[Guest author today]
With temptation surrounding you when you walk out the door, from the newest handheld gadgets to sleek vehicles, it’s easy to waste money each day. Most people don’t have access to financial classes or education when they’re growing up, leaving them open to poor spending habits as adults. Educating your wallet starts at home with smart money-spending ideas and intelligent investments to better your financial situation.
Home Security And Automation
For the average citizen, a home can be filled with many gadgets, from flat screen televisions to laptop computers. To protect your home assets, consider a home security system. A basic security configuration allows you to secure the property with live monitoring from a remote company. You can even automate the system, if desired. Control locks, air conditioning and even appliances with your smartphone or tablet. Cameras remotely connected to your device also allow you to monitor your own property for asset protection. You’ll feel more comfortable with your financial situation with a security system in place.
Leave Credit Cards At Home
Hide your credit cards in a safe, or other secure area, in the home to avoid excessive spending. Credit has ruined some people’s financial lives because of ample funds available for almost any transaction. Ideally, you want to spend less than you make. Credit cards only give you an inflated sense of financial stability. To shore up your credit history, however, you must use the cards. Try to charge small amounts and pay them off at the end of the month. You’ll avoid interest charges that add up and decrease your financial strength.
Invest In Your Home
Another way to strengthen your financial situation is through home upgrades. Unlike a car, your home eventually gives you a solid return on your investment. Depreciation is typically minimal, especially over many years. Add cost-effective upgrades that don’t break the bank. Add a new front door and plumbing fixtures. With updated faucets, in particular, you modernize bathrooms and kitchens without a huge remodeling cost. The new front door invites buyers in while creating an innovative aesthetic for your curb appeal.
Budgeting For Emergencies
You could follow all the savings and spending rules in the book, but a personal emergency can send your financial situation into a free-fall. To avoid financial disaster, stock at least 6 to 12 months of income savings away. If a medical emergency arises, you have enough money to pay for basic monthly expenses without resorting to expensive loans or credit card usage. Even look into supplemental insurance to cover expenses other insurance does not, including gasoline to treatment centers and home medical supplies. Once you are back to work, you can save more money for the next emergency.
Insure Valuable Assets
When you buy homeowner’s insurance, you are mainly insuring the structure, not the items inside. In fact, high-end items, such as fine artwork, should have their own insurance policy. If you ever have a robbery or natural disaster destroying the piece, you have financial stability to replace the item with insurance funds. Securing your financial position takes some investment to avoid complete loss, especially if you collect many expensive items.
Better your financial position by investing, securing and insuring your personal items and home. You’ll find peace of mind with almost any situation. A strong financial background keeps your family living comfortably in difficult times.