Principle 1: Change Your Relationship with Money
The basis of financial education is conscientious consumption, so you should spend less than you earn and avoid impulse purchases.
Whenever you are buying something, ask a simple question that can help you avoid being a consumer and save money: Do I want it, or do I need it?
This question will help you to assess the absolute need for the purchase.
You should assess whether what you are about to do:
- Will help make more money.
- Will contribute to your student performance.
- Will improve your performance at work.
Another point that needs to come into your life is to buy things in cash. Unfortunately, the cases in which it is financially better to opt for installment payments are sporadic.
If you still do not have the money to purchase, wait and save until you collect the necessary amount.
Principle 2: Make Your Income Grow, or Your Expenses Decrease
You can deduct your spending in many ways, such as negotiating fixed bills, limiting superfluous expenses, and quitting smoking or drinking. But sometimes, you cannot reduce fixed costs, so you need to increase your income.
Analyze your reality, what you can do now, and what goes into planning.
Here are some tips to increase your income:
- Ask for a raise: few people ask for a raise, which is not a crime. It is the recognition of your work. If you ask and do not receive, look for what is missing and pursue your goals.
- Keep an eye on job opportunities: people are willing to start working and stop looking for other options.
- Keep an eye on the job market: you may find better opportunities.
- Earn extra income: If your job allows you to have free time or you are unemployed, consider investing your time in new business models, such as being an application driver, a “husband for hire,” hosting pets in your home, selling beauty products, or even organizing a thrift store.
There are many possibilities for those who want extra money at the end of the month.
Principle 3: Pay Off Your Debts
We have already told you to forget about installment payments and buy in cash, as one of the most important things is to get away from debt.
They are the biggest villains in financial planning.
Ideally, some of the money you have managed to save or earn extra should be used to pay off debt.
It is possible to ask for negotiation at “clean-name” fairs where lenders give good discounts to denied credit.
Principle 4: Invest
With debts under control, continue to invest the amount remaining in the month. Unfortunately, many people find that supporting a lot of money is necessary, which is a lie.
There are options for those who invest little, such as LCI and LCA, real estate credit and agribusiness letters, CDB, and Treasury Direct. In the latter, it is possible to invest less than $100.
Principle 5: Plan Yourself!
Finally, we arrived at the solid foundation of financial education: planning. Set short, medium, and long-term goals. It is common to notice people controlling the monthly or weekly budget, but it is imperative to think about the future.
For example, if you work with a formal contract, you will receive certain benefits such as a 13th salary, profit sharing, and yearly vacations.
If you only plan for the short term, when that extra money comes in, you will pay your debts, there will be money left over, and with that, you will be tempted to spend. Financial planning with medium- and long-term goals motivates you to invest the amount left.
In addition, it is crucial to have an emergency reserve budget.
The reserve will cover your expenses when the situation becomes delicate, such as in times of crisis. To build this emergency reserve, you must calculate your fixed payments enough to support yourself and multiply by the time you need.
For example, if you have a monthly cost of living of $2,000, you will need:
- $6,000 for a three-month reservation.
- $12,000 for a six-month reservation.
- $ 24,000 for a one-year booking.
- Do not panic! This accumulation must be done little by little through investments.
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