How Do You Improve Your Credit, Anyway?

When it comes to your financial health, you should be concerned with more than how much is in your bank account or how much you are earning alone. There’s another measure of your financial health that is just as crucial for long-term planning: we’re talking about credit. Here, we’re going to offer a reminder as to why credit is so crucial and, from there, look at the steps you can start to take to improve it.

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The importance of credit

First of all, it’s important to remember what your credit score really is. It’s a numeric value that is assigned to you, as a person, by a host of credit organizations. Effectively, it’s a measurement of how reliable you are when it comes to sticking to the terms of a credit agreement, whether it’s a loan, a long-standing bill order, or otherwise. Your credit can dictate the terms of future loans you get. Better credit typically means better terms such as lower interest and more flexible payment periods. As such, if your credit score is too low, then you can expect to repay more for each loan compared to someone with a higher credit score, for instance. But how do you improve your credit score?

Make sure that you pay everything on time

The most important way to keep your credit score up is to make sure that you’re not falling behind on your existing credit arrangements. Don’t think about applying for anything else until you’re sure you have your current set-up in order. If you have trouble remembering to pay bills and can easily fall behind that way, then consider using apps that can give you bill reminders, or setting up accounts with your creditors that allows for automatic payments directly from your bank to them. If you’re using rolling credit such as a credit card, then you should make sure that you’re making frequent repayments, rather than just climbing out of the hole once you get deep enough in it.

Get out of unarranged debt

Not all debt is terrible for your credit rating, but that’s something to get into later. Unarranged debt, such as being late on bill payments or falling behind on your credit card can very much be detrimental to your credit score. If you’re deep into unarranged debt (i.e., debt that isn’t tied to a loan that you planned to take out, such as an arranged overdraft), then you should look at ways to get out of it. If you need to take advantage of a debt relief program, then consider making a move on it. The sooner you are out of debt, the sooner your credit score can start to heal again.

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Make sure there are no false black marks on your credit report

Your credit report is a record of your past and existing credit arrangements. It is used, in part, to determine what your credit score will be. Every person has the right to access their credit report from one of the three major credit reporting agencies at least once a year. From there, you can take a closer look to see if there are any black marks, such as outstanding debts, that you should take care of. However, it is not uncommon for people to find that there are records that should not be on that credit report, such as late repayments that you don’t really owe, or records that, by rights, belong to someone else. If you see any records on your credit report that don’t make sense, it’s typically recommended that you get in touch with the company that filed the report in the first place.

Make use of your credit

In some cases, it’s not a low credit score that is the problem. You might not have much of a credit history, to begin with. That might sound like a clean slate to you, but most lenders and financial institutions are looking for someone who can provide proof that they are able to stick to their financial arrangements. Making use of low credit options such as guarantor loans, with someone else as a signatory, can help. You can build up your credit history by showing that you are able to stick to the letter of the loan agreement.

Mind your utilization rate

If you’re making use of any forms of rolling credit, such as a credit card or an overdraft, it can be healthy to use them and repay them again. Much like taking on a manageable loan, this is a way of building your credit score. However, you should pay attention to how much you are relying on these forms of credit and how “deep” you are into them. This is known as your credit utilization rate. Typically, a lower credit utilization rate will be better for your credit score. You don’t want to constantly be as deep into your overdraft as it allows. You should use it wisely, instead.

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Don’t open or close accounts too quickly

It’s easy to assume that taking actions regarding credit accounts can help you, but you should make sure that you’re not making one of the common mistakes that can bump your score down. First of all, do not close unused credit cards or overdrafts unless you are at risk of misusing them and getting yourself into debt. Keeping these open can help you maintain a low credit utilization rate which, as mentioned above, is good. Otherwise, even if you’re trying to build a credit history, do not start applying for a lot of new credit arrangements. Take your time, apply for the best one that suits you. Otherwise, credit agencies will see a lot of inquiries going into your credit, which can be a bad sign to them, leading to a decrease in your credit score.

It can take a while for a credit score to start to improve, especially if you have any uncleared debts on your record. Get started with fixing it now and you should start to see real improvements by the time you need to make use of your credit, whether to buy a car, a house or otherwise.

How To Be Rich Without Actually Having A Fortune In The Bank

Getting rich is a massive challenge. Not only do you have to have good ideas, but you also need to work hard for a very long time.

Virtually nobody makes serious money via get-rich-quick schemes. It often takes a decade or more of relentless perseverance. 

But what if you want to use your time for something else and don’t want to give up the best years of your life to make money? Can you be rich without actually having a fortune in the bank? 

Well, maybe. 

Start Investing Early

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The power of investing is quite remarkable. You can put away a small amount of money while you are young and then simply wait for it to grow over the subsequent years. 

If you wait a few decades, you can wind up with a massive pile of cash at the end of it - way more than you ever expected you could make. Small investments of a few thousand in your early twenties can turn into millions by your late sixties when you come to retire. 

Focus On Your Health

Being wealthy in terms of health isn’t ever guaranteed in life. You could get sick at any time. However, you can invest in your body and make it less likely that you’ll feel under the weather or acquire a serious illness. And that can improve your quality of life far more than money in the bank ever could. 

