funding options for business expansion, including both long and short term financing</li>
<li>Review the financial health of the company or business unit using ratio analyses, such as the gearing ratio,profit per employee and weighted cost of capital</li>
<li>Understand the various techniques using in project and asset valuations</li>
<li>Apply critical financial decision making techniques to assess whether to proceed with an investmtn</li>
<li>Understand valuations frameworks for businesses, portfolios and intangible assets</li>
</ul>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-14154192355285058642012-03-17T18:11:00.002-07:002012-03-17T18:11:34.933-07:00Meaning of Financial Management<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><h5>Meaning of Financial Management</h5>Financial Management means planning, organizing, directing and controlling the financial activities such as procurement and utilization of funds of the enterprise. It means applying general management principles to financial resources of the enterprise.<br />
<h5>Scope/Elements</h5><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px;" type="1"><li>Investment decisions includes investment in fixed assets (called as capital budgeting). Investment in current assets are also a part of investment decisions called as working capital decisions. </li>
<li>Financial decisions - They relate to the raising of finance from various resources which will depend upon decision on type of source, period of financing, cost of financing and the returns thereby. </li>
<li>Dividend decision - The finance manager has to take decision with regards to the net profit distribution. Net profits are generally divided into two: </li>
</ol></td> <td valign="top"> <ins style="border: none; display: inline-table; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"><ins id="aswift_2_anchor" style="border: none; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"></ins></ins> </td> </tr>
</tbody></table><ol start="4" type="1"><ol type="a"><li>Dividend for shareholders- Dividend and the rate of it has to be decided. </li>
<li>Retained profits- Amount of retained profits has to be finalized which will depend upon expansion and diversification plans of the enterprise. </li>
</ol></ol><h5>Objectives of Financial Management</h5>The financial management is generally concerned with procurement, allocation and control of financial resources of a concern. The objectives can be- <ol type="1"><li>To ensure regular and adequate supply of funds to the concern. </li>
<li>To ensure adequate returns to the shareholders which will depend upon the earning capacity, market price of the share, expectations of the shareholders. </li>
<li>To ensure optimum funds utilization. Once the funds are procured, they should be utilized in maximum possible way at least cost. </li>
<li>To ensure safety on investment, i.e, funds should be invested in safe ventures so that adequate rate of return can be achieved. </li>
<li>To plan a sound capital structure-There should be sound and fair composition of capital so that a balance is maintained between debt and equity capital. </li>
</ol><h5>Functions of Financial Management</h5><ol type="1"><li><b>Estimation of capital requirements:</b> A finance manager has to make estimation with regards to capital requirements of the company. This will depend upon expected costs and profits and future programmes and policies of a concern. Estimations have to be made in an adequate manner which increases earning capacity of enterprise. </li>
<li><b>Determination of capital composition:</b> Once the estimation have been made, the capital structure have to be decided. This involves short- term and long- term debt equity analysis. This will depend upon the proportion of equity capital a company is possessing and additional funds which have to be raised from outside parties. </li>
<li><b>Choice of sources of funds:</b> For additional funds to be procured, a company has many choices like- <ol type="a"><li>Issue of shares and debentures </li>
<li>Loans to be taken from banks and financial institutions </li>
<li>Public deposits to be drawn like in form of bonds. </li>
</ol>Choice of factor will depend on relative merits and demerits of each source and period of financing. </li>
<li><b>Investment of funds:</b> The finance manager has to decide to allocate funds into profitable ventures so that there is safety on investment and regular returns is possible. </li>
<li><b>Disposal of surplus:</b> The net profits decision have to be made by the finance manager. This can be done in two ways: <ol type="a"><li>Dividend declaration - It includes identifying the rate of dividends and other benefits like bonus. </li>
<li>Retained profits - The volume has to be decided which will depend upon expansional, innovational, diversification plans of the company. </li>
</ol></li>
<li><b>Management of cash:</b> Finance manager has to make decisions with regards to cash management. Cash is required for many purposes like payment of wages and salaries, payment of electricity and water bills, payment to creditors, meeting current liabilities, maintainance of enough stock, purchase of raw materials, etc. </li>
<li><b>Financial controls:</b> The finance manager has not only to plan, procure and utilize the funds but he also has to exercise control over finances. This can be done through many techniques like ratio analysis, financial forecasting, cost and profit control, etc.</li>
</ol>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-52061963787455603182012-03-10T17:46:00.001-08:002012-03-11T07:09:02.752-07:00Savvy Stuff : Top 10 Financial Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJNA7fUHPc4/T1wDvdbACDI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ylcxWA3xRKM/s1600/top10tips.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJNA7fUHPc4/T1wDvdbACDI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ylcxWA3xRKM/s1600/top10tips.gif" /></a></div>Begin improving your finances right now with our Top 10 <a href="http://google.co.id/" target="_blank">Financial Tips</a>. <br />
<h2>1. Be realistic.</h2>Time spent developing a budget is time well spent.<br />
A common error people make when they’re planning their household budget is to list unrealistic dollar amounts. If you spend $500 at the grocery store each month, then it isn’t reasonable to list $300 in your budget.<br />
Keep a spending journal for at least two weeks prior to creating a budget for your family and yourself. This will help you establish realistic numbers. A comprehensive budget will not only tell you where the money is going, it can give you a map to tightening expenses. Also, it will allow you to put more money away for your short-term and long-term goals.<br />
<h2>2. Know the difference between luxuries and necessities.</h2>Knowing the difference between a “want” and a “need” can help you save money. <br />
Many of the items we spend money on are things we want. If you don’t have to have it in order to survive, then it is a want. If the item doesn’t fit comfortably into your budget, you need to set it aside until your budget is ready to handle the purchase. <br />
<h2>3. Don't bet on the next bonus.</h2>Until the money is in your account, don’t spend it. Many moneymaking ventures are not guaranteed, and it’s not wise to gamble with what “may be.” <br />
For instance, stocks may or may not double within a year, so to plan your budget around what might happen or what you hope will happen can leave you in the lurch. <br />
Focusing on your present financial state will help you reach your financial goals in a more realistic fashion. <br />
<h2>4. Keep control of your money.</h2>You earned it, so you should know how it is being spent. When you let someone else control your money, you are putting yourself at risk. A divorce, serious illness, or death can place married individuals at risk. <br />
When you know the details of your family's finances, investments, debts, and retirement savings, you are more likely to come out of a negative situation on top. Not knowing can produce a lot of heartache and financial strain that could easily have been avoided. <br />
If you are single, you should know what your broker or financial consultant is doing with your money. Your involvement will help negate any questionable activity that could have a negative impact on your future finances. <br />
<h2>5. Think before acting.</h2>Make wise buying decisions. Consumers’ spending decisions are processed “5% by the numbers and 95% by emotions,” according to Connie Kilmark, a financial counselor and consultant in Madison, Wisconsin. <br />
It is critical to make decisions based upon need and not just by what you want. When you sign a loan or lease, you are locked into a payment that may not give you the room needed for financial emergencies like illness, auto repairs, etc.<br />
To avoid over-extending yourself think before you act. Before you sign on the dotted line for a large ticket item, such as a house or a car, you should examine your budget and rent or borrow the item to ensure that your purchase will be a true fit. <br />
<h2>6. Use cash instead of credit.</h2>If more than 20% of your monthly net income is going to pay credit cards and other loans, there are signs of financial problems in your future.<br />
When you use a credit card and don’t pay off the balance at the end of each month, you spend more on your purchases. The interest earned on your credit cards will limit the amount you can save over time. Use cash to make your purchases or only buy what you can afford to off when your bill arrives and you can avoid credit card debt that will prevent you from reaching your financial goals. <br />
<h2>7. Be credit savvy.</h2>Credit is not evil, but it must be used wisely and judiciously. In order to avoid common pitfalls of debt, consumers need to read the fine print, pay on time, and limit the amount of credit they have. If you miss a payment or get another account, credit card companies can make money. <br />
Even though you have signed up for 0% APR interest, there is no guarantee that the amount will not be revoked. Missing a payment can cause the 0% APR to be revoked, so it is important to be organized and pay your bill on time. Credit card companies can even use late payments with other companies against you, so be on point at all times. <br />
Also, don’t cancel cards once you’ve paid them off. Creditors consider a consumer’s credit history, including the length, when offering interest rates. <br />
<h2>8. Don’t ignore retirement.</h2>Saving for retirement at an early age is a win/win situation. You will have to save less if you start early, and your savings will have longer to grow. Start early and save at least 10-to-15% of your income, if you plan on accumulating the wealth you need to live comfortably later.<br />
Work with a financial planner when determining which savings option is best suited for you. Not all savings are guaranteed, such as 401K and stocks, so choose a savings option that is comfortable for you. <br />
<h2>9. Examine your options. </h2>When you select a shorter repayment term on a home, you avoid paying two-and-a-half times the value of the item. A 15-year mortgage can help you save money and build wealth. Before you buy, balance what you can afford with the healthiest option available. <br />
<h2>10. Roll it over. </h2>If you change employers, you should roll over your 401(k) balance into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) rather than cash it out. Cashing out incurs penalties, rolling over maintains your wealth building efforts.<br />
Make sure you make a direct rollover from your previous employer to the financial institute where you have opened your IRA, if you want to avoid giving your previous employer 20% for taxes. Many times a past employer will cash you out after a certain period, so act promptly.ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-4145417929547157702012-03-10T17:44:00.003-08:002012-03-12T09:05:38.922-07:00Financial Tips and Advice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPnMklU28MQ/T14ekQ7m8bI/AAAAAAAAAOo/OZW6Gae-7-s/s1600/cover_the_financial_checkup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OPnMklU28MQ/T14ekQ7m8bI/AAAAAAAAAOo/OZW6Gae-7-s/s200/cover_the_financial_checkup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><h3>Money Management Advice</h3><ul><li>Prepare a comprehensive budget taking into account all living costs and repayment amounts you have to make. This is the most important thing to do before you spend any money </li>
<li>Plan gift buying ahead of time. You will often find suitable gifts at lower prices at sales and you can avoid the rush before holiday periods, such as Christmas time. </li>
<li>Plan buying a house one or two years beforehand. This will enable you to investigate the most suitable sources of finance, and arrange to satisfy requirements such as a history of saving with a particular institution. </li>
<li>Be aware of interest free periods on items, check the type of borrowing, is it if you pay it off in the time period no interest, if you do not pay off in time the interest may go back to the start and you will be paying at line of credit charges, it is like a credit card and interest will compound </li>
<li>Credit card payments, interest charges, interest compounds, don't rely on minimum payment, if you do use credit you must know by your budget that you can afford to pay it back and not incur interest or too much interest. </li>
<li>Before lodging an insurance claim for the cost of repairing damage to your car, check the future loss of no-claim bonus which this might involve. The insurance payout you receive could be more than offset by the loss in your no-claim bonus. </li>
<li>You may be able to pay insurance premiums by the month instead of yearly, without incurring a penalty for doing so. It should be easier to pay a small amount each month than a large amount once a year. </li>
<li>Organisations such as credit unions sometimes have special group arrangements with insurance companies so members can buy home, contents or life assurance at a discount. </li>
<li>Remember if you buy a mobile phone that it may be on a contract — be careful of this and any disconnection fee if the contracted amounts are not paid </li>
</ul>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-43756988339091287662012-03-10T17:43:00.001-08:002012-03-12T01:11:45.571-07:00Love & Money : 25 Financial Tips for Couples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnbA7lszkco/T12vsSRzsnI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/QhtM7ddXpXo/s1600/tumblr_l5zqncasUg1qz6f9yo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnbA7lszkco/T12vsSRzsnI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/QhtM7ddXpXo/s320/tumblr_l5zqncasUg1qz6f9yo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The way we earn, spend, and save money is a practical expression of our most fundamental beliefs. When our priorities are out of sync, money can become the great divide in an otherwise harmonious relationship. <br />
By working together toward financial freedom, money can cease being a source of conflict and become a way to express our highest values, while providing comfort and security to those we love most.<br />
Here are ways that you, as a couple, can improve your relationship with money.<br />
<b>While dating</b><br />
<ol><li>Learn to have fun without a lot of money. A bike ride, walk in the park, home-cooked meal, free concert, or ice cream cone are just a few of the opportunities available to enjoy time with your lover without spending a lot of money.</li>
<li>Pay attention to your partner’s financial habits. Just because your beloved is a lot of fun and a good kisser does not mean that she is fiscally responsible. Before you commit yourself, learn how your partner handles the big issues of real life, including financial matters.</li>
<li>Discuss your dreams and goals with your partner. Almost everything you will do during your lives together will cost money. Make sure your partner’s goals are compatible with yours.</li>
</ol><b>Living Together</b><br />
<ol start="4"><li>Don’t move in by degrees. Some people leave their toothbrush one night, then a few changes of clothes, and before they know it, they’ve moved in. Have a discussion with your partner about leases, household expenses, and other important matters before you make your decision.</li>
<li>Create a written living-together agreement. Clarifying your intentions in writing will help you to avoid misunderstandings and costly disagreements later. In most cases, your agreement will be enforceable in court.</li>
<li>Plan carefully before you borrow with your beloved. Determine in advance who will be responsible for debts incurred during the relationship. In the absence of an agreement, each partner is generally responsible for debts for which she has signed, often without recourse to the other partner for repayment.</li>
</ol><b>For Newlyweds </b><br />
<ol start="7"><li>Time your marriage to minimize taxes. If both you and your beloved are employed, the "marriage penalty" may force you to pay more taxes as a married couple than you would if you were single, so marry the following January rather than December. However, if one spouse earns most of the money, you’ll enjoy a "marriage bonus," paying less tax as a married couple than you would as two single people, so a December wedding might be wise.</li>
<li>If you are paying for your own wedding, pay cash instead of going into debt. Have the courage to care more for the reality of your joint finances than the symbolic ritual of a lavish party. Consider having a small get-together to memorialize your love, and then throw a larger party when you can afford it.</li>
<li>If you receive monetary gifts on your wedding day, don’t spend them all. Set aside as much as you can to invest for shared dreams, such as a house, business, or children.</li>
<li>Review your investments. Determine if you need to change your investment allocations to meet your joint goals. Your partner’s assets can provide you with some investment flexibility that you could not achieve while single.</li>
</ol><b>Joining Your Financial Lives</b><br />
