A. Gokkul
15 Ways to make More Money
15 Proven Ways to Boost Your Income (Even If You're Broke!)
Are you tired of flashy online side hustle promises that never deliver?
No problem, you’re not alone. With so many get-rich-quick schemes flooding your feed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or worse.
But not any more, here’s the truth:
You can absolutely make money online, and you don’t need to be a tech genius or have a lot of cash to get started.
I have break down 15 proven, beginner-friendly methods that real people (just like you) are using to earn part-time or even full-time income online.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- How to turn your existing skills into income
- Smart ways to make passive income while you sleep
- Online jobs that are flexible, legit, and easy to start
- Tools and platforms that make it easier (even for beginners!)
Table of Contents
1
Start a Side Hustle That Fits Your Lifestyle
Starting a side hustle is a smart and flexible way to earn extra income without disrupting your daily routine. Whether you drive for Uber, deliver groceries, offer virtual assistant services, or help neighbors with lawn care, there are endless options that can fit around your schedule. The beauty of a side hustle is that you can start small, use the skills you already have, and grow it. It’s a great way to boost your income quickly and who knows, it might even grow into your full-time business someday.
Examples:
- Rideshare driving: Drive evenings or weekends with Uber or Lyft.
- Delivery gigs: Use DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats to deliver food or groceries.
- Local services: You can offer lawn care, house cleaning, or snow removal services in your neighborhood.
- Remote tasks: Become a virtual assistant (VA) or take on online customer service jobs.
Why it works: You can start quickly, often with little more than a car, phone, or computer. I know many people who have scaled their side hustles into profitable businesses. You can do it too if you do it consistently.
2
Never Shop When You're Hungry
A study by the National Library of Medicine suggests that shopping on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea. You’re more likely to make impulsive and poor choices.
3
Cut Subscription Costs
Do you really need all the streaming services you’re subscribed to? Review your subscriptions, keep only the ones you use, and cancel the rest. You can also share accounts with family or friends to split the cost.
4
Use Coupons
Wait a sec—before you buy anything online, search for promo codes or coupons! You’ll be surprised at how much you can save with just a quick search.
5
Switch to Generic Brands
When you compare brand-name products with generic versions, you’ll often find that store-brand items offer the same quality for much less. Swapping just a few items on your next trip can add up to actual savings.
6
Reduce Energy Consumption
Turn off lights and unplug devices when they’re not in use. This simple habit can lower your energy bills—and it’s better for the environment, too!
7
Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
You don’t have to spend money to have fun. Look into community events, local parks, or free museum days. Your wallet will thank you!
8
Negotiate Your Bills
Call your service providers (internet, phone, insurance) for better rates. Many companies have discounts or promotions available—you just have to ask! If they don’t, consider using an agent who can find you a better deal.
9
Use Public Transportation or Carpool
This eco-friendly option is also kind to your wallet. Gas, parking, and maintenance costs can add up fast, so try carpooling or using public transit when you can.
10
Automate Your Savings
Finally, set up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings account each month. This method makes saving effortless and consistent.
Budget
The Beginner’s Guide to Budgeting – Master Your Money Without Feeling Broke
Honestly, budgeting sounds boring. Like broccoli without butter or fun without a paycheck. But what if I told you that budgeting isn’t about restriction, it’s all about freedom? Yes, freedom from paycheck-to-paycheck living, freedom from debt, and freedom to enjoy your money.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Where did all my money go?”, this post is for you. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to start budgeting but feel motivated to stick with it, without sacrificing your daily coffee or Friday night pizza.
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Why Budgeting Isn’t Just for “Broke” People
Let’s face the reality: budgeting is for everyone, rich, broke, or in-between. Budgeting is the foundation of personal finance. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, save for a house, or stop living on credit cards, a budget helps you take control of your money before it takes control of you.
Also, before we dive deeper, I want you to understand. What type of budget works in real life? On which you can stick.
A budget that works in real life and is easy to stick to is one that is:
- Flexible for life’s changes
- Simple to manage
- Allows room for fun
- Shows quick results
Now, let me spill the beans……
1
Know Your Numbers (Track EVERYTHING)
Start by tracking all your income and expenses for at least 30 days. You can use apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or good old pen and paper. I guarantee you’ll be shocked by what you find: subscriptions you forgot about, impulse buys, random Amazon splurges.
This is the moment where most people realize they’re spending hundreds a month that they can’t account for.
2
Categorize Your Spending
Group your expenses into categories like:
- Essentials: Rent, groceries, utilities, etc…
- Debt payments: Credit cards, loans you might have
- Wants: Dining out, shopping, or a new phone
- Savings & emergency fund
This will help you see what’s necessary and what can be trimmed.
3
Set Realistic Spending Limits
Remember, you’re not cutting all your fun out, just setting boundaries. The realistic budgets are flexible, not restrictive. Give yourself a fair amount for fun spending so you don’t burn out or binge-spend.
4
Pay Yourself First
Want to save? Treat your savings like a non-negotiable bill. Automate a portion of your income to go into savings before you spend. It’s called reverse budgeting, and it works.
5
Use the 50/30/20 Rule (or tweak it!)
- 50% on needs
- 30% on wants
- 20% to savings or debt
This rule is simple but powerful. You can always customize it based on your income and goals.
6
Common Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring irregular expenses (like car repairs, gifts, or yearly insurance)
- Setting unrealistic goals (“I’ll live on $200 this month!”)