Most people don’t realise the extent to which they can build health “wealth.” Choosing the right lifestyle strategies can add years to your life. And that gives you more time to enjoy it and accumulate interest on your investments. 

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Many of the world’s wealthiest people live extremely frugal lives. Warren Buffett is a good example. 

But why do they do this? 

As Rich Dad, Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki puts it, it’s not about what you earn - it’s about what you keep. You can have a very modest income and still build tremendous savings throughout your life. 

The trick here is to cut down on your spending in the present. Look for saving opportunities, like Aliexpress cashback, online. Find coupons, discount codes and bulk buy offers. And, if you know that there’s going to be a sale, wait for it to launch before you start handing over your hard-earned cash. 

Cut Back On Your Big Expenses

Three things cut into your budget more than anything else in life: food, housing costs and transportation. 

Think about how much money you spend on your mortgage or when dining out. It’s often a big chunk of your monthly budget. 

And what does it really add to your quality of life? Not a great deal compared to building wealth, right? 

Being rich often involves making conscious sacrifices that allow you to invest more of your money and increase. 

Ask yourself whether you really need to live in a four-bedroom home if there are only two of you? 

Be honest about whether you need a car or whether you could cycle or take the train? 

Get Money Calm for the New Year

 

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Coming out of 2021, you would be forgiven for being a little more optimistic than usual. Vaccines are on the way, we understand more about the Covoid-19 disease and how it spreads while millions of people look forward to lockdown measures being over and done with.

But for many, 2020 was a year of financial hardship and uncertainty. Job losses were astronomical, especially for the service industry, the arts and airlines. While these industries are still being affected, news of several vaccines means that the world should start getting back to business within the first half of the new year.

This is good news for people who might still be worrying about money issues, are suffering as a direct result of the virus or work in one of the many affected sectors. Governments of the developed world have provided what aid they could in the form of paying wages and extending low rate loans to businesses, while others furloughed workers or provided stimulus cheques.

However, despite the best efforts of world leaders, many people still suffered financial hardship, and if this was you, then you aren’t alone. Organizations such as Anchor Law Firm provide free infrastructure and advice for staying informed as you move into 2021.

While people still suffer, despite the upturn in recent events, you will need to keep a clear focus on what your financial matters are for at least the coming six months. Even with vaccines rolling out as industry begins to pick up, it could be a while before you personally find yourself in a better position.

Now would be an excellent time to actually sit down and analyze your financial circumstances. Do not be afraid to look at your current money situation because only by understanding exactly where you are right now can you begin to form a plan for the future.

The first thing you should do is form a realistic plan as to what you can afford to spend on essential items such as utilities, food, and medication, and don’t be afraid to cut something if you don’t need it. Some things, such as a dental checkup, can be saved up for or revisited at a later date. 

Next, look at local and national financial advice websites for the latest information on any aid you might be able to receive because of the Covid-19 measures. Many localized organizations and charities are actively working with world governments to provide aid to millions of families.

Add any financial help you are entitled to on top of any money that you might be able to make now. Many people are turning to the internet to make a living since most large shipping companies and commercial sites such as Amazon are still operating pretty much as normal. If you own a home-run business then you might have been fortunate enough to continue to work.

Following your financial analysis, look at any expenditures that you don't need. It is best to be honest with yourself when doing this. If you have a subscription to a service like Netflix, ask yourself; is it really necessary at this time? Services such as this can be canceled at any time without incurring charges and offer easy cancellation through their own websites.

Even the best financial plan can't alleviate all of your stress though. A good practice is to set aside some time for personal things such as a socially distanced walk, exercise or meditation. Try to carry on as normal as possible and don't forget about the things that are important to you.

With all the good news lately, fingers crossed that it won’t be long before things begin to get back to the way they were.

5 Tips To Improve Your Financial Planning

 

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To improve your financial health you’ve first got to improve your financial planning. You might find organizing your finances a bit of a headache, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of simple ways you can get your finances in order, including these five simple tips.

1 . Determine your financial goals

To improve your financial planning, the first step is to determine your financial goals and objectives. Your goals might relate to improving your earnings potential; reducing your debts; boosting your savings; or securing your financial future. It can be helpful to follow the SMART framework to ensure that your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. With the right goals in place it’s easier to work towards financial stability.

2. Collect the right info

Before you create a solid plan first you need to gather all of your financial information together. You’ll need to collect information from all your accounts, plus information about any loans, debts and investments. It’s important to capture all relevant info that relates to your finances. You’ll need data on your expenditure and income, and your liabilities and assets. Only with a clear picture of your finances can you create a financial plan that works for you.

3. Make an analysis

Using the information you’ve collected, you can now make an analysis that will help you work towards your goals. Identify which areas you need to focus on to achieve your aims; determine where your financial weaknesses are; and decide how you can improve them. If you work with a financial advisor during this stage, they can help you to create and analyze your balance sheet, figure out your consolidated tax calculations, and create an annual cash flow report.