<ol start="11"><li>Create a workable structure for your financial lives. Who will be responsible for paying bills, filing invoices, balancing the checkbook, and researching large purchases? Establish a division of labor that suits your talents and needs.</li>
<li>Celebrate your differences. If one of you is a saver and the other a spender, create a budget that allows for both. If your partner is a bargain-hunter, put him in charge of the spending part of the budget, while you invest the savings.</li>
<li>Confide in your partner. Keeping financial problems to yourself is destructive to the openness and stability of your relationship. Discuss your worries with your mate and ask her for practical suggestions and support.</li>
<li>Rank your financial priorities. Where your individual goals coincide, make a list of the steps it will take to accomplish those goals. Where they collide, figure out which you can live without and how to combine the rest with your partner’s plans.</li>
</ol><b>Starting a Family</b><br />
<ol start="15"><li>If one partner will stay at home while the other works full-time, discuss the model you will use for your finances. Will you pay the homemaker a salary for her services? Have a spending limit for purchases, like a corporate buyer? Create an arrangement that shows respect for the most important job on Earth: raising a wonderful human being.</li>
<li>If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to prepare your will. You don’t want guardianship issues to be settled in court if anything happens to you. Ask a friend or relative if he would be willing to be the legal and/or financial guardian for your children after you’re gone. Then, follow through by updating and signing your will.</li>
<li>If you stay home, keep up your career skills. Work part-time to maintain your skills and contacts, or go to school part-time to improve your financial prospects. Maintain your skills so you can ease your transition to the workplace.</li>
<li>Contribute to your child’s Roth IRA. Children, like many other taxpayers, can contribute up to $2,000 of their earnings to an IRA. If your children have part-time jobs, encourage them to save the money in a Roth IRA, perhaps by "matching" the funds they contribute. Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free and used for college expenses. Earnings can be withdrawn as well after the IRA has been open for five years, but they are subject to tax.</li>
</ol><b>Relationship Skills for Financial Success</b><br />
<ol start="19"><li>Organize regular "money meetings" to discuss your financial situation, dreams, and goals. Use this time to brainstorm creative solutions to problems and generate ideas to improve your future.</li>
<li>Work with your mate’s personality, instead of against it. One of you makes financial decisions instantly, while the other one deliberates for days. One of you hates paperwork, while the other has anxiety if every blank is not filled out completely and perfectly. Focus on a positive outcome, not the method of traveling.</li>
<li>Don’t ignore your partner’s needs. It may not be important to you, but if it’s important to your partner, it’s important to your partnership. Treat your partner as a business associate, not a dumping ground. Hear what your partner is saying, consider it, and respond.</li>
<li>Join an investment club, or form one for your family. Investment clubs are social gatherings where the members can learn about finances together. It’s a great opportunity to share good times and learn how to invest at the same time.</li>
</ol><b>Remarriage</b><br />
<ol start="23"><li>Talk about the money differences you had with your prior spouse. That way, your new mate will learn more about you and will know where you are coming from when differences arise in this relationship.</li>
<li>Be polite to your partner’s ex-spouse. He or she is the lion at the gate guarding your partner’s relationship with his children. Don’t indulge in vengeful or petty actions that may keep you from your larger goal of a happy stepfamily.</li>
<li>Don’t let the children come between you. It takes special vigilance to keep children from prior marriages from fueling disagreements. Discuss in advance how you will share responsibility for children who live with you and how their expenses will be handled.</li>
</ol>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-24715035392543291502012-03-10T17:39:00.000-08:002012-03-10T17:39:21.862-08:006 Savvy Financial Tips for Women to Succeed<span class="drop_cap"></span><span style="font-size: large;">W</span>omen are increasingly becoming involved in family finances, and the decisions that go with them. Women have long been involved in the shopping aspects of family finances, and in frugality. However, with a greater number of women earning money, and more women — including those that stay at home — interested in using money to make money, it seems natural that women would be more interested in participating in major money decisions. However, finances are still seen as traditionally male turf. Here are some financial tips that women (and men!) can use to improve their situations:<span id="more-15094"></span><br />
<h3>1. Don’t Let Someone Else Direct Everything</h3>A stay at home spouse deserves a say in how the money is spent. Someone staying home is sacrificing to provide real value to the family, and, even though our society doesn’t recognize these contributions with a pay check, they are still important for the family’s overall financial well-being. No matter your situation, make it a point to be informed, and be involved in family financial decisions.<br />
<h3>2. Get Educated About Money</h3>A recent study pointed out that many women are still uncomfortable with investing. A big part of that is a lack of knowledge about how investing works. Take the time to learn about how money works, and about how different investments work. You can learn in bite sized bits, tackling a concept a day, until you feel comfortable with money, and with making money decisions. You might even decide to take a little more risk with some of your investments.<br />
<h3>3. Fund a Retirement Account</h3>Many women rely on their partner’s retirement account for the future. However, it is important that you have a retirement account in your name as well. If you have a job, make sure some of that money goes into a retirement account. If you do not have a job, talk to your partner about a spousal IRA. You can still have a retirement account, even as a stay at home spouse.<br />
<h3>4. Consider Your Own Financial Needs</h3>It is common for women, especially mothers, to sacrifice for others. However, you need to make sure that your <a href="http://www.goodfinancialcents.com/how-to-take-control-of-your-finances-the-manly-way/">finances are under control</a>. Before paying for your child’s college, consider whether or not your own retirement is in good shape. You might even want to pay to finish your own degree, so that you are prepared to work if the need arises. You can’t truly help others financially until your own finances are sold.<br />
<div style="float: right; margin: 10px 0 10px 10px;"><ins style="border: none; display: inline-table; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"><ins id="aswift_1_anchor" style="border: none; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"></ins></ins></div><h3>5. Know Your Worth</h3>Learn more about what your skills and experience are worth in the job market. Know your worth, and learn how to ask for what you’re worth in a professional manner. Many women accept <a href="http://www.goodfinancialcents.com/are-women-saving-and-investing-enough/">less money</a> than their male counterparts because they are afraid of rocking the boat. (Take realities, such as the recession, into account during a salary negotiation.) Additionally, if you are a stay at home spouse, develop confidence in your worth as a member of the family.<br />
<h3>6. Look for Support When Necessary</h3>Don’t be afraid to look for financial support when you need it. This may mean working with a financial planner who can help you create a roadmap to financial freedom. It can also mean joining a legitimate investment club. If you are nervous about financial decisions, look for ways to find help and support, and look for legitimate and helpful sources of information.ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-79819199727258468562012-03-10T17:38:00.001-08:002012-03-12T08:59:54.030-07:0059 Tips on personal finance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFEXsY_zotI/T14dXmus9hI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ZZZvH3EBr_Q/s1600/personal-finance-tips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFEXsY_zotI/T14dXmus9hI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ZZZvH3EBr_Q/s320/personal-finance-tips.png" width="320" /></a></div><h2><br />
</h2><ol><li> Always make sure you know how much money is there in your bank. </li>
<li> Distinguish between needs and wants and learn to prioritize your needs. </li>
<li> In order to control your finance first understand where you are. </li>
<li> Stick to a frugal budget - Eliminate stuff that you can do without./li>. </li>
<li> You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong.</li>
<li> We can tell our values by looking at our check book stubs.</li>
<li> Practice thriftiness before preaching.<a href="http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/blog/financial-tips/august-week2.html">..know more.</a></li>
<li> Prioritize expenses to tackle your personal budgeting problems.</li>
<li> Opting for online documents can help you monitor your accounts regularly as well as save environment.</li>
<li> Pay yourself first. </li>
<li> Always read the "fine print" section of the contract minutely.</li>
<li> Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid back.</li>
<li> Try to make your home appliances last longer so that you can avoid buying big-ticket items frequently.</li>
<li> Use cash to purchase things instead of swapping your credit cards unnecessarily every time. </li>
<li> Once you get an accurate picture of your personal finances, you should figure out your short and long term goals.</li>
<li> Do not use too many credit cards.</li>
<li> Build an emergency cushion on which you can fall back as the credit downgrade will push up the interest rates on loans.</li>
<li> Visit multiple stores to get the best deals.</li>
<li> Live within your budget so that you can manage your expenses and save a considerable amount.</li>
<li> Check out any leakage that may have been caused within your car pipes.</li>
<li> Understand the importance of money and spend it only when needed.</li>
<li> Get paid what you're worth and spend less than you earn.</li>
<li> Learn self control to establish solid financial footing.</li>
<li> It is not necessary to have common financial goals in a marital relation, but both should work together to achieve them. </li>
<li> Making payments on time can save you from a major financial crisis.</li>
<li> Know where your money goes.</li>
<li>Use smart meters to monitor your electricity usage.</li>
<li>Get help of unemployment benefits when you are unemployed.</li>
<li>Use an online spreadsheet to plan a suitable budget.</li>
<li>Take full advantage of Thanksgiving sale! Buy items at a relatively cheaper price!</li>
<li>Update your will.</li>
<li>Try to use the Internet to the optimum, when using an unlimited plan.</li>
<li>Get advice from trusted sources to decide which loan option will be best suited for you.</li>
<li>Avoid financial blues by increasing the flow of your income.</li>
<li>Do Christmas shopping year-round.</li>
<li>Book a hotel room with a kitchen.</li>
<li>Make extra money this holiday to stay within your budget.</li>
<li>Don't see a budget as being about what you can't have, but instead, working out what you can afford.</li>
<li>When you receive a windfall - a raise or a tax refund, you should contribute it towards the retirement savings accounts.</li>
<li>Be aware of your bank balance and avoid over draft fees.</li>
<li>Avoid buying a new car when you have one already.</li>
<li>Grow your own food.</li>
<li>Procrastination is the enemy of your financial success.</li>
<li>Make your own Christmas cards, not only will it add a personal touch, it will also help you to save money.</li>
<li>Ignore all offers that sound t?? good to be true.</li>
<li>Before you buy something new, sell something old.</li>
<li>A little risk is good, too much risk is foolishness.</li>
<li>Prevention is better than cure even in personal finance.</li>
<li>Take advantage of federal student aid to lower your child's education cost.</li>
<li>Have regular "financial" family meetings.</li>
<li>If you have dependents, get disability/life insurance, a will and an estate plan!</li>
<li>Practice the habit of buying things in bulk so as to manage money efficiently.</li>
<li>Keep distance from lavish and high-roller friends.</li>
<li>Before getting married, open your communications regarding money.</li>
<li>Learn self control.</li>
<li>Be up front with your children regarding your financial situation when you’re a single parent.</li>
<li>Take advantage of alternative work schedules such as flextime and telecommuting when you’re a single parent.</li>
<li>Pursue tax breaks and qualify for the child-care tax credit as a working parent.</li>
<li>Take advantage of financial grants available to a single parent.</li>
</ol>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-24119719366504510692012-03-10T17:34:00.002-08:002012-03-10T17:34:50.312-08:004 Finance Tips I Wish I Knew at 18Man, sometimes don’t you wish you could go back in time and change something in your life – even your financial life? Sometimes I wish I could go back to that time right after high school graduation and re-think some of the financial decisions I made. While none of them have been detrimental to my current financial well-being, I always wonder if I could have been better off had I followed the advice I know give (but then, if I hadn’t learned these lessons, I wouldn’t be where I am today either – catch 22 anyone?).<br />
Whatever the case, here are four things I really wish I knew at 18!<br />
<br />
<h3>1. That Retirement Thing</h3>I worked all the way through high school and college, and now that I fully understand what a Roth IRA is, I wish I had started one way back then. It would have been awesome to witness the power of compounding over the last few years from the money I could have invested in high school and college. I mean, what was a really spending my money on then anyway? Usually beer and video games. It would have been so much more productive to invest that cash!<br />
Second, my first job in college offered a 401k with an employer match. I didn’t want to give up 5% of my paycheck at that point – but what I realized now is that I was really leaving an additional 5% on the table by not taking that match!<br />
Lesson learned: don’t give up free money, save for retirement, and enjoy the power of compounding.<br />
<br />
<h3>2. Don’t Buy That Car!</h3>Since I was working full time during school, I always had more money than my friends. My cocky self thought it would be a great idea to buy a new car. Really, my old beat-up truck served it’s purpose well, but I really wanted something new. I ended up shelling out over $13,000 (after selling my truck) for this car.<br />
And you know what? Nobody cared about the car. After about 2 weeks of driving the car, I didn’t even care I had the car. Plus, over time, I think I ended up sinking more money into repairing this new car than I ever put into my old truck.<br />
Lesson learned: don’t go buy a new car unless you really need a new car. Cars are just liabilities, and you want to limit your liabilities.<br />
<br />
<h3>3. Stay Away From Day Trading!</h3>After taking a few finance and investing classes in college, and interning at a brokerage company, I thought I was an investment pro. Little did I know, I wasn’t! I learned this strategy for picking stocks based on technical analysis, and running them through a spreadsheet. I thought it was a fool-proof system.<br />
Well, once I put my first $2,000 into my account and started trading, I started racking up losses. In about three months, I’d lost all that money. It was an expensive lesson.<br />
Lesson learned: don’t day trade, actually invest in companies for their fundamental earnings potential.<br />
<br />
<h3>4. Saving is Not Just “Not Spending”</h3>Finally, I always thought of myself as saving if I just didn’t spend all my money every month. And while, yes, technically, I had “saved” something, it was really just because I hadn’t spent the money. All the money did was sit in my checking account until I needed it – for buying a car I didn’t need or day trading.<br />
Lesson learned: actually save each month, and designate a savings account with a set amount.<br />
<br />
<em>Readers, what financial lessons do you wish you knew at 18? I’d love to hear your thoughts!</em>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-75739273877363188062012-03-10T17:30:00.000-08:002012-03-10T17:30:41.773-08:005 financial tips for young couples Focus on eliminating debt, work towards purchase of home, experts say For many couples in their 20s or 30s, financial life together evolves much like everyday life, with connections taking root on ever-deeper levels. But it's also a time when the wrong decisions about money can have a major impact on long-term goals, such as being able to afford a home and save enough for retirement, according to financial experts.<br />
And the decisions that have to be made aren't necessarily very complicated. It's mainly a case of developing good habits and sticking to them.<br />
Investment or fiscal planning advice for couples who are early in their professional careers is remarkably similar to the game plan of a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/taxseason/story/2012/01/19/f-rrsp-scenario-young-single.html">single person</a> at the same age: budget wisely, tackle debts such as student loans and credit card bills, and begin saving as much as possible.<br />
