Every mom needs to hear these 6 financial tips. It’s next to impossible to be a great mom without also managing your finances. But it’s not always easy, especially when you are juggling the busy day-to-day life of being a mom. Here are six financial tips that all moms need to know to manage their money more effectively and make sure they are getting ahead!
1. Making The Most Out Of Credit Cards
Credit cards can be a great way to build your credit score, but it’s important to use them wisely. Make sure you are always paying your balance off in full and on time so you don’t end up paying interest. And try to find a card that offers rewards like cash back or travel points so you can get something back for your spending. You might want to consider the best credit card for fair credit at Joywallet, and while many people think credit cards can lead you down the path towards debt, there is nothing wrong with using them responsibly. They can help you get out of debt when used correctly. Make sure to always pay your balance off each month so you aren’t paying interest on your purchases. And try parking your cashback rewards into an online savings account or investment portfolio instead of spending them – this way you’ll be able to make some extra money on top of what you’ve already saved on the actual purchase itself.
2. Creating A Budget Doesn’t Have To Be Daunting
Creating a budget is one of the best ways to save money. Every time you spend money, be sure to write it down so you know what your limits are and how much money you have left in your budget for other things. And try spending less than you earn if you want to start saving more. If setting up a budget seems intimidating, don’t worry! There are lots of free online tools available that can help make creating a budget simple and easy like a budget app. You can also opt for creating a budget plan from scratch by simply writing out your income and expenses on paper. An integral part of your budget plan should be an investment strategy. Investing can be a great way to reach your long-term goals, like saving for retirement. But it’s important to invest wisely, so you don’t lose money. Consider starting with low-risk investments like bonds or CDs and then gradually increasing your risk as you become more comfortable with investing. And make sure you are keeping an eye on your portfolio so you can rebalance it if necessary.
3. Having Family Meetings
Regular family meetings with kids make them involved and allow them to voice their concerns. It can also help make your family more efficient and organized while encouraging good parenting skills like clear communication. A weekly family meeting may seem like too much time to spend with kids, but it’s important to spend time with your kids every day at the end of your workday before they go to bed if you can’t find time during the week. Also, try to keep family meetings short, around 10-15 minutes tops. That way, everyone will be more likely to participate. And if something important comes up that can’t wait until the next meeting, make sure to send out a quick family text or email so everyone is kept in the loop.
4. Having An Emergency Fund
It’s always a good idea to have some money saved up in case of an emergency. This could be anything from an unexpected car repair bill to losing your job. Try to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses so you know you’ll be able to cover your costs if something happens. You can start building your emergency fund by setting aside a small amount of money each month until you reach your goal amount. And don’t be afraid to cut back on extras like entertainment or dining out if necessary. Having an emergency fund is super important for moms who want to make sure they aren’t stressing about money all the time.
5. Making Money Multi-Tasking
It may not be the most efficient way of doing things, but sometimes multi-tasking can help you make more money! If there are tasks you need to do regularly around the house that is also things you could potentially get paid for, giving yourself two jobs might be a good idea. For example, getting laundry done is usually pretty fast if you have a small enough load and it’s possible to find someone willing to pay $10-$15 per a load of laundry if you are doing it at the same time as your regular duties. Also, asking for payment in exchange can be a great way to teach kids about earning money and working hard.
6. A College Fund
It’s never too early to start saving for your kids’ college educations. College can be expensive, and unless you have wealthy parents, you’ll likely need to contribute something yourself. Try to start saving as soon as your child is born by setting aside a small amount of money each month. This will add up over time and make paying for college less stressful down the road. You can also look into 529 plans which are special savings accounts designed specifically for college savings. Try to consider even little things like including your child in conversations about financial responsibility or teaching them to be responsible with money. Because when you’re talking about college, every dollar counts!
Moms should know that saving and investing well can help ensure they’re financially secure well into the future. Try to set aside a small amount of time each day to check your accounts and enter any transactions so you don’t miss anything important. And make sure you are trying to find ways to save and earn more money by multi-tasking, which can add up over time. Finally, consider having weekly family meetings where kids are encouraged to voice their concerns, but also where everyone’s responsibilities can be clearly defined so there’s no confusion or conflicting schedules.