4. Use financial tools

To improve your financial planning processes there are plenty of tools which can help you. For a few starting options, you may want to consider the following:

Clarity Money: If you’re looking to improve your budget and reach your financial goals, Clarity Money is a great tool. With this application, tracking and managing your money becomes simple. You can access AI powered budgeting suggestions and even get your credit score.

Spending Tracker: With this personal finance application it’s simple to design a budget that works for you. Here you can log income, export transactions, monitor spending history, and so much more. Spending Tracker provides reports and interactive charts, so you can gain a clear picture of your spending habits. Other budgeting app options include Wally, Mint or YNAB.

5. Consider the future 

When you are planning your finances it’s important to consider your future stability. There are several areas that you may wish to focus on including life insurance, retirement options, an emergency fund, and debt reduction. Before you speak to a life insurance provider ensure that you prepare yourself. You can do this by reading about the questions life insurance companies ask, and then gathering the appropriate information.

Discover How To Turn Your Budget Into Your Best Friend

 Do you constantly find that you are at war with your budget? It never seems to leave you with enough money at the end of the month? Well, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel this way when it comes to trying to push through on a tight budget and eventually, they just end up ignoring it or pretending it doesn’t exist. We’re here to tell you that you should never do this. Instead, you should learn to work with your budget because then it can become a true friend. Let’s figure out how to do this. 

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Check On It Regularly 

A friend is only going to stay a friend if you put the effort in and don’t just rely on them to provide benefits. Your budget is the same. You need to make sure that you’re checking on and guaranteeing that it’s healthy and happy. It’s important to ensure that your budget never falls into the red on your watch which can happen. One of the easiest ways to do this is by setting up online banking with online banking, you’ll be in a great position to keep your budget healthy. You’ll always know if there’s an issue or problem that needs correcting. 

Give It Rewards

You should also be giving your budget presents every so often in the form of extra money. You can do this by making the right choices about how you use and invest your money. For instance, rather than using a typical bank, you might want to explore credit unions. These can be more beneficial and help put you in a stronger position on the market. Credit unions provide great benefits to members in their community and this could include you. 

It’s also worth looking at different side hustles. Side hustles can be great fun if you choose the right one. They can also help inject that extra cash that we were talking about into your budget. As such, they could be well worth a little effort. You just need to find a side hustle that you’ll enjoy or that you can invest your spare time into. 

Don’t Cheat

Finally, you need to be careful about borrowing. While borrowing can be useful it can also mean that you are cheating on your budget. This will be the case if you are living past your means. This isn’t what credit is for. Instead, credit is for borrowing money you don’t have at the moment but that you will in the future. So, for instance, if you’re buying a holiday on credit, it’s important to budget and ensure that you can cover it based on your future earnings. Not budgeting for the future is a mistake that a lot of people make to their own detriment. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways to ensure that your budget works for you rather than becoming an absolute nightmare. A lot of people hate living on a budget but when used correctly, it can quickly become your best friend. A truly great asset in your life. 

Tackling the Balance: Learning to Deal With Debt in Terms of Mindset

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Everybody has a certain amount of debt. Whether it's a minimal amount or a significant chunk, whether you are planning for the future or you are trying to escape the debt cycle, it can help you in certain ways. Whether it’s about acquiring certain resources or professional help, it can be a big lesson, but when you wipe the slate clean, it doesn't mean you will be out of debt for the rest of your life. For many people, it's all about mindset. It's crucial to change your perspective so you can deal with debt and beat it once and for all. But how do you do this effectively?

Set Yourself a Goal

So many people talk about escaping debt as a nice thing to do in life, but if you are to really be debt-free one day, you've got to set tangible goals. If you start to reframe your goals and make them real, you will come up with an appropriate plan. Having a strategy is crucial. And yes, there are many out there such as the Debt to Success System (DTSS). And while DTSS is legitimate in its approaches, you've got to find a strategy that suits your lifestyle and your goals. A strategy is pivotal in terms of escaping debt. But you also might want to consider having smaller goals because this makes it more manageable in your mind. When you start to set targets on a weekly or monthly basis, this can demystify the process in your mind.

Take Responsibility for Your Debt

It's so easy to blame external problems. So many of us are now struggling due to the pandemic. But when we start to think that we are responsible for our own debt, this could free up mental space so we can do something about it. Yes, there are so many reasons we can be in debt through no fault of our own but at the end of the day, the debt is in our name, nobody else’s. When you take on debt as an obstacle that needs overcoming, this can help you into the right mindset. When you start to think of debt as an obstacle instead of a burden, you will have a better idea of how to approach it. That can be a burden, especially when it comes to credit card debt. But if you continue to make minimum payments on that card, it is not going to disappear anytime soon. When you start to shift your mindset, it stops the debt from being so scary.

Understand Your Type of Debts

Why is this important? Different sorts of debt require a different method of dealing with it. There is a big difference between a bank loan and a credit card. If you have a credit card, you can apply for a balance transfer card. And you would be able to qualify for this in comparison to your friend who is trying to pay off their student loan. Once you start to become savvy in terms of your debt, you will have better control over the situation.