The difference is that as a couple you can tackle these goals as a team, often getting ahead financially much more quickly than a single person could.<br />
Assuming the relationship is a stable one, and both spouses have similar long-term plans such as buying a home together, it really pays for the couple to manage themselves as a single economic unit, financial experts told CBC News. Here are some investment and financial tips they shared for young couples:<br />
<h2>Debt</h2>The advice here is unanimous among the investing pros interviewed, and it's simple. Wipe debt out as quickly as possible.<br />
Eliminating any non-tax-deductible debt, including student loans or lines of credit, should be a top concern for most people in their 20s and should usually take priority even over buying a house.<br />
The focus should be primarily on the debts that have the highest financing costs, such as credit card bills. If you're carrying large sums on credit cards, consolidate the debts into a lower-interest loan and then concentrate on erasing that single loan. A recommended approach is to have the bank automatically take a specified amount from your account on payday and apply it to paying down a consolidated loan, so that you get used to how much disposable income you have available and don't have to struggle to save up money for lump-sum payments.<br />
<h2>Budgeting</h2>Figuring out a workable household budget sounds like a no-brainer, but many people never get around to it and often end up living paycheque to paycheque. A budget is a crucial part of any financial plan — which applies to all age groups — and involves taking an honest look at how money is being spent.<br />
<div class="sidebar"><h2>The advantage of an early start</h2>Although many people in their 20s may have other priorities, even putting a small amount of money for retirement can yield big returns in the long run.<br />
For instance, if a 25-year-old starts with an initial RRSP contribution of $2,000 and continues adding $2,000 each year, they will have $330,095 by the time they are 65, assuming a compound annual growth of six per cent. <br />
If they start 10 years later, they will have slightly more than half that amount, mainly because there is less time for compound interest to works its financial magic.<br />
That number drops to $79,985 if a person starts at 45.</div>Apart from fixed monthly expenses, particular attention should be given to irregular costs, including one-off purchases, says Rose Raimondo, a financial planner with Calgary-based Raimondo & Associates Ltd. Small impulse buys can add up over time, and keeping them under control can keep money that's important to long-term investing goals from being frittered away on unnecessary purchases.<br />
A budget can keep a lid on spending, and keep money from slipping through couple's fingers. Young couples should get their spending under control as soon as possible and, hopefully, that will form the foundation for good fiscal habits for life. Then they can start turning their attention to investing for the future — since part of a budget includes making sure part of any disposable income is either paying off debt, or being put aside for a major future purchase like a vehicle or home.<br />
<h2>Home and retirement</h2>Working towards the purchase of a first home, which includes amassing a down payment, is a worthwhile goal and becomes a main priority for young couples. It's such a massive expense that it often consumes all of a couple's financial attention.<br />
However, they need not abandon retirement planning while saving for a home — they can do both at once.<br />
Under the government’s Home Buyers’ Plan can withdraw up to $25,000 for a down payment as long as they return the money over a number of years. So contributing to an RRSP early can provide an immediate tax benefit, and also help with a house purchase.<br />
Once a home has been purchased, paying it down becomes the main focus for most couples. However, any extra money beyond the regular mortgage payments should probably be invested in either a registered retirement savings plan or a tax-free savings account, according to the experts, rather than being held in a simple investing account.<br />
“It’s good to do a little bit of saving for the retirement,” says Judith Fulton, a senior consultant with the Calgary-based office of T. E. Wealth.<br />
An RRSP provides immediate tax savings, but you'll pay a penalty if you need to dip into that money before retirement. Alternatively, money can be put into a tax-free savings account, where the growth is sheltered from tax. The money in a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/taxseason/story/2011/12/20/f-rrsp-tax-free-savings-accounts.html">TFSA</a> can be put towards emergency expenses if necessary, or held as a long-term retirement nest egg.<br />
Either way, getting money into a savings plan early can yield big savings over the course of the couple's next 40 years thanks to compound interest.<br />
<h2>Two incomes, but act as one</h2>Apart from the obvious advantage over single people of having two incomes, couples can reap rewards by treating their finances as combined resource.<br />
Spousal contributions to RRSPs, for instance, are one way to transfer immediate tax benefits to a partner, since the initial investment results in an up-front tax savings, Raimondo says.<br />
For couples who are self-employed or who own a business, there are often ways to reap tax savings as a couple, too, which a tax expert can help identify. <br />
<h2>Opening dialogue</h2>Finally, the things that promote financial health have a lot in common with the things many people say promote a healthy realtionship.<br />
A key part of a couple’s financial development, Raimondo says, involves having an open conversation about what their future plans are — and just as importantly, where each partner stands in terms of income and debt.<br />
Only by having a clear picture of assets and debt can a couple make the most of their financial resources and make a solid spending and investing plan.<br />
“If you don’t have those conversations early on, it’s not going to get easier,” Raimondo says. “It’s going to get harder.”ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-21970146451603135812012-03-10T17:28:00.001-08:002012-03-11T08:21:19.390-07:00Financial Tips For College Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mMFlQhYucs/T1zC4VgalAI/AAAAAAAAAOI/loijn8uqB-Q/s1600/uang-anak-285x280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mMFlQhYucs/T1zC4VgalAI/AAAAAAAAAOI/loijn8uqB-Q/s1600/uang-anak-285x280.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>1. Use credit cards sparingly </b>Use credit cards wisely because this is a chance to establish a solid credit history. Watch the interest rates. Don't be suckered by low introductory rates. Expect the interest rate, or annual percentage rate (APR), to climb above 20 percent in three to six months. Don't use the card for routine living expenses or a night on the town.<br />
<b>2. Pay credit card balances in full </b>Remember: Credit is a loan -- and it doesn't come from The Bank of Dad. That means any balance on the credit card must be repaid. Get a card with a low limit. Shop around for the best deal and read the fine print before signing up. If you move, inform the bank of your new address. Guard your credit card number and close unused accounts.<br />
<b>3. Get the best checking account deal</b> <br />
Shop around before opening a checking account. Smaller banks may offer a better deal. Compare fees. Ask if there's a fee for dealing with a teller, including deposits or withdrawals. Ask if there's a fee to use a debit card. Ask about ATM fees. Ask if overdraft protection is part of the student package. If not, ask about linking such coverage to a bank-issued credit card. <br />
<b>4. Start saving</b> <br />
Open a savings account. Establish a savings plan and kick in a little money each week. Stick with it. Compound interest is a wonderful thing and it's always wise to have a little extra tucked away.<br />
<b>5. Keep track of your spending</b> <br />
Use cash whenever possible because counting out the bills underscores the connection between the purchased item and money leaving your wallet. Use a debit card before a credit card for the same reason. Keep track of spending because a budget means nothing without accurate accounting. <br />
<b>6. Set a limit on entertainment </b>Mad money should be sane and sober. Set a limit for walking-around money and stick to it. Hitting up the ATM for another fistful of crisp twenties is easy -- and guaranteed to deplete your bank account. <br />
<b>7. Shop wisely</b> <br />
Remember this Yankee adage: Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without. If you learn to say no to that fancy stereo, ski trip or new set of duds, you'll be ahead of the pack. Consider buying used textbooks. Shop at second-hand stores. The look isn't frumpy -- it's professorial. <br />
<div class="ad-break t-AdBreak hide"><div class="ad-label"><a class="mediakit" href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31066137/media-kit/">Advertise</a> | <a class="adchoices" href="http://g.msn.com/AIPRIV/en-us">AdChoices</a></div><div class="col"><div class="ad adX1 matched"></div></div><div class="col"><div class="ad adX1 matched"></div></div></div><b>8. Keep an eye out for free money</b> <br />
Apply for scholarships. This requires digging and persistence. See what's available. Don't be bashful. If you have a shot, apply. If it's a long shot, how can you go wrong for the price of a stamp? <br />
<b>9. Get a part-time job </b>Check out college work-study programs. A few jobs may be related to your studies. Otherwise, look for a job with tips such as waiting tables, parking cars or delivering pizza. If you hustle, tips will exceed the hourly wage. Summer work is a necessity for many students, but don't overlook internships -- they're a good way to get a taste of what you may make a career and establish contacts in the field. <br />
<b>10. Walk or take public transportation</b> <br />
Leave the car at home. The insurance, maintenance and gas will eat you alive. Most university towns are compact and everything you need will be within walking distance of campus. If some of your friends have a car, great -- let them cover the expense. <br />
<b>11. Avoid unnecessary expenses</b> <br />
Avoid unnecessary expenses at all costs. Parking fines are a tax on stupidity or laziness. Read the signs and follow the rules. This goes for little things like returning library books or videos. Pay your bills on time or you'll get stuck with a late fee. <br />
<b>12. Look for student discounts</b> <br />
Clip coupons. Many businesses give students discounts in an effort to establish a relationship that will continue when they enter the real world and start earning a paycheck. Take advantage of the perks. Be on the lookout for deals on plane tickets, pizza, books, clothes -- everything. The student newspaper is a good place to start. The Internet can be a gold mine of discounts. <br />
<b>13. Don't eat out all the time </b>Pack a lunch. This will save you big bucks. Don't eat regularly at fast-food restaurants because it will reduce your bank account while bloating your belly. At the supermarket, buy the house brand and increase your savings. Never shop on an empty stomach.ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-82803844700170171972012-03-10T17:21:00.001-08:002012-03-10T17:34:19.116-08:00Financial Tips for New Grads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9xf43GhnBc/T1v95I9UlbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7cj_RXYjDv4/s1600/graduation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9xf43GhnBc/T1v95I9UlbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7cj_RXYjDv4/s320/graduation1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After countless hours studying, late nights, final exams and some parties, now it’s time to head out into the “real world”… or at least that’s what everyone has been calling it as long as you can remember.<br />
When moving on to the adult phase of your life, be sure to take care of your financial situation. Your actions now will have significant impact on how the rest of your life shapes up financially.<br />
Many older adults look back and say the number one thing they wish they would have done differently was learned about money management while they were young. Here’s your chance to jump start your finances!<br />
<h3>Financial Tips for New Grads</h3><ol><li><b>Get health care coverage immediately.</b> If it hasn’t already, your parent’s health care coverage will probably end with your graduation. Get a <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/go/eHealthInsurance" rel="nofollow">quote for an individual health insurance plan</a> or sign up with your new employer’s plan. Going without coverage could have a devastating effect on your finances if you have a severe illness or accident. Make this the first thing you do… and don’t put it off!</li>
<li><b>Get your own home and auto insurance.</b> Now that you aren’t a student, you’ll need to get your own auto and renters insurance policies. Start by calling your current insurer, you might be eligible for a discount based on the length of time you’ve been with the company, but don’t forget to <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/shopping-insurance-and-landing-at-allstate/">shop around</a> to save on insurance premiums.</li>
<li><b>Save money for your future self.</b> Join the retirement plan at work. If you are young and your company offers it, you may want to explore the <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/roth-401k-what-is-it/">Roth 401k</a> at work. In addition to your plan at work, begin saving money on your own for both retirement and other goals. Now may be the perfect opportunity to save a lot and use the <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/reverse-strategy-decreasing-contribution-percent/">reverse savings strategy</a> before you have lots of financial obligations (kids, house, etc.)</li>
<li><b>Start an emergency fund. </b> Earmark some of your first dollars from your new job to build up a savings account to serve as an emergency fund. You never know when an emergency will hit, but it is inevitable.</li>
<li><b>Learn about taxes.</b> What? I know, this isn’t a fun one. However, hopefully you’re going to go from a poor college student to an highly paid worker. With that luxury comes higher taxes. Educate yourself about taxes, and you’ll be able to take advantage of incentives and deductions to cut your tax bill. Pay particular attention to the student loan interest deduction and the <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/savers-tax-credit/">savers credit for retirement savings contributions</a>.</li>
<li><b>Begin payments on student loans.</b> Begin paying your student loans right away. Your future self will thank you.</li>
<li><b>Handle credit cards wisely.</b> Use credit cards carefully to earn <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/cash-rewards-credit-cards/">cash rewards</a>. Always pay your balance in full every month. If you ran up some credit card debt while in school, begin paying it off aggressively. To save interest while paying it off you may want to transfer the balance to a <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/0-balance-transfer-credit-card-offers/">0% balance transfer credit card</a> or explore other ideas in <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/7-ways-to-payoff-credit-card-debt/">how to payoff credit card debt</a>.</li>
<li><b>Create savings goals. </b> Before you commit your paycheck away, <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/create-your-own-dollar-plan-step-1/">create savings goals</a>. As a new grad, you may want to focus on retirement or a downpayment for a house.</li>
<li><b>Spend money slowly.</b> It can be very tempting with a new job to buy a new car and rent a fancy apartment. Not so fast! Wait a few months to see how your finances work out. My husband found this out the hard way.</li>
<li><b>Follow your heart.</b> Did you meet the man or woman of your dreams at school? If so, and you are planning a wedding in the future, don’t forget to check out frugal tips for <a href="http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2008/02/25/save-money-buy-an-engagement-ring-online/">the ring</a> and <a href="http://www.mydollarplan.com/its-wedding-season-tips-to-keep-the-costs-down/">the wedding</a>.</li>
</ol><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-57785791432896588192012-03-10T17:19:00.001-08:002012-03-12T08:55:36.062-07:00The New Freshman 15: Financial Tips for College Students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icRTqdlxweA/T14cTH_2OlI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Lx4gAhfmItA/s1600/Freshman+ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icRTqdlxweA/T14cTH_2OlI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Lx4gAhfmItA/s320/Freshman+ac.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Forget the "freshman 15," the dreaded additional pounds freshmen frequently pack on when they settle into life on their own. More important are the 15 smart financial moves you need to know to get through freshman year and beyond without racking up unnecessary debt. <br />
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"Waiting until after college to take control of your finances could cost you," says Nick Certo, senior vice president in University Banking at PNC Bank. <br />
"And like any good fitness regimen, getting started is half the battle."<br />
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<div id="inContent" style="color: #c00000;"> <br />
<form action="" id="qas_dfp_frm" method="get" name="qas_dfp_frm" target=""></form></div>Here's how to pass finance 101.<br />
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1. Be careful with credit</b><br />
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Free T-shirts are the late-night burritos of finances, Certo says. "They look good now, but you'll pay later. Think twice before signing up just to score some cool swag," he says.<br />
