Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 60F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..
Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low near 60F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: August 14, 2022 @ 7:33 pm
Inflation may be pinching your budget, but it doesn’t need to derail your long-term financial plans. Instead of waiting and worrying about economic factors beyond your control, feel more empowered by focusing on these fundamental tips for managing your money.
Americans owe more than $860 billion in credit card debt, with the average person owing more than $5,900, according to MoneyGeek.com If you have credit cards with variable interest rates, you will likely see your interest charges go up, and this can make it even harder to pay off your cards. If possible, consider transferring balances to cards with low — or even zero — introductory rates, and try to avoid charging new debt.
Believe it or not, there is an upside to inflation: The higher interest rates that cost you money on loans and credit cards can earn you more money on savings accounts. Now is a good time to find a high-yield savings account and build your rainy-day fund.
If your high-interest debt is paid down and you have a healthy emergency fund, put your cash into investment vehicles like a 401(k), IRA or brokerage accounts. These accounts have a higher rate of return than savings accounts, but the money isn’t accessed as easily. (That’s why you want to have savings accounts for short-term emergencies and investment accounts to build wealth over the long-term.)
When was the last time you shopped around for insurance coverage, cellphone plans or cable/internet service? You may be overpaying for some of these things, or you may be missing discounts you’re entitled to. If you don’t want to change providers, call and try to negotiate a lower price. Be sure you ask to be put through to the cancellation department, because these are the employees who are authorized to give the best discounts. Sometimes just the threat of leaving is enough to get a temporary price cut!
Trial subscriptions and memberships typically become permanent if you don’t cancel them, and you may not have noticed all the small automatic payments that are skimming off your bank account. Review your bank records and cut any subscriptions, memberships or services you aren’t using.
It happens to the best of us. That tendency to eat out more often than we cook at home, or the desire to reward ourselves with clothes, accessories or gadgets. We get a raise or bonus, but instead of saving or investing that money, we spend it as fast as it comes in. Time for a “tough love” look at your budget so you can rein in spending and find money to save and invest.
Inflation raises the price of everything, so now is not a great time to buy a new car, entertainment system, appliances or furniture. Delay as many purchases as possible and wait for prices to level out again.
See if your mortgage payment is too high.
If you bought a home with less than a 20 percent down payment, your monthly payment likely includes private mortgage insurance (PMI), a policy that you pay for and that protects the lender in case of default. PMI can be canceled once the amount you owe is 80 percent of the home’s original value, but you must request this in writing.
Linden Heikens of Sioux Falls, SD, is a licensed mortgage loan originator with Midwest Family Lending. His service area includes N’West Iowa. He may be reached at li*****@mi******************.com or visit midwestfamilylending.com.
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