Keeping Yourself Focused

Setting a goal is a good starting point for many but people struggle to stay on track because, after that initial push where they feel that they have finally started to chip away at the debt, something can come up, throwing a spanner into the works. Keeping yourself focused isn't just about putting all of your energies into paying off your debt because constantly focusing on your negative bank balance can be very depressing. It's all about the balance in terms of mindset. There is no harm in treating yourself to something little to offset the negative feelings. If you set yourself a target and you meet it, you are getting one step closer to being debt-free so why don't you celebrate in a small way?

Reducing Negative Thoughts

One of the overriding thoughts when it comes to getting out of debt is the fact that you don't have as much money as you used to. When you're making changes to your lifestyle and buying cheaper versions of the products you are used to, the temptation to go back to your old ways is larger than usual. It's important that while you are working hard to get out of debt, the fact that you may feel there are certain aspects of your life where you are depriving yourself can be harder than the debt itself. This is where you have to really focus on practicing positive mental attitudes. When you start to think about retaining focus, but also getting to the bare bones of what makes you happy, you may start to uncover a few home truths. When we limit our resources, we can feel a challenge that could stoke a fire in us. This is why many people are now practicing minimalism. The idea that drastically reducing your personal possessions can make you understand what you really need in life. And of course, the day you get out of your debt may not necessarily mean you start to buy all the clothes you want. Instead, you may use your new-found finances to purchase things that really enrich your life. In terms of the family, we may choose vacations that enrich our lives, rather than toys, video games, and other worldly possessions.

When you have a significant amount of debt, you may feel there is no escape. If you follow these approaches, it arms you with the sensibility to formulate an action plan. But you should also understand that when you get out of debt, you may feel different than you did before. As easy as it is to say that money isn't everything, this is not the case. But we should think about what we use our money for. If we can start to focus on the quality of life rather than the number of things that we buy, this could be the biggest lesson of all in learning to deal with debt.

How To Find A Debt Relief Program That Works For You

Once you are trapped in a cycle of debt, it is incredibly difficult to get out of. This is a big problem because debt affects your life in a lot of different ways. There are, of course, ways that you can pay off huge amounts of credit card debt in a short space of time, but if your circumstances are difficult and your outgoings outweigh your income, it’s tough to clear your debt. 

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When you find yourself in this situation, you might be looking at debt relief programs. There are a lot of great debt relief programs out there that could help you get on top of your finances. However, debt relief programs are not always the best option and there are a lot of scams out there that you need to avoid. If you do think that a debt relief program could help you, here are a few tips to help you choose the right one. 

Watch Out For Scams 

The most important thing is to watch out for scams because there are some organizations that will charge you a steep fee for meeting with them but they can’t actually do anything to help you with your debt. The Debt to Success System is not a scam because they can help you to remove your legal obligation to pay debts, but there are a lot of debt advisors out there that do not have the knowledge or expertise to do that. Instead, they will give you general advice about paying debt, which you can easily find for free online. Before you agree to work with a debt relief program, ask them exactly what steps they will take to help you manage your debts. 

Ask About Fees 

Some debt relief programs charge very high fees, which is a problem if you are already in a tough financial position. Paying fees is fine if your debts will be cleared very quickly, but if you are tied into paying for a service for a long time and it doesn’t actually work, that’s going to leave you in a much worse position. Some debt relief companies will ask for a large fee upfront, so think carefully about whether it is a worthwhile investment or whether it will make your debt situation worse. 

Consider Your Credit Score 

Debt relief options can help you to get out of debt, but some of them will also affect your credit score in a big way. If you declare bankruptcy, for example, it will leave a lasting mark on your credit score, which can make it difficult to borrow money again in the future. It’s important that you consider this before you make any decisions. If there is any way that you can realistically pay off your debts without a debt relief program, this is a better option because it will not affect your credit score as much. Things like bankruptcy, in particular, should always be a last resort option. 

Debt relief programs can be a good option for some people. However, it is important that you do your research and find a legitimate organization that can actually help you to clear your debts. 

6 Reasons Why You Need Help Getting Rid Of Your Debt

Debt is something that affects everyone at some stage of their lives. Some people borrow more money than others, and most people repay their debts as agreed with their lenders. The trouble is, debt can get out of hand and spiral out of control when you least expect it.

For example, if you’ve recently lost your job or aren’t able to work due to injury or illness, you’ve no way of paying your bills. When that happens, your creditors will start hounding you to make a payment - something which is impossible to do in such circumstances.

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Are you in a position where your debts appear to be taking over your life? And are you finding your life quite stressful these days? If the answer to both questions is yes, don’t worry because you’re not alone.

Managing and getting rid of your debt isn’t something you should do alone for the following six reasons:

1. Your mental health is at risk

The first thing you should keep in mind is that dealing with the burden of debt alone will harm your mental health. When you feel like your mountain of debt is going to snowball out of control, it’s time to seek some outside help with it.

2. Everyone’s debt problems are unique

You might assume there are several other people with the same level of debt as yourself, and you’re probably right. But, that doesn’t mean someone else’s solution will work for you! It’s crucial to get the right debt advice, so you don’t make any mistakes in finding a solution.