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It's not worth it to saddle yourself with a high-interest, annual-fee credit card that you don't need. Buy a T-shirt instead, and your bank account will thank you later, says Jackie Warrick, the chief savings officer at CouponCabin.com.<br />
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Remember that a credit card doesn't equal free money. If you can handle a credit card, start with a $1,000-limit card that offers points or other rewards and pay your balance monthly. "Don't look at your credit limit as a goal for spending," says Steve Weisman, a senior lecturer at Bentley University. "Carrying too high a balance on your card can hurt your credit and cost you more." Late fees can add up quickly. <br />
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Research which card makes the most sense given your spending habits and paying ability. Look at the annual percentage rate, annual fee, grace period and penalty fees, says Todd Mark, vice president of education for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas.<br />
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Also, keep track of your credit score and your <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com/">credit report</a>. <br />
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<b>2. Stick to a budget</b><br />
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Make a budget. You don't have to go crazy with the details. Just outline how much money you receive monthly and what you need to spend. "Include an allowance for walking around money, and don't just go to the ATM for more than you budgeted, or you will frequently run out of money before you run out of month," says Burton Speer, a certified public accountant with Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co.<br />
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Then, track your spending to make sure you're sticking to your budget. "Unlike the federal government, you can't just print more money," Speer says. "Spending less is often easier than earning more."<br />
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Check out your bank's website budgeting tools, as well as software programs like Quicken, to help keep your budget on track.<br />
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And take extra care of your wallet when you're out partying. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and dish out more than you want to spend when you're having fun. "When going out with friends, decide ahead of time how much you can afford to spend, leave the rest behind," says Tahira Hira, professor of personal finance and consumer economics at Iowa State University.<br />
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<b>3. Save early and often</b><br />
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In your 20s, you have a small window of opportunity to wield the power of compounded interest. Consider this: If you save $3,000 a year when you're between 20 and 30 years old, put the money into an IRA with a 7% average annualized rate of return and never save again, you'll have $442,000 by the time you're 65, calculates Nicole Rutledge, a certified financial planner with Resource Consulting Group. <br />
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However, if you wait to begin saving until you're 30 years old and put in $3,000 each year until you're 65, you'll end up with only $283,000 at the same rate of return. That's 35% less than if you had just saved the money in your 20s, even though you'd have put in more than three times the amount of money.<br />
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So save regularly now. Skip a pizza or a couple of pitchers of beer a week and save for emergencies and retirement. Just save.<br />
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4. Take advantage of student perks<br />
</b><br />
Don't spend extra money on food if you have a cafeteria. Research college meal plans, which can be much cheaper than outside meals. "It might not be offering the meal you want, but that's another charge you won't have to make," Mark says. <br />
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And when you do go out, take advantage of any student discounts at businesses or venues you frequent.<br />
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<b>5. Pay less for textbooks</b><br />
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The average student can pay $1,000 a year for books, an often unexpected high cost for college freshmen, says Michael Geller, vice president of marketing for BookRenter.com. <br />
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Don't buy new books at the campus bookstore. Campus prices are almost always higher than at online retailers like Amazon.com or eBay.com, says certified financial planner Derrick Kinney. Consider renting textbooks at your school's bookstore or from sites like Chegg.com. Renting books or buying them used can save you 50%. <br />
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If you're using an online site, sign up for a rebate program, such as Ebates.com, which gives money back on each purchase. And remember to sell used books back at the end of the semester. <br />
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<b>6. Borrow as little as possible</b><br />
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The average college student leaves school with about $23,000 in debt. "Borrow just enough to pay for your legitimate college costs," Hira says. "Explore all options. A student loan should be your last resort." <br />
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<div id="inContent" style="color: #c00000;"> </div>If you do borrow money, make sure you fully understand the cost and other terms of the loan before signing on the dotted line. The cheapest loans come from the federal government, says Ruth Vedvik, principal at Hardwick-Day, an enrollment consulting firm. And because federal interest rates are set, you know how much debt you're taking on, she says. <br />
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Remember to start looking into funding early and to submit applications before the deadlines. Search online for scholarships, grants and other financial aid based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, the type of degree you want or other relevant criteria, suggests Ornella Grosz, author of <i>Moneylicious: A Financial Clue for Generation Y.</i> <br />
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Also consider working part time, which can decrease the amount you have to borrow.<br />
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<b>7. Get organized</b><br />
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Little things can chip away at your budget. Avoid parking fines or late fees for library books or videos and CDs rentals, for example, says Cheryl Smith, financial adviser with JHS Capital Advisors.<br />
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Also, nail down your schedule early. "Many students wander into each semester and don't meet with their adviser and figure out which classes to take," says Rachel Cruze, host of the Graduate Survival Guide. "This can be costly when it comes time to register. If a class fills up before you can get in, you may have to take it during summer school or even stay an extra semester."<br />
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<b>8. Avoid unnecessary fees<br />
</b><br />
Avoid paying extra ATM fees by researching your bank's ATM availability on campus. These small fees can add up. After all, if both your bank and the bank hosting the ATM charges a $1 fee for each $10 withdrawal, that amounts to a cost of 20%, says Kathryn Mullaney, vice president for finance at St. Lawrence University. <br />
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If your bank doesn't have a branch in your college town, it might be smart to open an account at a different bank so you can get cash without paying those fees.<br />
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Overdraft fees range from $35 to $50, so consider getting overdraft protection to avoid those charges, even if it means asking a parent to sign up for the account with you, Mullaney says. <br />
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<b>9. Use technology wisely</b><br />
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Set up text and email alerts for your bank accounts and credit cards to help you keep tabs on your spending and avoid missing payment dates. "It's an easy way to stay in-the-know about your own finances," says Justine Rivero, credit adviser at CreditKarma.com. "Plus you can make sure you don't ruin your credit by missing a payment or maxing out your credit card." <br />
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<b>10. Protect yourself from fraud</b><br />
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Research conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research found that it takes 18- to 24-year-olds nearly twice as long to detect fraud compared to other age groups, making them fraud victims for longer periods of time. Young adults are also more likely to fall victim to fraud and identity theft by people they know. Living in a dorm, where other students or strangers might easily access a student's room, also ups the need for vigilance.<br />
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Take advantage of services that allow you to monitor your accounts regularly, such as by reviewing statements online or using mobile banking to see a snapshot of your account information, suggests Secil Watson, senior vice president at Wells Fargo Internet Services Group. Students can also forward sensitive mail, like financial information, to their parents' homes.<br />
<b><br />
11. "Insure" success<br />
</b><br />
Parents can help you save money through <a href="http://www.iii.org/press_releases/if-your-child-is-headed-off-to-college-remember-to-study-the-insurance-implications.html,%20www.gradguard.com,%20www.ehealthinsurance.com">insurance</a>. June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USAA, advises parents to re-evaluate their insurance when a child heads to college. "The increased liability of a child away at school potentially opens the door to a number of financially catastrophic events," she says. "Re-examining your family's insurance needs in the wake of a college-bound child can not only safeguard your finances, but even lead you to insurance savings."<br />
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Homeowner's policies provide limited coverage of children's personal property, and usually come with a large deductible. Opting for a renter's insurance policy provides better coverage with lower deductibles, Walbert says.<br />
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If your child is taking a car with them, update the usage. If school is 100 miles away or further, some insurers will offer a discount. Insurers also usually provide discounts for students with B averages or better.<br />
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<b>12. Capitalize on coupons</b><br />
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It's no longer geeky to clip coupons. "Don't think your friends will mock you and call you a coupon-clipping grandma if you use coupons or deals," Warrick says. "They'll probably be jealous of the additional money you'll have to spend for next week's party."<br />
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Daily deal sites like Groupon offer deals on dining out and other services that can help you maintain your budget. And if you have unused gift cards you don't want, you can trade them for cash on sites like <a href="http://www.cardcash.com/" target="_blank">CardCash.com</a> and <a href="http://www.coupontrade.com/" target="_blank">CouponTrade.com</a>.<br />
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<b>13. Master relationships</b><br />
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Personal relationships that you make now can turn into business relationships in the future, says Dan Greenshields, president of ING <a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/ing-groep-n-v/ing/nys" target="_blank">(ING) </a>Direct Investing. Make friends and also find a mentor in your desired field to get career advice. Being social now could boost your prospects in the future. <br />
<b><br />
14. Invest in your future self<br />
</b><br />
Seek out internships and volunteer. Learn skills that will help you land a job later. Employers are increasingly expecting more from candidates. Investing in yourself as a freshman will pay you back for years to come, Greenshields says.<br />
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<b>15. Set limits</b><br />
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If you're going to spend more than $50 on something, figure out if you really need it. The $50 dollar limit, Cruze says, is a good point to stop and ask yourself if you can do without it. "Is the restaurant too expensive?" she says. "Do you really need that video game now, or will it drop down 30% in three months? Ask yourself what you can do without."ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-47209220819638488192012-03-10T17:10:00.000-08:002012-03-10T17:10:59.745-08:0010 Financial Tips For Young People<div class="body"><span class="body">If I could go back in time, I would do certain things differently. I'm not saying I have a lot of regrets. But when I was younger, I tended to have myopic vision. For instance, it was hard to imagine that one day I would be older. Even today, sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder, who the hell is that?</span></div><div class="body">I wish that, when I was younger, someone had sat me down and told me a few things. Or else I wish that I'd listened when someone attempted to do this.</div><div class="body">If you're young, take a seat and listen up. These gems will help you on your quest for financial success.</div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">1. Go to college.</span> You may want to do something that doesn't require a college degree. For instance, you may dream of playing professional golf or running a barn and training horses. But give serious consideration to enrolling in college anyway. Yes, it's a major investment, but if your parents are unable to help you pay for it, make it happen yourself, even if it means taking out loans. One way to save on costs: Go to a community college first; then transfer to a four-year university after two years. </div><div class="body">It's easier to get a degree when you're young than when you have a home, family and all the adult responsibilities that go with these things. Your earnings potential increases significantly with a college degree -- which will come in handy if your other dreams don't materialize. Plus, you will likely experience a love of learning that you will never outgrow.</div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">2. Find your purpose.</span> If you're having trouble figuring out what you want to do with your life, look within. You were born with certain talents and natural abilities. You know which subjects you excel in and which ones you struggle with. Choose a career that enables you to maximize your gifts in a way that fulfills you or helps others. As you grow, your career may change along with your desires. But for now, gravitate toward a field that feels like home. </div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">3. Begin retirement planning with your first job.</span> This tip is so important. If the company you work for offers a 401(k) plan, sign up at your first opportunity. If there's no such plan, divert some of your paycheck into an IRA. Believe it or not, if you're lucky, one day you'll find you are older, so it's best to be prepared. Setting up automatic contributions to either one of these retirement vehicles at a young age will help you build wealth painlessly. </div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="body">Just as an example, let's say you invest $200 a month beginning at age 25, and you earn 7 percent annually on that money. By the time you turn 65, you will have about $525,000 saved up. If you wait until you're 35 to begin saving, assuming the same monthly investment and rate of return, you'll have amassed less than half that amount -- about $244,000. This illustration simply shows the impact that a 10-year head start can make on your savings, thanks to the magic of compounding. Do the math yourself with Bankrate's retirement calculator. </span><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="body"><span class="body">Naturally, the more you earn, the more you can stash away. A better way to invest: Rather than target a specific monthly dollar amount, sock away 7 percent of your earnings in the beginning, and increase it each year a little bit until you're diverting 15 percent a year.</span></div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">4. Place a value on money.</span> It doesn't buy happiness, but it can certainly make you comfortable. Just understand what it's worth. Money is what you earn in exchange for your time in some productive pursuit. Let's say you earn $20 an hour at your job, and you're considering purchasing a TV for $500. You may calculate that you spend 25 hours, or about three days, earning that money. It's worth it, you may think. But that's not an accurate value estimate. If you're single, you're in the 25-percent tax bracket, so you actually spend about 33 hours earning the net income required to make the purchase. It still may be worth it, but there may be competing demands for that money, such as rent and car payments, not to mention your retirement fund. Each purchase represents a trade-off. Make these decisions wisely. </div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">5. Use the credit card sparingly.