“I have too much money and wish I had less.” How many people have you ever heard utter this aspiration. People always want more, not less. And most people really want it not out of greed, but so that they can feel better and be happier.
And a good start to achieving that would be to improve your finances.
1. Start a Business
One of the best ways to gain financial stability for yourself and your family is to start a business. It is especially true now, a time when COVID-19 has left millions of people unemployed, and thousands of companies either bankrupt or at the brink of total collapse.
Of course, starting a business requires an initial investment. It’s impossible to do it without spending any money, regardless of the industry you are in.
Still, plenty of benefits come along with being your own boss or an entrepreneur. First, you are doing something you like, something you are passionate about. And you are doing it with your own money. As a result, you will probably put as much effort into it as you can.
Second, a business can be a long-term source of income and personal financial growth. If you do it well, it may even be a generational change in the lives of your children and grandchildren.
But what kind of business should you start?
With the rising popularity of Airbnb and other accommodation hosting schemes, a great idea would be to look into a property management franchise opportunity. It will allow you not only to work from the convenience of your own home but also to jump into an industry filled with potential.
2. Get Educated
Many of the problems some people have in life are due to a lack of knowledge and information. A simple example is not knowing how to properly manage your taxes. People have to pay taxes every year. Otherwise, the IRA will come knocking at your door, and you will get a fine or some other penalty. In extreme cases, you might even go to jail.
But did you know that you can get deductions on medical expenses that are more than 7.5 percent of your gross income? How about changing your W-4?
If both answers are “yes,” then you are already doing at least a small part. If the answers are “no,” it wouldn’t hurt to get extra education. Even if you have no plan of becoming an accountant or financial manager, having the proper knowledge will help you save money without having to put exorbitant amounts of time or effort.
3. Make a Savings Plan
“I have so many expenses.” “I am drowning in debt.” “How can I save when I have children to feed?” “I’m already late on my mortgage payments this month.”
These are four examples of what many are going through. The financial struggles in people’s lives are very real, and sometimes you find yourself overwhelmed.
Still, even in these moments, you can save. You can start building for the future. It doesn’t have to be a lot of money. If you can’t pay what you owe or put food on the table, obviously there isn’t extra cash.
But you can start with a little, even a few dollars a month. The important thing is that you are consistent, and you value your savings as much as the other things in your life.
If saving is important to you, you will not go out as much. Rather, you will stay at home and make your own meals. Instead of buying the jacket you love, you will settle for a cheaper one that is still nice and makes you look pretty.
4. Manage Your Loans and Debts
If you are currently paying a mortgage on your home, have you looked into mortgage recasting or mortgage refinancing? If you are struggling to pay your student loans, have you done your research on teacher loan forgiveness or an income-driven repayment plan?
There are plenty of ways to make your debt more bearable, at least in the short-term. After a while, when you manage to pick yourself back up, you can pay more or arrange a different set of terms.
The key is to start a realistic, sustainable finance-management strategy that will gradually improve your situation. It won’t come fast. It will take effort, commitment and time. But it will help you get out of the hole you are in.
We all want to have more money. Whether it is to buy a new house, a car, provide an education to our children, or save for retirement, money is essential to all human beings.
Improve your current financial situation by starting a business, getting educated on financial matters, making a savings plan and managing debt. By doing them, you will be guaranteeing a more comfortable life for yourself and your loved ones.