3. Some unusual debt solutions can help you

There are many different “tried and tested” methods of easing the burden of debt. However, some you may not have heard about, and others you might have dismissed as a scam.

For instance, you might have heard about the Debt to Success System scam when, in reality, it’s just an unusual debt solution that works well for some folks. Without seeking help from others, you won’t know which unconventional methods are out there that work well.

4. You need help contacting your creditors

When dealing with a financial crisis, you will inevitably need to speak with your creditors about the problems you face. The trouble is, doing so without going through a professional third-party debt solution provider is a bad idea.

Using a third-party offers a variety of benefits, one of which is avoiding conversations with your money lenders.

5. You need help and advice for the future

The last thing you want to do is clear your debt problems and then find that history repeats itself. To that end, a professional debt counselor can give you the support you need to make better future financial decisions.

6. You don’t know what’s best for your situation

Last but not least, trying to resolve your debt problems alone can leave you feeling frustrated. That’s why it makes sense to work with a debt professional as they can help you determine what’s right for your situation.

3 Reasons to Have a Professional Do Your Taxes

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April 15th might be a date that sends your heart down into the bottom of your stomach. Some know that date as "Tax Day" and if you are someone who knows nothing about taxes it might leave you feeling overwhelmed, but it doesn't have to be that way! It's as easy as looking up tax preparation services near me DeSoto TX to find a professional who knows what they are doing. Here are three reasons why you should have a professional do your taxes.

Reason 1: Reduces Stress

Taxes can be complicated. Should you take the standard deduction or itemize? If you don't know what that even means you may be stressed. Having a professional do your taxes takes the stress of guessing out of tax season. You don't have to worry about making a mistake.

Reason 2: Saves Money

It may not make sense to spend money on tax preparation to help you save money. The short answer is they know all the ins and outs that you don't. They know deductions you can take that you may not know exist. That will save you money on your taxes and get you the biggest return. 

Reason 3: Saves Time

Life is busy and not everyone has time to dive into the paperwork and numbers that you need to do taxes. You have to be able to give your taxes your undivided attention so you don't make any mistakes. Instead of trying to squeeze the project between your work and date night just send it all off to the professionals. Then you don't need to spend your time worrying.

You will benefit from having your taxes prepared by a professional. You can get your best return while saving time and you don't have to worry because you know that it was prepared by somebody who knows all about taxes. 

Benefits of Hiring Someone To Do Your Taxes

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Tax season is something that comes around every year but can easily sneak up on you. Some people groan at just the thought of having to do taxes, and this is especially true if they are trying to do their taxes on their own. This year, instead of struggling over your tax preparation, consider hiring tax services Tupelo MS. There are numerous benefits to this, including minimizing the chance of error, maximizing your tax refund and reducing your chances of error.

Minimize the Chance of Error

Accountants and tax preparation agents spend years learning about tax code and how to properly file tax forms. When you are trying to do this yourself, you can easily make a mistake that will throw off your entire tax preparation for the year. This is something that is often best left to the trained professionals. 

Maximize Your Tax Refund

Trained tax professionals know how to properly file your return to get the maximum tax refund. One simple error when doing your taxes yourself could leave you paying in or receiving the wrong amount. When you use a tax preparation service, you can also get your tax refund sooner than if you did it on your own.

Have Resources if You Are Audited

Most people dread hearing that they are being audited. However, if you have an accountant on your side, you can ask any questions that you need to. You can prove that you did everything you could to do your taxes correctly, and your accountant can defend any tax records from that year. This can save a lot of headache if you ever find yourself in this situation.

While taxes are not most people's favorite thing to do or think about, it can be easier when you use the right services this year.

4 Unexpected Costs That You might Encounter

Things might be going well for you financially, and then an unexpected cost could come along and take you by surprise. It is many peoples aim to be financially stable, but being financially stable also involves having an emergency fund in case anything goes wrong. Being without an emergency fund, or any backup plan that will help you if things go wrong could lead to more problems in the future. Here are unexpected costs that you should have a fund for:

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Home repairs

It is expected that you will have to spend some money every year on repairing and maintaining your home, but sometimes major repairs need doing, that you haven't planned for. These major repairs could include a new boiler, roofing repairs, or electrical repairs. Some advice is to save 1% of your home's worth every year so that you have enough to spend on repairs. 

To cover the cost of damage from adverse weather or any other disaster, it is a good idea to get home insurance. Before you get the insurance, make sure that you look over the policy and check what is included as if you live somewhere that has a risk of flooding or earthquakes, this might be an extra that you have to add to the policy.

Car emergencies

Your car is also something that you expect to spend some money on every year so that you can service it, put it through its MOT, tax and insure it. However, there may end up being more major repairs that you did not account for. It could be a repair that happens through wear or tear, or because you were involved in an accident. To help you with the cost of repairs because of a car accident, you need to make sure that your car is insured, and if the accident wasn't your fault, you might need to get into contact with a local car accident lawyer.