</span> This tip is also really vital. Bankrate receives tons of letters from strapped consumers who regretfully overused their credit cards and now find themselves in really dire financial situations, some contemplating bankruptcy. It's easy to spend now with plastic and much harder to pay later. Use credit responsibly. <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/rate/brm_ccsearch_advanced.asp" target="_blank">Comparison shop for your card</a>. Remember that you'll be relying on your future earnings to pay for today's credit card purchases. And if you keep a running balance, you'll also be paying interest, sometimes at usurious rates. Don't fall into this trap. Instead: Save money to meet financial goals. </div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">6. Follow the golden rule.</span> Contrary to popular belief, the duplicity and craftiness of Machiavellian tactics won't really help you survive, but instead will engender mistrust in your relationships. Treat others fairly, the way you wish to be treated. No one looks good when trying to make others look bad. When you're on the job, avoid gossip. Beware that when someone takes you into his or her confidence to point out someone else's foibles, it's only a matter of time before your foibles come to light. Always be honest in your dealings with others. Seek out the company of people who are positive and supportive of your efforts. </div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="leadin">7. Select your partner wisely.</span><span class="body">Choose someone whose values match your own -- not just where money is concerned, but more importantly, ethical and moral values. Get to know your soul mate over the course of at least a year. Passion is important, but trust more so. Make sure you are free to be yourself. If you hook up with an angry or overly critical partner, you will be subjected to hostility and may lose your sense of self. Conversely, if you're the one with anger issues, resolve them before they poison a perfectly good relationship.</span><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="body"><span class="leadin">8. Be prepared for the unexpected.</span><span class="body">Someday you may lose a job through no fault of your own. Prepare today by stashing money into an accessible emergency fund. The easiest way to do this is to automatically divert a portion of your earnings into a savings account in addition to the amount you're contributing to a <nobr>401(k)</nobr> plan or IRA. </span></div><div class="body">Try not to use that <nobr>401(k)</nobr> money for emergencies. It will cost you plenty, between income and penalty taxes. For instance, if you have $10,000 in your account and you're in the 25-percent tax bracket, you'll lose $2,500 to taxes, plus pay another $1,000 penalty for breaking into the money before you reach age 55. (For IRAs, the early withdrawal penalty applies up to age 59½, with certain exceptions.) Bottom line: Your $10,000 dwindles to $6,500. Worse, you will have lost the opportunity for that money to compound and build wealth for your retirement. </div><div class="body">But don't leave that money behind with the former employer either, lest you lose track of it. Instead, in a trustee-to-trustee transfer, roll it over into your new employer's plan or into a rollover IRA. </div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">9. Learn about investing or hire help.</span> It's not rocket science; in the beginning you just need to overcome fear and select one or two good, cheap mutual funds. Ask the human resources department for help with that. After you've amassed some wealth, it may be time to hire someone. If you do, you will obviously have to pay for the service. Get referrals and then check out the qualifications and credentials of a prospective financial adviser or broker. </div><div class="body">Make sure you understand the fee structure of the services. Is it commission-based or do you pay an hourly fee or a percentage of assets or some combination of these fees? Ask for a complete breakdown. Also, check with the appropriate authority to see if any disciplinary actions have been taken against a <a href="http://www.cfp-board.org/learn/disciplineactions.asp" target="_blank">certified financial planner</a> or <a href="http://www.nasd.com/web/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=469&ssSourceNodeId=13" target="_blank">broker</a> before you initiate contact. The Financial Planning Association's Web site is a good starting point to search for a <a href="http://www.fpanet.org/plannersearch/plannersearch.cfm" target="_blank">qualified planner</a>. </div><div class="body"><span class="leadin">10. Be thankful for your good fortune.</span> It's not all about money. If you work at it, you will have abundance -- through strong family ties and solid relationships as well as monetary assets. Take some time out each day to reflect on the good in your life. Spend at least one day a week in a recreational activity or hobby that you enjoy, and take a minimum one-week vacation annually if you possibly can. My aunt Genie advises that you travel throughout your life, rather than waiting for retirement to do it. Again, save for the trip. </div><div class="body">If you have children, spend as much time as you can with them when they're still young and dependent on you. Before you know it, they'll be old enough to get a driver's license, and you'll see less and less of them from that point on. </div><div class="body"><i>Longtime financial journalist Barbara Mlotek Whelehan earned a certificate of specialization in financial planning.</i></div><div class="body"><i>If you have a comment or suggestion about this column, write to <a href="mailto:boomerbucks@bankrate.com" target="_blank">Boomer Bucks</a>. </i></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
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</div></div></div></div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-63637870450278531552012-03-10T17:05:00.000-08:002012-03-10T17:05:02.484-08:00Suze Orman's 10 Tips for a Fresh Financial Start<b>1. No Blame, No Shame</b> <br />
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The foundation of a financial fresh start actually has nothing to do with money or specific financial dos and don'ts. The first, and most difficult, step is to absolve yourself and your spouse or partner of any guilt. So you need to make a promise to me. I need you to agree that the past is past, and we are going to focus on the future. Whatever mistakes you feel you have made with money, whatever moves you wish you had or hadn't made, are irrelevant. We are free to move forward only when we remove the emotional shackles of regret. This cleansing step is especially important for couples. You are in this together, so no finger-pointing or arguing about any past decisions. Do we have a deal? Deep breath, everyone. Exhale. Now you are ready to put your financial house in order.<br />
<b>2. Take a Snapshot of Your Finances</b> <br />
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It's impossible to map out a route to your destination if you don't know where you're starting from. So let's take a "before" picture of your finances. You've heard me say this a million times, but I want you to open every single financial statement—bank, credit card, mortgage, 401(k), brokerage account—and take a look. Only when you have everything in front of you can you set priorities about what to do next. If you're vexed by your checking account (you swear you should have more money; you can never figure out why your checks bounce), start fresh by opening a new one. Leave enough in your existing account to cover any checks that haven't yet been processed, then transfer the rest to the new account and close the old one. Next, sign up for online banking. It should be free, and as long as you use your home computer, it's also safe. The advantage of online banking is that you can pay bills superfast, and your account is automatically credited or debited for each deposit and payment, making it easier to stay on track. <br />
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3. Adopt a Foolproof Credit Card Strategy</b> <br />
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Make this the year you tackle that credit card debt once and for all. Doing so will make you and your family stronger and happier—forever. What happens to the stock market and the housing market is completely beyond your control. Credit card debt, however, is completely within your control. Every time you pay off a card with a 15 percent interest rate, you get a 15 percent return on your money. <br />
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See if you can qualify for a balance transfer card that offers a low or 0 percent introductory interest rate for the first six to 12 months. If you can get a good deal, move your high-rate debt to that new card. Do not use the card for any new charges, and push yourself hard to pay off the balance as soon as possible. If you don't qualify, no worries. Always pay the minimum due on each card, on time, every month. Whenever possible, send in some extra money on the card that charges the highest interest rate. Your goal is to get the costliest balance paid off first. When the first card is cleared, direct your payments to the card with the next highest interest rate. Keep doing this until you've zeroed out the balances on all your cards.<br />
<strong>4. Try Harder to Save</strong><br />
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When I suggest that people send in more money to pay off credit card balances or increase the amount they save each month for retirement, I hear the same sad story: "Oh, Suze, I would if I could, but I can't because there's no extra money left at the end of the month." I beg to differ. There's no money left because you haven't evaluated your spending habits. You need to dig deep and be willing to change those habits; to set goals and use those goals as the motivation for lifestyle changes that will allow you to save and invest. Take a clear-eyed look at your credit card statements for the past six months. Can you really tell me that there isn't at least $50 or $100 showing up that you could easily do without? I didn't think so. I call this "hidden money," and here's how you can find it.<br />
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I challenge you to reduce every one of your monthly utility bills by 10 percent. Change your calling plan or get rid of the landline account unless you absolutely need it. Dial back the platinum cable package to silver. I bet you can seriously trim your utilities by spending one afternoon increasing your home's energy efficiency: Attach a draft-blocking guard to the bottom of any external doors; add caulk or weatherproofing material around drafty windows; put low-flow aerators on your showerheads and faucets; and replace burned-out bulbs with compact fluorescent energy savers (they're pricier than conventional bulbs but last much longer, saving you money over the long term).<br />
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Cars are another great place to save. Plan on driving yours for at least seven to ten years (regular tune-ups will help keep it running longer). Consider buying a used or certified pre-owned car rather than a brand new one. If you get a three-year loan, you have plenty of life left in your car, and money that once went to car payments is freed up for other financial needs. And please, avoid leasing. Since you don't own the car, you never have a time when you are driving your car free and clear. Also, raising your deductible or designating one car to be used for low-mileage driving (under 15,000 miles a year) can reduce your insurance premiums by 15 percent or more.<br />
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5. Separate Savings from Investments</b><br />
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Now we're ready to move on to how you put your money to work for you and your family. There is a vitally important difference between money you need to save and money you need to invest, yet it's a distinction many people don't grasp. Money you know you need or want to spend in the next few years is savings. Money you keep handy for an emergency belongs in savings. Money you hope to use soon for a down payment on a house belongs in savings. And all savings belong in a low-risk bank savings account or money market account. The goal is to keep your money safe so that when you go to use it, it will be there.<br />
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Money you won't need to use for at least seven years is money for investing. The goal here is to have your account grow over time to help you finance a distant goal, such as building a retirement fund. Since your goal is in the future, money for investing belongs in stocks. As I'll explain later, the potential inflation-beating returns that only stocks can deliver make them the right choice for a successful long-term investment strategy.<br />
<strong>6. Know Your Credit Score</strong><br />
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The big takeaway from the meltdown of 2008 is that banks are going to be a lot less eager to lend money to you. You will need a sparkling financial personality: a FICO score above 700, solid verifiable income, a manageable amount of existing debt—to get good offers for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and refinancings. And you can expect lenders to continue to tighten the screws on your existing credit lines; all the credit they loved to give you before 2008 now makes them nervous. Get your credit score by going to MyFico.com. If your score is below 700, two of the best ways to improve it are to pay your bills on time and push yourself to reduce your credit card balances.<br />
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<b>7. Evaluate Your Retirement Plan</b> <br />
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If your 401(k) and Roth IRA lost value in 2008, that's a good sign. It means you were invested in stocks, and that's exactly where you should be invested—assuming your retirement is at least a decade away. Only stocks offer the chance of high returns that outpace the annual 3 to 4 percent inflation rate. In your 20s and 30s, aim to keep 80 percent in stocks and just 20 percent in bonds; you have time to ride out stock swings. As you age, slowly ramp up the percentage in bonds; in your 50s and 60s, consider keeping 40 percent or more in bonds to help buoy your portfolio when stocks are slumping. The biggest mistake you can make is to stop investing in your retirement accounts or to shift money from stocks into "safe" money market accounts. <br />
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Instead of worrying that your account is down, remember that your money buys more shares of your retirement funds. The more shares you own now, the more you will make when the market recovers. Buy and hold is the way to go. <br />
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Here's some perspective: The 2008 market slide is the tenth bear market (commonly accepted as a decline of at least 20 percent) since 1950. If you'd put your money in stocks in 1950 and stayed invested through the ups and downs, your average annual return through 2007 would have been more than 10 percent. That's not to say you can count on an average of 10 percent over the next 50 or so years (7 to 8 percent is probably more realistic), but it illustrates how keeping focused on the long term pays off.<br />
<strong>8. Diversify Your Assests</strong><br />
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Try to reduce any company stock you own in your 401(k) to less than 10 percent of your total retirement assets. Just ask employees of Enron, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, and Washington Mutual how smart it was to make big bets on their own stock. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are ideal for retirement savings because they own dozens of stocks in their portfolios.<br />
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If you're flummoxed by all the investing options in your 401(k), look for a "target retirement" or "life cycle" fund. Then pick the specific portfolio that dovetails with your expected retirement age and you're all set; you will be invested in a mix of stock and bond funds appropriate for your age. You can also invest your Roth IRA in these types of funds; Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, and Vanguard all offer these one-and-done options.<br />
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9. Don't Obsess Over Your Home's Value</b> <br />
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If you own a house and can afford the mortgage, consider yourself lucky. Try to love your home for what it is: a haven for you and your family, not a path to riches. Unless you bought at the height of the market in a super-popular region that has gone Ice Age–cold, you're going to be fine. And even if you did buy at the peak, if you plan on staying put for five to 10 years, the real estate market will recover with time. But let's be clear: A home is not an investment that will fund your retirement or vacations. The 10 or 20 percent annual gains during the housing boom were temporary insanity. Buy a house you can really afford, and over time it will rise in value. But its main value is as a home. Period.<br />
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If you got caught buying into the housing bubble and are now in mortgage trouble, talk to the lender about your options. Don't raid your retirement accounts to keep up with the payments. What happens when the retirement accounts run dry? You still won't be able to cover the mortgage, and you will have lost all your future security.<br />
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10. Protect Your Family—and Your Nest Egg</strong><br />
