Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Six Simple Steps to a Savings Plan

Build from the ground up with solid foundation!
• STEP SIX - Review Your Progress
Are you on track to reach your goals? How long will it take? Do you need to make any adjustments?
• STEP FIVE - Identify Your Earnings Plan
Will you be getting an allowance? Would you like to get a job? What other income can you expect?
• STEP FOUR - Establish a Savings Vehicle
Do you want to save your money at home? Do you want to open a bank account? Do you want to start a collection?
• STEP THREE - Set Up a Budget
How will you earn money? How much money will you need to reach your goals? How will you divide your money if you are saving for 2 budget items?
• STEP TWO: Set Your Goals
What are your financial goals? What do you WANT and what do you really NEED? What do you need now and what can wait a few months or even a year?
• STEP ONE: Get Educated
Where does money come from? How does a bank earn money? How can you make your money grow in value? What is compound Interest? (Hint: Check this blog’s archives. I’ve answered these questions before.)

Monday, February 8, 2010

Covering Your Bases - A Game Winning Strategy

As a financially savvy kid, it’s important to set short, medium and long-term goals. Then create a budget and a financial plan to illustrate how you can meet all of your goals. Consider how much money you will put into the following 4 categories:
SAVE – SPEND – DONATE – INVEST
Before you spend, you must save. You must spend on your budgeted items before you donate. With excess money, you can then invest for the future. Then it’s time to save some more!