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Pet emergencies

Pets can make your home into a happier place, but when they have a medical emergency, it can be very costly. At the moment when something goes wrong, you don't think about how much money it is going to cost; you just want your pet to be better. It is only afterward that you have to deal with the bill. You may be able to organize a payment scheme with your vet so that you don't have to pay the full bill all at once, however, it may be a better idea to get pet insurance. Pet insurance policies may not cover everything, but they may be able to help you with some of the unexpected costs that might occur.

Technology repairs

In this technologically advanced world, there are some pieces of technology that people need on a day to day basis. Your phone is required to keep in contact with people and so that you can answer emails. If you work from home, you might rely on your laptop. If something goes wrong with one of the items, you may need to replace it as soon as possible, and this can come with a big price tag that emergency savings would help with.

Three Reasons to Hire an Accountant as a Freelancer

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When it comes to freelancing, the last thing on your mind is probably hiring other people to work for you. Freelancing is usually a solo affair and you’ll rarely work or hire others, but one role that you might consider hiring for is that of an accountant. In this post, we’ll be explaining three reasons why you might want to consider hiring an accountant, even as a freelancer working mostly on your own.

1. Saves more time than you might imagine

Whether it’s recording your expenses, budgeting for expenses or even paying your taxes, doing your own accounting takes time. If it’s taking precious hours out of your workday, then consider hiring an accountant to help free up time.

2. Save you more money and helps increase profits

An accountant could easily manage your books and help you save a lot of money while also increasing your profits. Their expert knowledge will help you handle your account in a legally responsible way to avoid any potential issues with the law, while also suggesting ways for you to save money when reporting your taxes or purchasing necessary services and products to run your business.

3. Provides essential tax support

Taxes can be difficult to understand, yet it’s a vital component of running your business as a freelancer. To help you understand the importance of an accountant, we’ve included an informative graphic about tax professionals and why America needs more of them. We understand just how tricky it can be to manage something as convoluted as your taxes, hence why it’s valuable to invest in a professional accountant that can help you through the process.

Infographic: Northeastern University's Online Masters in Taxation Program

How Do You Get Your Finances Back Under Control?

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There's no doubt that money is always going to be a pretty serious part of just about all of our lives. In fact, there's a good chance that that's a pretty severe understatement. The truth is that money is one of those things that is constantly hanging over many of our heads every single day. The hardest thing is that it can often feel as though you don't have any real control over your finances. However, that doesn't need to be the case. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do in order to keep your finances under control.

Cut back on luxuries

One of the simplest things that you can do in order to take back control of your finances is to ensure that you're not wasting money on things that you simply don't need. A lot of people assume that it's the large purchases that drain their finances the most. And sure, that is a factor but it's also the smaller, more frequent purchases that make a big difference. These kinds of things can add up a whole lot more quickly than you might expect and it's the kind of thing that you can go without noticing for entirely too long. Make sure that you're keeping a close eye on any luxury spending, no matter how small it might seem.

Look at the cost of living

The cost of living in the modern era is higher than it's ever been and that means that more and more of us are having to be as careful as possible about how we make the most of our money. You need to make sure that you're not taking any of your general living costs for granted. You should always be looking out for cheaper deals on things like energy bills as well as ensuring that you're not being ripped off by your landlord when it comes to what you're paying every month.

Take control of your debt

Debt can be one of the scariest things in the world. It can feel as though once you're in debt things are never going to get any better. However, that's simply not the case. There are plenty of things that you can do in order to deal with your debts. One of the best things that you can do is to contact someone like https://www.mccarthylawyer.com/. Working with a debt settlement lawyer can help you pull yourself out of that pit when it feels like you can't do it alone. 

In all honesty, the simplest and most effective thing you can do is to set up a strict budget. Keep track of exactly what you're spending. This includes food, fuel, heating, rent, and shopping. Everything that you spend money on needs to go in the budget. It's the best way for you to look at your spending in the cold light of day. Look at your spending and can see places you can afford to cut back. If you can do that, then you'll be able to get your financial situation in order much more quickly than you'd expect.

Understanding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

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For individuals to successfully navigate through society, sound finances play a significant role. With many people unable to support themselves with savings or investments, remaining current with any outstanding debts is essential. However, there will always be extenuating circumstances which arise in life and require unplanned expenditures. If these types of situations occur frequently, you will likely have to consider filing for bankruptcy. Making this type of decision is undoubtedly nerve-racking, but there are quite a few options for you to take. Bankruptcies happen across the country, and this is undoubtedly the case for Orlando, FL. If you live in this area and are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, consult with a chapter 13 lawyer Orlando Fl.

Determining Eligibility for Chapter 13

With there being so many types of bankruptcy to claim, it is essential to understand which form applies to you. If you are interested in filing chapter 13, then your unsecured debts must be lower than $349,725 to proceed with this filing. There are also laws about secured debts, also which a chapter 13 lawyer would be able to explain in detail. A court of law will also determine your eligibility based on any recent filings made under your legal name. If 180 days have not passed since a recent filing was cut short due to negligence, you would not be eligible for chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Understanding the Process

There is a lot of documentation that a bankruptcy court will require for this process to move along. Most people do not have a schedule of assets and liabilities on-hand for personal property and the accompanying valuations. All of this information must be accurate to the best of your ability, and an attorney can assist with this process. Filing for bankruptcy is not easy, but seeking legal counsel can help aid in this burdensome task.