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If there is anyone dependent on your income—parents, children, relatives—you need life insurance. For the vast majority of us, term life insurance is all we need, because it protects you for the "term" of the policy (from five to 30 years) and is incredibly inexpensive. As always, it's important to buy a policy from a firm with a strong financial rating, but even if an insurance company runs into trouble, your state insurance department has funds set aside to help protect you. I also want you to get your estate papers in order. You should have a living revocable trust (this document spells out how your assets should be distributed) with an incapacity clause, as well as a will. Also, have an "advance medical directive" in place that tells your doctors the type of care you want if you become unable to speak for yourself. <br />
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Finally, every family should have an emergency savings account that can cover at least eight months of living expenses. And I also want every woman to have her own personal savings account that could support her for at least three months, because you never know. The best place for your savings is an FDIC-insured bank (or a credit union backed by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund). If you keep less than $100,000 at an FDIC bank, no matter what happens to the bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (part of the U.S. government) will make sure you get every penny back. Online banks that are FDIC insured are just as safe as the bank downtown. (Please note: The emergency federal legislation passed last October increased the FDIC insurance limit to $250,000 through December 2009. But to be extra safe, keep no more than $100,000 in any single bank.)<br />
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Feel better? Follow these steps and no matter what the future brings, you will be in control of your financial destiny. And there's nothing more valuable.<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
Read more: <a href="http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Ormans-10-Tips-for-a-Fresh-Financial-Start/5#ixzz1ofgWm49R" style="color: #003399;">http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Ormans-10-Tips-for-a-Fresh-Financial-Start/5#ixzz1ofgWm49R</a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-52678902102276791632012-03-10T16:56:00.000-08:002012-03-10T16:56:50.347-08:008 Financial Tips For Young AdultsUnfortunately, personal finance has not yet become a required subject in high school or college, so you might be fairly clueless about how to manage your money when you're out in the real world for the first time. If you think that understanding personal finance is way above your head, though, you're wrong. All it takes to get started on the right path is the willingness to do a little reading - you don't even need to be particularly good at math. <br />
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To help you get started, we'll take a look at eight of the most important things to understand about money if you want to live a comfortable and prosperous life.<br />
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</strong><br />
<ol><li><strong>Learn Self Control</strong></li>
</ol>If you're lucky, your parents taught you this skill when you were a kid. If not, keep in mind that the sooner you learn the fine art of delaying gratification, the sooner you'll find it easy to keep your finances in order. Although you can effortlessly purchase an item on <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/credit.asp">credit</a> the minute you want it, it's better to wait until you've actually saved up the money. Do you really want to pay interest on a pair of jeans or a box of cereal? (To learn more about credit, check out <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/01/061301.asp">Understanding Credit Card Interest</a> </em>and our <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/features/debtmanagement.aspx">Debt Management</a> feature.)<br />
If you make a habit of putting all your purchases on <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/creditcard.asp">credit cards</a>, regardless of whether you can pay your bill in full at the end of the month, you might still be paying for those items in 10 years. If you want to keep your credit cards for the convenience factor or the rewards they offer, make sure to always pay your balance in full when the bill arrives, and don't carry more cards than you can keep track of.<br />
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<div class="article-section two"><br />
<li><strong>Take Control of Your Own Financial Future</strong>If you don't learn to manage your own money, other people will find ways to (mis)manage it for you. Some of these people may be ill-intentioned, like unscrupulous <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commission.asp">commission</a>-based financial planners. Others may be well-meaning, but may not know what they're doing, like Grandma Betty who really wants you to buy a house even though you can only afford a treacherous <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/arm.asp">adjustable-rate mortgage</a>.<br />
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Instead of relying on others for advice, take charge and read a few basic books on personal finance. Once you're armed with personal finance knowledge, don't let anyone catch you off guard - whether it's a significant other that slowly siphons your bank account or friends who want you to go out and blow tons of money with them every weekend. Understanding how money works is the first step toward making your money work for you. (To find out how to have fun and still save money, see <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/younginvestors/08/friends-budget.asp">Budget Without Blowing Off Your Friends</a></em>.)<br />
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<li><strong>Know Where Your Money Goes</strong>Once you've gone through a few personal finance books, you'll realize how important it is to make sure your <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/expense.asp">expenses</a> aren't exceeding your <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/income.asp">income</a>. The best way to do this is by <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/budget.asp">budgeting</a>. Once you see how your morning java adds up over the course of a month, you'll realize that making small, manageable changes in your everyday expenses can have just as big of an impact on your financial situation as getting a raise. In addition, keeping your recurring monthly expenses as low as possible will also save you big bucks over time. If you don't waste your money on a posh apartment now, you might be able to afford a nice condo or a house before you know it. (Read more on budgeting in our <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/features/budget.aspx">Budgeting 101</a> special feature.)<br />
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<li><strong>Start an Emergency Fund</strong> <br />
One of personal finance's oft-repeated mantras is "<a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/payyourselffirst.asp">pay yourself first</a>". No matter how much you owe in student loans or credit card debt and no matter how low your salary may seem, it's wise to find some amount - any amount - of money in your budget to save in an <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/emergency_fund.asp">emergency fund</a> every month.<br />
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Having money in savings to use for emergencies can really keep you out of trouble financially and help you sleep better at night. Also, if you get into the habit of saving money and treating it as a non-negotiable monthly "expense", pretty soon you'll have more than just emergency money saved up: you'll have retirement money, vacation money and even money for a home down payment.<br />
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Don't just sock away this money under your mattress; put it in a high-interest online <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/savingsaccount.asp">savings account</a>, a <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/certificateofdeposit.asp">certificate of deposit</a> or a <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/moneymarket.asp">money market</a> account. Otherwise, inflation will erode the value of your savings.<br />
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<li><strong>Start Saving for Retirement Now</strong> <br />
Just as you headed off to kindergarten with your parents' hope to prepare you for success in a world that seemed eons away, you need to prepare for your retirement well in advance. Because of the way <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/compoundinterest.asp">compound interest</a> works, the sooner you start saving, the less principal you'll have to invest to end up with the amount you need to retire, and the sooner you'll be able to call working an "option" rather than a "necessity".<br />
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<a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/employer_sponsored_plan.asp">Company-sponsored retirement plans</a> are a particularly great choice because you get to put in pretax dollars and the contribution limits tend to be high (much more than you can contribute to an individual retirement plan). Also, companies will often match part of your contribution, which is like getting free money. (To learn more, see <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/082703.asp">Understanding The Time Value Of Money</a></em> and <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/younginvestors/06/tips18to24.asp">Retirement Savings Tips For 18- To 24-Year-Olds</a></em>.)<br />
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<li><strong>Get a Grip on Taxes </strong>It's important to understand how <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/incometax.asp">income taxes</a> work even before you get your first paycheck. When a company offers you a starting salary, you need to know how to calculate whether that salary will give you enough money after taxes to meet your financial goals and obligations. Fortunately, there are plenty of online calculators that have taken the dirty work out of determining your own payroll taxes, such as <a href="http://www.paycheckcity.com/" target="_blank">Paycheck City</a>. These calculators will show you your <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/grossincome.asp">gross pay</a>, how much goes to taxes and how much you'll be left with, which is also known as <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netincome.asp">net, or take-home pay</a>. <br />
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For example, $35,000 a year in California will leave you with about $27,600 after taxes in 2008, or about $2,300 a month. By the same token, if you're considering leaving one job for another in search of a salary increase, you'll need to understand how your <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marginaltaxrate.asp">marginal tax rate</a> will affect your raise and that a salary increase from $35,000 a year to $41,000 a year won't give you an extra $6,000, or $500 per month - it will only give you an extra $4,200, or $350 per month (again, the amount will vary depending on your state of residence). Also, you'll be better off in the long run if you learn to prepare your annual <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/taxreturn.asp">tax return</a> yourself, as there is plenty of bad tax advice and misinformation floating around out there. (To learn all about your taxes, visit our <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/features/incometax.aspx">Income Tax Guide</a>.)<br />
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<li><strong>Guard Your Health</strong> <br />
If meeting monthly health <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/insurance.asp">insurance</a> premiums seems impossible, what will you do if you have to go to the emergency room, where a single visit for a minor injury like a broken bone can cost thousands of dollars? If you're uninsured, don't wait another day to apply for health insurance; it's easier than you think to wind up in a car accident or trip down the stairs. You can save money by getting quotes from different insurance providers to find the lowest rates. Also, by taking daily steps now to keep yourself healthy, like eating fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking, not consuming alcohol in excess, and even driving defensively, you'll thank yourself down the road when you aren't paying exorbitant medical bills.<br />
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<li><strong>Guard Your Wealth</strong>If you want to make sure that all of your hard-earned money doesn't vanish, you'll need to take steps to protect it. If you rent, get renter's insurance to protect the contents of your place from events like burglary or fire. <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/diinsurance.asp">Disability insurance</a> protects your greatest asset - the ability to earn an income - by providing you with a steady income if you ever become unable to work for an extended period of time due to illness or injury. <br />
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If you want help managing your money, find a fee-only financial planner to provide unbiased advice that's in your best interest, rather than a commission-based financial advisor, who earns money when you sign up with the investments his or her company backs. You'll also want to protect your money from taxes, which is easy to do with a retirement account, and inflation, which you can do by making sure that all of your money is earning interest through vehicles like high-interest savings accounts, money market funds, CDs, stocks, bonds and mutual funds. (Find out all you need to know about insurance in <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/06/insurancecontracts.asp">Understand Your Insurance Contract</a></em>, <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/five_policies.asp">Five Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have</a></em> and <em><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/younginvestors/07/rental-insurance.asp">Insurance 101 For Renters</a></em>.) </li><br />
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<strong>A Financial Basis for Life</strong>Remember, you don't need any fancy degrees or special background to become an expert at managing your finances. If you use these eight financial rules for your life, you can be as personally prosperous as the guy with the hard-won MBA. </div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-91681011072739361872012-03-01T23:29:00.003-08:002012-03-10T05:10:02.418-08:00Siasati Pengeluaran Untuk Sumbangan Wajib<div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;">SponsoredReviews bloggers earn cash advertisers build buzz <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Buat Anda yang beragama Islam, Anda kemarin ikut menyembelih binatang kurban? Kalau iya, syukur deh. Itu berarti Anda sudah melakukan hal yang tepat. Ya kan? Terus terang, minggu ini kita memang masih berada dalam suasana Idul Adha. Jadi, enggak ada salahnya kita bahas tentang hal ini kan? </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Nah, yang jadi masalah, seringkali kita tidak sadar atau bahkan lupa kalau minggu depan, atau bulan depan, prinsipnya dalam waktu yang tidak lama lagi, kita harus menyumbang atau mengambil sebagian dari harta kita untuk disumbangkan. Padahal jangan lupa, sepanjang kita hidup, sumbangan yang berkaitan dengan agama yang kita anut, apapun bentuknya, entah itu sumbangan berupa uang, barang akan terus berulang dan berulang lagi.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1099744654598643095&postID=9168101107273936187" name="more"></a> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Repotnya, walaupun kita tahu momen-momen seperti itu selalu berulang, tapi kita seringkali lupa sehingga ketika sudah waktunya kita membayar kewajiban kita, uangnya enggak ada. Gimana coba? </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Lha terus apa dong yang harus kita lakukan supaya tidak lupa? Jawaban saya sederhana, lupa sih pasti ada. Tapi ada sejumlah hal yang bisa Anda lakukan sehingga kalaupun lupa itu datang, Anda tetap bisa menyumbang. Apa saja itu? Ini dia: </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">1. Sering-sering lihat kalender untuk 3 bulan ke depan.</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Betul. Dengan sering-sering melihat kalender, maka Anda bisa tahu kapan dan apa saja kewajiban menyumbang yang harus Anda lakukan, minimal selama 3 bulan ke depan. Contoh, akhir Februari saya harus menyumbang ini, pertengahan Maret menyumbang itu, dan seterusnya. Dengan demikian, ini berarti Anda punya kesempatan untuk menyiapkan pengeluaran untuk sumbangan tersebut sejak jauh-jauh hari. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">2. Sisihkan dari Penghasilan.</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Kalau Anda menyiapkan sumbangan tersebut dari jauh-jauh hari, maka Anda bisa melakukannya dengan menyisihkan dari penghasilan yang Anda dan suami Anda dapat setiap bulannya. Cara seperti ini biasanya akan menguntungkan Anda karena ini sama saja dengan mencicil dari jauh-jauh hari. Apalagi kalau pengeluaran sumbangan Anda yang bersifat wajib tidak dilakukan setiap bulan. Dengan mencicil, beban Anda untuk menyumbang jadi terasa ringan. Ya kan? </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">3. Pisahkan dalam Rekening Khusus.</span></span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma"; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Ya dong. Kalau Anda mencampur adukkan uang yang akan disetor untuk sumbangan dengan uang Anda sehari-hari, wah.... bisa dipastikan uang itu bakalan terpakai. Jelas dong, namanya dicampuradukkan. </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Lha, terus bagaimana? Apakah Anda perlu punya rekening yang khusus diperuntukkan untuk persiapan sumbangan-sumbangan seperti ini? Mm...kalau mau punya rekening khusus sih enggak apa-apa. Tapi kalau tidak berbentuk rekening khusus juga enggak apa-apa kok. Yang paling penting, pisahkan uang itu dari uang sehari-hari Anda. Nah, bapak-ibu, mudah-mudahan dengan 3 tips di atas tadi, saya harap tidak ada lagi cerita bahwa Anda tidak bisa menyumbang. Apalagi jika sumbangan itu sebagai tabungan kelak di Akherat.