It can often feel like your finances are on a bit of a roller coaster. One minute they are up. The next minute they are down. Then, you just do not have a clue where they are. You may think your finances are looking good for one month. Then, the next month, your car breaks down and you have to find money to cover your unexpected expenses.
Saving money is not always a possibility. Things will happen for which you are ill-prepared, and it may be a devastating hit to your finances. So, here are a few tips to assist you with getting off the financial roller coaster. Or, at least, slow it down to recover from the unexpected expenses.
Stay Away From The Danger Zones
There are certain situations concerning your finances that should scream, “Danger”! One of them is a credit card. In fact, credit cards are the single biggest debt in countries such as the US and UK. The subtle dangers of credit card use are often unseen by the cardholders until it is too late. Once you obtain a credit card and buy that one item, it becomes tempting to repeat the cycle. The higher the limit you receive, the greater the temptation to spend.
Then, you take advantage of the fact that you do not have to make payments immediately. In addition to this, you have not considered the rate of interest added to the principal. In the midst of all this, you can receive an increase in your credit limit despite the remaining balance. To avoid traps like these, always use credit responsibly.
A Bit Of A Pick Me Up
A bit of a pick me up is definitely needed from time to time. Especially when your rollercoaster is spinning out of control. Relief can come in the form of a short-term loan, even if you have bad credit. Because it is short-term, you will have a short span of time in which to pay on the account. A short-term loan can cover anything from home maintenance to vehicle maintenance. As a result, to some, this may seem to be the sensible form of lending. With this in mind, be proactive. Calculate the amount and frequency you can afford to pay prior to requesting the loan. In so doing, you will be less likely to end up in a situation that resembles long-term lending.
A Cushion To Fall Back On
You need to make sure that unexpected events do not cause you to stress. With this in mind, everyone should have a cushion to fall back on from time to time. If you have a locked savings ISA, you can only withdraw money a few times per year. You will have to put a certain amount of money into it each period to maintain it. It may be the best way to save money as it prevents the temptation to withdraw the money!