Build Your Savings and Make More Money

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Your bank account is something that can cause you the highest amount of stress in life, or it can ease any worry that arises in your mind. There are some good ways to transition from the stress-based way of living with your finances to the confidence of someone with healthy numbers in their account. Here we are going to take a look at some of the things you might want to consider when it comes to looking after your money. 

Savings

The first area of finances that we are going to look at is the way you can save money. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean that you have to cut out the things you enjoy in life or settle for subpar services. No, there are ways that you can save money while still getting what you want out of your expenditure.

To do this, you should address one of the elephants in the room of any household, utility bills and costs of subscriptions. If you haven’t been using comparison websites to help reduce expenses already, then the time has come for you to load up one of these sites and get comparing deals to bring down your outgoings. You might think that you can’t make that much of a saving, and you would be wrong. Utility companies and internet providers are clamoring for your business and will offer all sorts of discounts to new customers. And one of the great tricks is taking your new offer to your current provider to see if they will match or beat it - customer retention is a big target for most businesses in this day and age of mass competition so it is worth your time challenging their prices. 

You will quickly find that once your bills start to come down, you will have excess cash leftover at the end of the month. 

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Investments

Now if that is how you can save money, how about making more? Getting involved in the investing world is a good way to start increasing your savings from being sat in a bank account to being something you can build a future with. The problem for a lot of people when it comes to investing is they don’t know where to start and need help. Well for those of you who want to get involved in investing your hard earned and saved cash then consider automated trading to get you going. 

There are many types of investing that are open to you and finding the right one is all about doing your research and settling on where you feel comfortable. For example, someone who is in touch with current affairs around the world might find that investing in foreign currency markets is the best place for them. Whereas someone who isn’t confident on being able to track fluctuations in exchange rates might prefer to look into dividend investing where you buy stock in companies that historically pay out a good dividend each quarter. 

Don’t be deterred from investing just because your knowledge of the industry isn’t particularly high. You can learn with small investments and build your portfolio up over time. 

How To Pay For Emergencies

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Apply for a credit card

Credit cards are a convenient way of borrowing money for emergencies - rather than going through the whole loan application process, you can make purchases with borrowed money with the swipe of a card. It’s worth doing your research when choosing a credit card as there are many different cards out there. 

Many credit cards come with variable interest rates, which you should be wary of. Most also have a spending limit, which is also worth considering.

Having a good credit score will often help you to get better deals on credit cards although there are credit cards for bad credit. You should always aim to pay your credit card bills on time as many credit card providers will offer rewards for good spending.

Open a savings account

If you don’t want to get into debt, you could always set up a rainy day fund. This could include putting money regularly into a savings account. Ideally, you always want to have a couple thousand dollars saved up so that you’ve always got enough money in the event of an emergency.

It’s worth shopping around for savings accounts in order to find one with the best interest rate. This will allow you to naturally grow your savings. Some savings accounts with high interest rates may have restricted access of penalites for taking out money (for example, you may not get any interest for the month if you take money out). You should weigh up whether these restrictions are worthwhile. Online savers also have good interest rates, but withdrawing money from these accounts isn’t as fast as withdrawing from a brick and mortar savings account, making them potentially unsuitable for emergencies. 

Make sure that you only dip into these savings for expenses that are genuine emergencies. Having another savings account set aside for treats such as vacations or a new car is worthwhile.

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Get insured

Insurance is another way to pay for emergencies for those that don’t want to get into debt. There are insurance schemes out there for all kinds of disasters – by agreeing to pay a small amount each month, your insurer will then pay for any emergency costs when they arise.

Health insurance, pet insurance and property insurance are some of the most popular voluntary insurance schemes, although it’s possible to get insured against anything. Obviously, you don’t want to be paying extortionate insurance rates, so you should always shop around for cover.

There are lots of ways to lower your insurance. Investing preventative measures in order to lower the risk of emergencies can often lower your insurance rates (for example, if you live in a high flood risk zone and take out flood insurance, it could also be worth making some physical attempts to flood proof your home such as putting a wall up and damp-proofing the side of your home. Upping your deductible can also lower insurance rates, however this does mean that you have to pay more out of your own pocket in an emergency. 

Tips and Tricks that will Help you to Make More Money from your Property Sale

Selling your home can be a difficult decision. After all, you have to think about where you are going to live now, how your family are going to feel and even if it is the right choice to move. If you end up getting less for your home than you originally planned, this can put even more pressure on you financially and this is the last thing you need when you already have so much going on right now. Luckily, there are a couple of things that you can do to try and make way more money from your home sale by following these top tips and tricks.

Stage your Home

77% of real estate agents believe that it is much easier for a buyer to visualise themselves in a staged property. It doesn’t cost much to stage your home when you look at the value it could add, not to mention that it is also essential if you want to show your home in the best possible light. It’s so important that you are able to stage your living room, bathroom and master bedroom, as these are generally the most desired rooms in a family home.