</span></span></b></span></div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-44780236030147969622012-03-01T23:28:00.000-08:002012-03-01T23:28:37.872-08:00Mengelola Keuangan Si Lajang<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Ada tiga langkah yang harus dilakukan bagi para lajang dalam mengelola uang:</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="TableContents" style="margin: 0in 0in 14.15pt 35.35pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">1.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Kendalikan Jumlah Pengeluaran Anda</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Pos pengeluaran para lajang lebih sedikit dibanding yang sudah menikah. Maklum, kan belum punya tanggungan. Tapi tunggu dulu, banyak lho, kaum lajang yang sudah punya tanggungan. Misalnya, untuk membantu orang tua atau adik-adiknya. Tapi umumnya tanggungan tersebut tak sebanyak jika sudah berkeluarga.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Walau pos pengeluarannya masih sedikit, tapi cobalah kendalikan diri setiap pengeluaran Anda. Jangan merasa sebagai lajang, Anda bebas mengeluarkan uang berapa pun. Jangan punya pikiran, "mumpung masih lajang" seperti yang sering kita dengar selama ini. Justru karena Anda masih lajang, Anda harus banyak menabung demi masa depan.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin: 0in 0in 14.15pt 35.35pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">2.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Belajarlah Berinvestasi di Berbagai Tempat</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Saran saya yang berikutnya untuk Anda yang masih lajang adalah dengan mencoba belajar berinvestasi di berbagai tempat mulai sekarang. Ini menjadi sangat penting mengingat saya sering sekali melihat orang-orang memiliki penghasilan lebih baik ketika sudah berkeluarga, tetapi seringkali dana investasi mereka tidak terlalu berkembang karena mereka takut untuk berinvestasi ke berbagai tempat. Setelah diselidiki, ternyata ketika mereka masih lajang, mereka tidak menyempatkan diri untuk mau belajar berinvestasi ke tempat-tempat lain diluar tempat investasi yang sudah mereka kenal.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Padahal, saat Anda masih lajang, beban yang Anda miliki biasanya lebih ringan sehingga kalaupun mengalami kerugian dalam berinvestasi, efeknya mungkin tidak akan terlalu mengganggu karena yang mengalami kerugian toh hanya Anda sendiri kan? Beda dengan kalau Anda sudah berkeluarga, dimana kalau Anda mengalami kerugian dalam berinvestasi, yang ikut terkena getah dari kerugian itu adalah keluarga Anda.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Jadi sekali lagi, mumpung Anda masih lajang, belum memiliki banyak tanggungan, belajarlah sejak sekarang. Dalam dunia kerja, Anda mungkin sudah berpengalaman dan pintar mencari uang. Tapi ketika Anda harus menginvestasikan sebagian dari gaji Anda, anggap saja Anda anak kecil yang masih harus banyak belajar.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin: 0in 0in 14.15pt 35.35pt; text-indent: -14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">3.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Mencari Penghasilan Tambahan sejak sekarang</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Seorang lajang umumnya memiliki jumlah penghasilan yang tidak sebesar mereka yang sudah berkeluarga. Maklum mereka belum mencapai di puncak karier. Itu sebabnya, saya menyarankan, mumpung masih lajang, belajar mencari penghasilan tambahan di luar penghasilan utama Anda.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Persoalan ini penting mengingat pada beberapa kasus, ketika sudah berkeluarga dan perlu mencari uang tambahan, seseorang jadi bingung lantaran waktu lajang tak punya pengalaman apa-apa soal mencari penghasilan tambahan.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> Jadi, mumpung Anda masih lajang, masih memiliki cukup banyak waktu luang, masih bebas menentukan arah dan tujuan Anda ke depan, cobalah untuk memanfaatkan waktu untuk membangun masa depan Anda. Salah satunya lewat bekerja menambah penghasilan diluar pekerjaan utama Anda. Percayalah, walaupun saat ini Anda merasa penghasilan utama masih mencukupi, tetapi penghasilan tersebut belum tentu mencukupi ketika Anda menikah nanti kan? Sebaliknya, kalau Anda mau mencari penghasilan tambahan sejak sekarang, Anda seperti membangun sumber penghasilan cadangan, sehingga ketika menikah nanti, penghasilan Anda diharapkan akan lebih mencukupi. Bukan begitu yang diinginkan oleh setiap orang? </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma"; font-weight: 400;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Itu saja dari saya kali ini. Mudah-mudahan ketiga tips diatas bisa membantu Anda yang masih lajang untuk bisa lebih baik dalam mengelola keuangan. Salam.</span></span></span></strong></span></div><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></strong></span><strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma"; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></strong></div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-73575195668402964982012-03-01T23:27:00.000-08:002012-03-01T23:27:01.404-08:003 Alasan Penting Menabung<h5><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Seorang perencana keuangan menjelaskan beberapa pentingnya menabung serta berinvestasi. Menurutnya, alasan utama adalah karena tidak ada manusia yang bisa memprediksi masa depan.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">"Manusia tidak dapat mempredikasi masa depan. Selain itu karena kita perlu mengantisipasi kebutuhan kita," ungkap Pengamat keuangan Manuel Pakpahan, dikutip dalam bukunya "Saya tak mau jadi hamba dinar".</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Selain itu, alasan kedua yang tidak kalah penting adalah kebanyakan orang mengharapkan kehidupan yang lebih baik untuk masa depan. Ketiga adalah karena menabung/berinvestasi merupakan konsekuensi kehidupan.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">"Berapapun pendapatan bersihmu, sisihkan untuk tabungan. Investasi dan asuransi antara 10-30 persen dari pendapatan bulanan," ungkapnya.<a href="" name="more"></a></span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Menurutnya, cara yang tepat selain menyimpan sejumlah uang sebagai investasi, atau benda berharga lainnya, investasi dalam bentuk asuransi juga patut dipertimbangkan. Disebutkannya, ada empat asuransi yang layak dipertimbangkan.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">"Yang pertama adalah asuransi jiwa. Yaitu asuransi untuk pencadangan mengantisipasi kematian. Sementara itu, asuransi yang kedua adalah asuransi cacat tetap. Di mana asuransi ini untuk pencadangan menghadapi risiko kecacatan selama usia produktif," pungkasnya.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Selanjutnya, asuransi penyakit kritis juga perlu. Karena hal ini untuk mengantisipasi apabila suatu ketika kita didiagnosa mengidap penyakit kritis dalam usia produktif. Terakhir, asuransi kesehatan. Yaitu asuransi yang digunakan sebagai pencadangan apabila kita mengalami kondisi kesehatan.</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">"Di luar asuransi tersebut, sebebnarnya juga masih banyak asuransi yang peru dipertimbangkan. Di antaranya asuransi rumah dan isinya, asuransi kendaraan, dan lainnya," ungkapnya.</span></span></span></h5>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-87576702247811316012012-03-01T23:26:00.000-08:002012-03-01T23:26:11.358-08:00Kecerdasan Finansial Anak<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Dalam segala hal yang berkaitan dengan uang, jangkauan berpikir seorang anak belum seluas orang dewasa. Apa yang penting untuk Anda, belum tentu penting bagi mereka Mereka tidak selalu setuju, kemungkinan besar malahan akan membantah, juga melakukan kesalahan-kesalahan dalam mengelola uangnya adalah hal-hal yang akan Anda hadapi dalam proses mengajarkan pengelolaan uang pada anak. Namun, bukankah cara anak kita belajar tentang uang sama dengan cara kita belajar tentang uang juga hal-hal lain yang sangat penting dalam hidup ini. Yaitu dengan selangkah demi selangkah membuat makin sedikit kesalahan dan menjalani konsekuensinya. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Karena itu memaksakan logika berpikir orang dewasa kurang tepat diterapkan kepada anak-anak. Artinya jika Anda ingin mengajarkan nilai uang pada anak, tempatkan diri Anda terlebih dahulu pada posisi mereka. 3 konsep pendekatan berikut ini, mudah-mudahan bisa membantu Anda membangkitkan kecerdasan finansial untuk anak Anda</span></span><a href="" name="more"></a><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Pendekatan I : Menabung Dengan Suka Cita</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Orang tua seringkali tanpa sadar memaksa anak-anak untuk menabung. Tiap kali mereka punya uang lebih yang didapat dari nenek, paman, bibi atau bahkan Anda sendiri, tanpa sadar Anda melarang mereka untuk membelanjakannya. Mungkinkah Anda ngeri membayangkan apa yang dilakukan anak-anak jika mereka bebas membelanjakannya dan menyebabkan masalah saat mereka tidak diawasi? Hal ini menyebabkan perintah menabung dari orang tua dirasakan oleh anak malah lebih sebagai penjara tempat orang tua menahan uang milik anak-anak mereka agar tak bisa dipakai. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Kegiatan menabung adalah kegiatan yang ditujukan untuk suatu hasil dimasa depan. Uang hasil menabung tidak digunakan sekarang tetapi suatu saat nanti. Buat orang dewasa masa depan berarti bertahun-tahun kemudian, misalnya membayar uang pangkal masuk perguruna tinggi anak, membeli rumah atau persiapan pensiun. Buat anak-anak masa depan jika berkaitan denagn uang adalah ketika 6 bulan lagi bisa membeli play station sendiri, 3 bulan lagi beli jam tangan baru, atau bulan depan bisa nonton konser group musik yang digemarinya. Anak-anak bisa jadi lebih bersemangat menabung untuk jangak pendek ini. Karena itu memaksakan konsep menabung untuk masa depan dengan hitungan waktu bertahun-tahun kemudian akan sulit diterima anak-anak. Menabung dengan tujuan menyimpan uang selama mungkin, buat anak-anak sama saja dengan tidak ada kesempatan menggunakan uang tersebut. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Orang tua sebaiknya tahu, bahwa arti masa depan buat anak berbeda dengan Anda. Pahamilah bahwa waktu berjalan lebih lambat bagi anak kecil daripada bagi orang dewasa. Karena itu persepsi masa depan untuk anak adalah waktu yang tidak terlalu lama, biasanya kurang dari satu tahun, sebab jangka waktu masa depan untuk anak jauh lebih pendek daripada orang dewasa. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Menabung tidak akan memiliki arti, kecuali jika dilakukan dengan sukarela. Jika orang tua secara otomatis menyita uang anak, entah itu hadiah berupa uang atau uang saku dan memasukannya ke celengan atau ke bank, anak Anda tak akan menganggap bagian yang disitu itu miliknya, terutama jika tujuan Anda adalah menabung untuk membayar sekolah atau pengeluaran lain yang buat anak-anak masih jauh didepan. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Kita sendiri sebagai orang tua tidak menganggap menabung untuk diri kita sebagai bentuk hukuman. Kita yakin menabung akan membuat hidup kita lebih baik dan bahwa hasilnya akan bisa kita nikmati. Jika kita sedikit mengorbankan pengeluaran saat ini, kita yakin pada masa yang bisa diperkirakan, kita akan bisa membeli mobil yang lebih bagus, pindah ke rumah yang lebih besar, mengirim anak-anak kita ke perguruan tinggi favorit, atau pensiun dini. Dengan kata lain, kita menabung untuk alasan egois. Kita membelanjakan lebih sedikit uang sekarang agar bisa membelanjakan lebih banyak uang pada masa yang akan datang. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Karena itu untuk memotivasi anak-anak agar mau belajar menabung, maka mereka memerlukan alasan egois yang masuk akal bagi mereka. Agar bisa menarik bagi anak-anak, menabung harus bisa membuat hidup anak-anak lebih baik dan bisa mewujudkan tujuan keuangannya, sama seperti yang Anda rasakan. Manfaat itu juga harus dapat dirasakan pada masa yang bagi anak-anak terasa masuk akal, alih-alih ditekan sejauh mungkin ke masa depan yang tidak ada dalam alam pikiran anak-anak. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Konsep Kebebasan Mengambil Keputusan</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Anak-anak perlu mengendalikan uang mereka sendiri. Mengapa? Karena jika uang yang mereka belanjakan bukan benar-benar milik mereka, anak-anak tak punya alasan yang memaksa untuk memperhatikan bagaimana menghabiskannya. Anak-anak yang seringkali merengek minta orang tuanya membelikan sesuatu menandakan dia tidak peduli dan kurang bertanggung jawab dengan uang orang tuanya, dan untuk apa mereka bertanggung jawab, toh itu bukan uang mereka? Akan tetapi, anak-anak sangat berhati-hati dalam membelanjakan uang mereka sendiri. Bukan berarti semua diperbolehkan. Selama masih dalam batas perilaku yang dibolehkan, anak sebaiknya diperbolehkan untuk mengambil keputusan sendiri dan Anda mungkin bisa menawarkan saran berdasarkan pengalaman terhadap keputusannya. Anak-anak yang tidak memilki kontrol atas uang mereka sendiri tidak punya alasan untuk tidak meminta uang dan akan segera menghamburkan uang yang mereka dapatkan. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Memegang kendali atas uang mereka sendiri memaksa anak-anak melawan dan menimbang keinginan mereka yang sebenarya. Hal ini juga membebaskan orang tua dari keharusan peran yang selalu menghakimi dan menasihati dalam masalah keuangan keluarga. Jika anak Anda ingin membeli mainan, dia tidak perlu meyakinkan Anda bahwa pembelian itu berguna, tetapi dia harus meyakinkan dirinya sendiri. Dan jika dia memutuskan untuk meminta pendapat Anda, dia tahu pendapat Anda akan cukup adil. Sehingga pertanyaan yang harus dijawab anak Anda bukanlah “Bagaimana cara membujuk Anda untuk membayar mainan ini? “ melainkan “ Apakah mainan ini benar-benar kuinginkan?”. </span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Konsep Orang Tua Sebagai Teladan</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma";"><span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Air cucuran jatuhnya ke pelimbahan juga, begitula seorang anak maka begitulah juga orang tuanya. Seorang anak memangh cerminan sifat dan kebisaan orang tuanya, hampir seperti salinan atau fotocopy. Jadi lakukanlah hal hal yang sesuai dengan apa yang anda ajarkan kepada anak anda, jangan hal yang sebaliknya. Anda mengajarkan untuk berhemat, tapi anda sendiri malah boros. Sebenarnya setiap hari kita telah mengajarkan tentang uang pada anak. Kita mengajarkan uang kepada mereka setiap kali anggaran belanja kebobolan, tampak bahagia atau sedih setiap kali pulang kerja, membayar tagihan kartu kredit tepat waktu atau menumpuk utang sampai membengkak. Selama masa kecil, pelajaran yang diberikan tanpa sadar ini seringkali meninggalkan kesan lebih mendalam dibandingkan apapun yang kita katakan kepada mereka. Oleh karena itu cara terbaik utnuk mengajarkan uang kepada anak-anak adalah dengan menjalani hidup dimana uang digunakan dengan tepat dan selalu memberikan teladan yang baik tentang penggunaan uang.</span></span></span></span></div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-48572013445937632222012-03-01T23:21:00.002-08:002012-03-01T23:21:54.101-08:00Langkah Jitu Lunasi Kartu Kredit<div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Pada saat ini, kartu kredit sudah menjadi alat pembayaran yang cukup sering digunakan di masyarakat. Namun demikian, banyak diantara pengguna kartu kredit yang terjebak dalam pemakaiannya. Sebetulnya, tak ada masalah dengan kartu kredit itu sendiri. Yang jadi masalah disini adalah kalau pemakaian kartu kredit itu tidak sesuai dengan apa yang sudah disarankan, bahkan oleh penerbit kartu kredit itu sendiri. <a href="" name="more"></a></span></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Sekarang, apakah Anda adalah satu dari sekian orang yang punya masalah dengan pemakaian kartu kredit? Untuk mengetahuinya, lihat apakah salah satu kondisi dibawah ini mirip dengan keadaan Anda sekarang: </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">· Saldo hutang kartu kredit Anda sudah mendekati batas. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">· Anda selalu membayar tagihan kartu kredit Anda dari uang yang seharusnya digunakan untuk tujuan lain. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">· Anda suka terlambat membayar tagihan. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">· Anda ditelepon oleh bank penerbit untuk segera membayar tagihan, atau Anda didatangi oleh seorang yang ramah yang berprofesi sebagai debt collector. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">· Anda menunda kunjungan ke dokter, menunda pembelian pulsa isi ulang, menunda ini dan itu, semua hanya karena anggaran keuangan Anda sangat ketat. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">· Bila Anda di-PHK atau kehilangan penghasilan, maka Anda tidak akan bisa melunasi tagihan kartu kredit Anda. Jika salah satu dari kondisi diatas mirip dengan apa yang Anda alami sekarang, maka bisa jadi keuangan Anda sedang mengalami masalah yang sangat serius. Karena itu, saya akan memberikan tiga langkah agar Anda bisa keluar dari hutang-hutang kartu kredit itu. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">LANGKAH 1 : BAYAR, BAYAR, BAYAR </span></span></span></strong></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Suatu hari di bulan Januari lalu, seorang ibu muda bernama Tuti, 29 tahun, datang ke tempat saya dengan membawa persoalannya. Sebagian besar yang ingin ia bicarakan adalah masalah pengelolaan anggarannya, yaitu bagaimana mengatur pemasukan dan pengeluarannya (ibu muda ini punya penghasilan tidak sampai Rp 2 juta). Setelah itu, pembicaraan kami juga menyinggung mengenai masalah kartu kreditnya. Ia punya tiga kartu kredit, yang masing-masing memiliki saldo hutangnya sendiri-sendiri. Setiap bulan, ia biasa membayar minimum untuk masing-masing tagihannya. Pada saat ini saldo hutangnya sebesar hampir Rp 1,5 juta. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Apakah pada saat ini Anda punya uang untuk membayar semua itu?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Maksud Anda, bayar lunas, begitu?" tanyanya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Betul, bayar lunas." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti ragu sebentar. "Yah, ada, sih.", katanya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Tapi?" tanya saya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Tapi itu." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Tapi apa?" tanya saya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Tapi nggak seberapa." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Oh, ya?" kata saya sambil melihat lagi ke jumlah tagihannya. "Berapa uang tunai yang Anda miliki sekarang?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Sekitar Rp 1 juta. Itu juga untuk persediaan dana cadangan." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Saya berpikir, kalau dia membayar tagihan kartu kreditnya dengan uang yang ada sekarang, maka ia tidak akan punya sisa untuk persediaan dana cadangannya. Dana cadangan sebesar Rp 1 juta saja tidak cukup besar, apalagi kalau uang itu masih dipakai untuk membayar tagihan kartu kredit. </span></span></span></strong></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Begini saja" kata saya. Saya lalu mengambil sebuah kertas, dan membuat empat kolom. Pada kolom pertama, saya memintanya menulis nama dari masing-masing bank penerbit kartu kreditnya. Pada kolom kedua, saya minta ia untuk menulis jumlah yang masih menjadi hutangnya pada setiap kartu. Pada kolom ketiga, saya minta ia menulis berapa suku bunga yang dibebankan oleh masing-masing bank penerbit. Di kolom keempat, saya memintanya menulis berapa pembayaran minimal yang harus ia bayar pada setiap tagihan. Dibawah ini adalah hasilnya: </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Bank Penerbit --- Saldo Hutang --- Suku Bunga --- Jumlah Pembayaran Minimal </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Bank A --------------- 529.100 --------------- 2,75% --------------- 52.910 </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Bank B --------------- 717.513 --------------- 2,50% --------------- 71.752 </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Bank C --------------- 203.000 --------------- 3,10% --------------- 50.000 </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Jumlah ------------ 1.449.613 -------------------------------------- 174.662 </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Pertama-tama, Anda bilang bahwa Anda tidak punya cukup uang untuk membayar tagihan ini secara lunas. Betul?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Betul." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Kalau begitu, kita akan mencicil saja," kata saya. "Berapa penghasilan Anda setiap bulan?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Rp 1,8 juta per bulan." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Oke. Apa yang harus Anda lakukan sekarang adalah dengan menyisihkan jumlah uang tertentu setiap bulan, untuk digunakan membayar Tagihan Kartu Anda. Tentunya, jumlah itu harus lebih besar daripada jumlah yang harus Anda bayar untuk pembayaran minimum Anda." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Minimum saya Rp 175 ribu." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Kalau begitu, Anda harus menyisihkan jumlah yang lebih besar dari pembayaran minimum Anda. Ini supaya hutang Anda bisa cepat habis, sehingga Anda tidak akan terus menerus terkena bunga. Bukan begitu?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti mengangguk. Disini ia setuju dengan saya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Berapa yang harus saya sisihkan setiap bulan?" tanyanya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Terserah Anda," kata saya. "Dua ratus, tiga ratus, makin besar makin baik. Tapi saran saya, coba saja Anda sisihkan sebesar 30 persen dari penghasilan Anda." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti berpikir sebentar. "Penghasilan saya sekitar Rp 1,8 juta sebulan." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Saya menghitung di kalkulator. "Tigapuluh persennya berarti Rp 540 ribu per bulan" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Hah!!???" Tuti melongo. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Besar sekali. Masak sebesar itu yang harus saya sisihkan untuk membayar hutang?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Anda mau cepat habis tidak hutangnya? Kalau hutang itu tidak cepat habis, Anda akan terus kena bunga. Kuncinya disini adalah bahwa hutang Anda harus dibuat makin kecil dan makin kecil." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti berpikir sebentar. "Okelah" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Terus bagaimana pembagiannya?" kata Tuti lagi. "Apa saya harus bagi uang Rp 540 ribu untuk membayar semua kartu secara sama besar?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Tidak, Bu Tuti. Begini. " kata saya. "Pertama-tama, bayar semua kartu Anda secara minimal." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti melihat lagi ke kertasnya. "Itu berarti, total adalah Rp 174.662." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Betul. Sekarang berapa sisanya? Rp 540.000 dikurang 174.662?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti menghitung di kalkulatornya. "Rp 365.338" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Oke gunakan sisa uang Rp 365.338 itu untuk digunakan membayar kartu yang suku bunganya paling besar." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Lho bukan yang saldo hutangnya paling besar?" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Bukan, Bu Tuti. Yang suku bunganya paling besar." </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti menoleh ke kertasnya. Kartu yang suku bunganya paling besar adalah yang di Bank C. Bunganya 3,10 persen per bulan. </span></span></span></strong></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Kebanyakan orang mengira bahwa prioritas pertama harus ditujukan ke kartu yang saldo hutangnya paling besar. Sebetulnya tidak, prioritas pertama harus ditujukan ke kartu yang men-charge suku bunga yang paling besar. Ini karena suku bunga adalah biaya yang harus Anda bayar. Jadi, wajar kalau Anda membayar kartu yang suku bunganya paling besar terlebih dahulu." Kata saya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tuti berpikir sebentar. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Tapi kartu saya yang C ini saldo hutangnya adalah Rp 203.000. Padahal jatah sisa uangnya tadi Rp 365 ribu" </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Masih ada sisa berarti," kata saya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Dikemanain, nih, sisanya?" tanyanya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">"Untuk membayar kartu yang membebankan suku bunga besar berikutnya," kata saya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Demikian pembaca. Tuti akhirnya bisa menghabiskan hutang kartu kreditnya dalam waktu empat bulan. Sebagai alternatif, bila Tuti ingin membayar kartu kreditnya secara penuh, ia juga bisa mencari aset lain yang ia miliki untuk bisa dijual, dan uangnya bisa digunakan untuk membayar hutang-hutangnya. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Jadi pembaca, bayar tagihan kartu Anda secara lunas. Kalau Anda tidak punya uang, cari aset apa yang bisa Anda jual untuk membayar tagihan itu. Ini karena tagihan Anda akan berbunga, dan bunga itu akan berbunga lagi. Begitu seterusnya. Semua aset yang Anda miliki harus digunakan untuk meringankan - bahkan menghapus - hutang Anda. Bila Anda tidak bisa membayar tagihan Anda secara lunas, maka anggarkan sekitar 30 persen dari penghasilan Anda setiap bulan, dan gunakan itu untuk membayar tagihan kartu kredit Anda secara minimal, dan gunakan sisanya untuk membayar kartu yang suku bunganya paling besar. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">LANGKAH 2 : GALI LUBANG TUTUP LUBANG </span></span></span></strong></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Bayar tagihan Anda dengan mengambil hutang baru. Ini populer dengan sebutan "gali lubang tutup lubang." "Wah, Pak Safir nggak bener nih," begitu mungkin pikir Anda. "Masak saya harus nutup utang dengan berhutang lagi pada yang lain," begitu pikir Anda lagi. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Saya ingatkan disini bahwa tujuan strategi "gali lubang tutup lubang" adalah untuk meringankan beban hutang Anda. Strategi ini tidak akan membuat saldo hutang Anda berkurang, tapi meringankan beban bunga yang harus Anda bayar. Jadi, strategi ini bisa digunakan tidak hanya dalam membayar hutang kartu kredit, tetapi juga dalam hutang-hutang Anda yang lain. Strategi "gali lubang tutup lubang" akan efektif asalkan ada dua syarat yang terpenuhi: </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">1. Jumlah pinjaman Anda yang baru TIDAK LEBIH dari saldo pinjaman Anda yang lama. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">2. Suku bunga dari pinjaman Anda yang baru HARUS LEBIH KECIL daripada suku bunga pinjaman yang saat ini sedang Anda bayar. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Lihat, gali lubang tutup lubang tidak selalu jelek, kan? Dengan memenuhi kedua syarat tersebut diatas, maka Anda bisa meringankan beban hutang Anda. Begitu juga dalam pemakaian kartu kredit. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Bagaimana prakteknya dalam pembayaran kartu kredit Anda? Kalau Anda punya saldo hutang kartu kredit, maka pada saat ini ada beberapa bank yang menawarkan jasa pemindahan saldo hutang dengan suku bunga yang lebih kecil. Dimana disini Anda bisa memindahkan saldo hutang kartu kredit Anda kepada bank tersebut, dan untuk selanjutnya Anda cukup membayar tagihan itu dengan suku bunga yang lebih rendah dibanding suku bunga pada kartu kredit Anda. Jadi, keuntungannya disini Anda akan mendapatkan 'pemotongan' suku bunga. Lumayan, kan? </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tapi harus diingat bahwa strategi ini adalah cuma solusi sementara, dimana tujuan Anda adalah untuk meringankan beban hutang kartu Anda. Biar bagaimanapun, Anda tetap perlu membayar tagihan hutang Anda. Dan perlu diperhatikan juga, supaya jangan langsung percaya dengan suku bunga rendah yang ditawarkan oleh bank-bank tersebut. Perhatikan dan baca baik-baik penawaran yang diberikan oleh bank tersebut, sebelum Anda mengambil keputusan untuk memindahkan saldo hutang kartu kredit Anda. </span></span></span></strong></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">LANGKAH 3 : BAYAR SETIAP TAGIHAN DENGAN LUNAS, DAN ATUR PEMAKAIAN ANDA </span></span></span></strong></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Disiplinkan diri Anda. Pada saat tagihan datang, dan Anda memang memiliki uangnya, bayar saja tagihan Anda secara lunas. Jangan biasakan tidak membayar tagihan Anda secara lunas. Bila Anda tidak membayar tagihan kartu Anda secara lunas, maka bunganya bisa 'membunuh' Anda pelan-pelan. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Ingat, kartu kredit cuma sebuah cara untuk meminjam uang bank selama sekitar 25-30 hari. Setelah itu Anda tetap harus membayar secara tunai. Bila Anda bisa membayar tagihannya secara lunas, bagus. Tapi bila tidak, maka akan lebih baik bila Anda menghentikan dulu pemakaian kartu Anda. </span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="TableContents" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Tambahan lagi, kalau memang tidak kepepet sekali, jangan gunting kartu Anda. Ingat, ada suatu saat dalam kehidupan Anda dimana Anda berada dalam keadaan darurat, dan tidak punya uang tunai untuk membayar suatu transaksi. Mungkin malam-malam Anda perlu pergi ke ruang Gawat Darurat di RS. Disini kartu kredit Anda bisa berguna kalau Anda tidak membawa cukup uang tunai.</span></span></span></strong></div>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com252tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1099744654598643095.post-55526049189465120952012-03-01T23:20:00.002-08:002012-03-01T23:20:54.470-08:00Strategi Memaksimalkan Pendapatan<h4><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Sebagian orang mungkin merasa tabu untuk mengakui, bahwa mereka bekerja untuk mengumpulkan banyak uang. Pada kenyataannya, kita memang selalu bertemu dengan orang-orang yang bekerja tidak (semata-mata) demi uang, melainkan lebih sebagai simbol status, atau sarana eksistensi diri. Tentu, kalangan yang disebut terakhir itu adalah mereka yang tidak memiliki masalah dengan pendapatan, atau setidaknya punya pendapatan yang lebih. Mereka, dengan demikian, juga tidak lagi memiliki masalah dalam memenuhi tuntutan </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">gaya</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> hidup yang mereka pilih. <a href="" name="more"></a></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Kalau boleh memilih, tentu siapa pun akan memilih bekerja demi status dan bukannya demi uang. Tapi, jika kondisi tidak memungkinkan, bukan berarti tidak ada langkah yang bisa dilakukan demi mewujudkan dambaan itu. Siapa sih yang tidak ingin, bekerja dengan pendapatan yang lebih, sehingga masalah keuangan tak pernah lagi "ngrecoki", dan kita tinggal memikirkan "kesenangan"? Joshua Kennon lewat bukunya yang berjudul </span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">How to Become Wealthy: Nine Truths That Can Set You on the Path to Financial Freedom</span></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> bisa menjadi salah satu rujukan yang akan membantu Anda mendapatkan uang yang lebih banyak sesuai keinginan.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Sebelum melangkah lebih jauh ke tataran praktis, Anda perlu terlebih dahulu menyetujui bahwa langkah pertama yang diperlukan untuk mendapatkan uang lebih banyak adalah </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">mengubah cara berpikir Anda tentang uang itu sendiri</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Uang adalah sesuatu yang dibayarkan kepada Anda untuk kerja yang telah Anda lakukan demi tercapainya tujuan perusahaan. Atau, uang adalah gaji yang Anda bayarkan kepada Anda sendiri sebagai </span></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">business person</span></span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> yang memperjakan diri pada seseorang (pengusaha). Dia, uang itu, sama sekali bukanlah akar dari segala kejahatan atau penderitaan di dunia. Dia semata-mata alat yang memungkinkan Anda memenuhi standar hidup yang telah Anda tetapkan sendiri.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Uang memungkinkan Anda menyediakan kebutuhan-kebutuhan dasar bagi keluarga Anda, serta membesarkan dan mendidik anak-anak Anda. Uang juga memungkinkan Anda untuk beramal sesuai keyakinan Anda. Uang memberi kesempatan Anda untuk melakukan perjalanan jauh, dan mewujudkan hal-hal yang Anda inginkan dalam hidup ini, hobi, ketertarikan dan lain-lain. Uang membuat Anda bisa hidup tenang di masa pensiun nanti. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Arti dari semua itu tak lain, menginginkan untuk mendapatkan uang lebih banyak bukan hanya baik, melainkan juga penting bagi berbagai rencana yang telah Anda buat. Meminta gaji lebih tinggi ketika mendapat tawaran kerja baru merupakan hal yang wajar. Meminta kenaikan gaji pada perusahaan tempat Anda kerja sekarang tak ada salahnya. Begitu pula dengan memilih karir yang memberikan gaji tinggi, sah-sah saja. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Langkah berikutnya, </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">mengubah cara berpikir Anda tentang diri Anda sendiri</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> berkaitan dengan uang. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Kalau Anda tidak ingin mendefinisikan karakter Anda berdasarkan banyaknya uang yang Anda dapatkan, Anda perlu berpikir sebaliknya: apapun yang Anda dapatkan, Anda memang layak mendapatkannya. Persiapkan diri untuk membuat pilihan-pilihan dalam karir yang bisa mempertinggi kemampuan untuk mendapatkan uang lebih banyak. Meminta kenaikan gaji merupakan hal yang menakutkan memang, tapi jika Anda tidak pernah memintanya, maka Anda akan diam di tempat, dan perusahaan merasa sudah cukup menggaji Anda.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Lalu, dari mana memulai usaha untuk memaksimalkan pendapatan?</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Pertama, tentu saja, </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">pilihlah karir yang paling memungkinkan Anda untuk mendapatkan pendapatan besar</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Pekerjaan tertentu, kita tahu, bergaji lebih tinggi dibandingkan pekerjaan lainnya. Jika uang penting bagi Anda, pilihlah pekerjaan yang akan memberi Anda bayaran sesuai yang ingin Anda dapatkan. Atau, buktikan bahwa Anda akan melakukan sesuatu yang luar biasa untuk mendapatkan uang banyak dari karir yang telah Anda pilih. Anda juga bisa melakukan kerja sambilan, mengambil pekerjaan paroh waktu di samping pekerjaan utama, atau memulai bisnis sendiri.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> Jika Anda karyawan yang baik dan pekerja keras, jangan pasif dan menunggu, cobalah lakukan hal-hal di bawah ini:</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> --negosiasi dengan pimpinan perusahaan berapa besaran gaji yang Anda inginkan, jika Anda karyawan baru.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> --mintalah kenaikan gaji secara reguler setiap Anda bisa memperlihatkan bahwa hasil kerja Anda memberikan nilai tambah bagi perusahaan.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"> --ekspresikan ambisi-ambisi karir Anda, dan apa yang Anda yakin akan bisa Anda lakukan untuk membantu keberhasilan perusahaan. Tunjukkan komitmen pada atasan. Setiap perusahaan memiliki daftar karyawan unggulan; pastikan Anda ada di situ sebagai langkah awal untuk memaksimalkan pendapatan Anda.</span></span></span></h4>ventolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17948096975280101434noreply@blogger.com0