Target your Buyer

Different types of property will attract different types of buyers. Each type of buyer will have their own individual needs, and if you are able to meet these needs then you will see the price of your home rocket. If you have a rundown property for example, there is a high chance that you will be targeting an investor who is looking for a project. For this reason, you need to try and spend your time advertising the house towards this type of buyer. When you are able to take things like this into consideration, you can then make your home way more appealing because you can find out exactly what your buyer is looking for. Little things like this can make a huge difference, not to mention that it also gives you the chance to have much more control over your sale.

Boost Appeal

When you own a property, you probably won’t spend too long looking at it from the outside. You might not notice any cracked paint, chipped windowsills or even mould growth. Your buyer on the other hand, absolutely will, so outside appeal is a very important concept for you to take into consideration. Think about replacing the door if it is looking a little worse for wear, or even think about pressure washing the walkway to your property. If you have bushes, shrubs and trees overgrowing your home then cut them back and really open up the space. Little things like this can add thousands to the value of your home, and it gives your buyer a good first impression from the moment they enter the property.

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Landscaping

As mentioned above, trimming back your greenery can make a huge difference to your home’s appeal. Studies show that a home that is well landscaped can sell for up to 12% more. You don’t have to spend a lot of time upgrading your garden, you just need to make sure that your lawn has been cut recently and that your patio area is clean and free of grime. Quality garden furniture can also go a long way when it comes to your landscaping as well, so if you can, you should always invest in this. You may even be able to make a deal with the buyer to sell them the furniture, adding even more value to your property.

Upgrade your Kitchen

A minor kitchen remodel can really help you to boost interest. The kitchen is often thought as being the most important room in the house for a lot of buyers and for this reason, you need to make it stand out. Steel appliances and granite countertops are considered to be the most sought-after. If you want to step things up to that next level then consider painting over your dated kitchen cabinets with some glossy, white paint. You can also invest in some new tile flooring if you want to bring everything together, as it is easy to maintain and even easier to clean.

The Bathroom

A bathroom renovation can be very costly and it can also be incredibly time-consuming as well. When it’s done right, it can make your lives way better and it can also be very attractive to a potential buyer. Mid-range bathroom remodels can increase the value of your home by over 3.8% and this is certainly something that you will want to take advantage of if you want to sell your home for more money.

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New Hardware

If you can’t afford to upgrade your kitchen or even your bathroom then consider investing in some new hardware. This can include new doorknobs, cabinet pulls and even drawer handles as well. This can have a huge impact on your market potential and it is great if you are on a small budget. They can also add charm to your home if you choose them carefully. If you feel as though your bathroom or kitchen needs more of a boost then look into cabinet refacing and even new lights. When you have these installed, you will soon see that they can drastically change the look and feel of the room without bumping up the price too much.

De-Clutter

An organised and a very clean home can really give you the impression of a well-maintained property. If you have a bed that isn’t made, a spare room that is full of clutter or even blinds that are covered in dust, then this can give a really bad impression of the home. Tidy rooms also appear way bigger as well, so this is well worth doing. When you are trying to improve your home, you need to wipe down your baseboards and cabinets. You also need to dust everywhere and get rid of any clutter. This will have a notable impact on the viewability of your home.

Smart Technology

You may think that it is daft to install smart technology when you are due to move out but this is not the case at all. Smart door locks and even thermostats can really make your home stand out. Consider having your home security system, foyer light, carbon monoxide detector and more hooked up to your smartphone. This is usually very cheap to do but it also gives you the chance to advertise your home as being “smart”. On top of that, buyers will remember your home for all the right reasons as well so there are numerous benefits to getting this done.

Decorate!

A lot of homeowners spend so much time looking at their walls that they don’t realise when they become faded or dated. A lot of wallpapers and even bright colours can also be a real turn-off for potential buyers. If you have wallpaper in your home then it is a good idea for you to remove it. Studies have shown that most buyers in this day and age actually prefer something with a much broader appeal and this can include neutral-coloured paint.

Ceiling Fan

People love to have a ceiling fan, and this is especially the case in the master bedroom. Most people are also willing to pay way more for them as well. To make things even better, they are generally very cheap to install so you won’t have any issues there. If you are having a problem trying to afford everything you need in your home then it may be worth you looking into OnlineCash4Payday® | installment loans online for good and bad credit.

Update your Flooring

Old carpet can be a real eyesore for buyers. It can also be a hazard if you have allergies as well. if you want to try and make your home as appealing as it can be then hardwood floor is certainly the way to go. If you cannot afford hardwood then don’t be afraid to go with laminate. Of course, if you have a hardwood floor installed right now then instead of ripping it out, consider getting it refinished. When you do this, you can then add thousands onto the value of your property and you can also really make the most out of your renovation.

Natural Light

The more natural light you can let into a home, the better. Consider cleaning the windows, opening up the blinds and then turning the lights on. This will instantly brighten up the room and it can make it look bigger as well. Most buyers look at lighting when they look around a property, so if you can, you should try and invest in some new lighting as well as this can really boost the appeal of a room.

So, there are many things that you can do to try and sell your home for more money and when you follow the above tips, you will soon find that there is no reason why you can’t do most of these upgrades yourself.