- Not tracking spending regularly
- Forgetting to update your budget when life changes
Budgeting is a living plan, not a one-time task.
7
Budgeting = Financial Freedom (Here’s Why It’s Worth It)
When you know exactly where your money is going, you feel less stressed, more in control, and can finally plan for things you want, like vacations, a new car, or quitting a toxic job.
Budgeting gives you options.
Ready to Build Your Budget?
In my opinion, you should start small. Track your spending regularly. Set one savings goal. Check your progress weekly. Remember: Progress, not perfection.
You’ve got this. Budgeting isn’t about saying “no” to fun; it’s about saying “yes” to what matters the most.
Financial Mistakes
8 Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s (If You Want to Be Rich in Your 30s)
Have you ever wondered why some people thrive financially in their 30s, while others struggle with debt?
Is it because they’re lucky? Or because they have six-figure incomes?
Big… No…!!
It’s because they built the right money habits and made smart financial decisions in their 20s.
The truth is, those small financial mistakes made early in life tend to snowball into major problems later.
But here’s the good news—these mistakes are completely avoidable if you have the right financial knowledge.
In this post, I’ll walk you through “8 common money mistakes” most people make in their 20s, and will give you tips on exactly how to avoid them so you can set yourself up for financial freedom in your 30s and beyond.
Table of Contents
1
Ignoring Budgeting and Spending Control
Many young adults think budgeting is restrictive or unnecessary. But in reality, a budget is a necessary tool created to give you financial freedom especially when your income is just starting to grow.
- Why It Matters: Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend, fall into debt, and miss out on saving opportunities.
- What to Do: Start simple. Just go through your previous credit card statements to understand your spending habits. Then, create a realistic budget. You can use a spreadsheet, Budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB Or even old school, journal will work.
2
Racking Up High-Interest Debt
Credit cards and personal loans often carry high interest rates that can quickly trap you in a debt cycle if you’re not careful.
- Why It Matters: Carrying high-interest debt drains your cash and damages your credit score easily and quickly.
- What to Do: Pay off your credit card in full each month. If you already carry a balance, don’t accumulate more and start paying it off ASAP. Pay first, which charges more interest.
3
Neglecting to Build an Emergency Fund
As we all know life is unpredictable. Without having an emergency fund, even a flat tire or a surprise medical bill can throw your entire budget off.
- Why It Matters: An emergency fund provides peace of mind and prevents you from burden of credit card or personal loan debts.
- What to Do: Aim to save 3–6 months of basic living expenses in a separate, easy-to-access savings account.
4
Not Saving for Retirement Early
It might feel “it’s too early” to think about retirement in your 20s, but that’s actually the best time to start. Thanks to the power of compounding.
- Why It Matters: The early you invest, more time your money has to grow. Even small contributions will snowball to big returns.
- What to Do: Start with your employer’s 401(k), especially if they offer a match. Begin investing in low-risk, long-term options like blue-chip stocks or index funds.
5
Overlooking the Importance of Building Credit
Good credit can help you get better loan rates, better apartment to rent, or even your dream job. Ignoring your credit health now can cost you thousands later.
- Why It Matters: Strong credit health opens many financial doors for your needs and save you thousands of dollars in interest.
- What to Do: Pay your bills and loans on time Keep your credit card usage below 30% of your credit limit, monitor your credit report regularly.
6
Living Beyond Your Means
Trying to match your friends’ lifestyle or upgrading gadgets & wardrobe every time you get a raise, leads to lifestyle inflation or often long-term debt.
- Why It Matters: Spending more than you earn will trap you in a cycle of debt which leads to stress and regret.
- What to Do: Be intentional with your money. Set aside a fixed amount for “wants”. Be mindful while spending.
7
Failing to Invest
Uninvested money sitting in your savings account is losing its value over time. Inflation will eat your cash away over the time, unless you put them to work.
- Why It Matters: Investing allows your money to grow through compounding, which will help you reach your financial goals early like buying a home or retiring before 60s.
- What to Do: Start with investing in low-cost index funds or ETFs. Automate your investments, & stay consistent.
8
Not Having Financial Goals or a Plan
Without clarity in what you want, you’ll drift around throughout your life. Setting clear financial goals will give you direction, motivation, and help you stay focused.
- Why It Matters: Goals turn dreams into plans and plans into progress.
- What to Do: Create S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). These can be short-term (e.g., pay off debt) or long-term (e.g., buy a home, retire early).
Final Thoughts
Financial literacy is something every young adult needs to gain ideally before they hit their 40s.
It’s never too early or too late to take control over your finances.
Whether you’re 21 or 41 start today. Your future self will thank you.
Ultimate Guide to High Yield Savings Account
The Ultimate Guide to High-Yield Savings Account
A High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) is one of the most effective ways to grow our money without any risk of loosing money. On the other hand, traditional savings accounts typically offer little to no return, but HYSAs provide better interest rates which help us out pace the inflation and help you achieve your financial goals.
In this comprehensive guide, I have uncovered basic topics like what a HYSA is, how it works, the benefits it offers. This will give you clear idea about it and help you decide, weather you should go for it or not.
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What is a HYSA?
A High-Yield Savings Account is a savings account that offers a significantly higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts. HYSAs typically earn between 3% to 5% annually (rates vary over time) with minimal risk. These accounts are offered by online banks, credit unions, and some traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
How Do HYSA Work?
The concept is simple: you deposit money into the account, and the bank pays you interest on the principal. That interest compounds over time.
Example:
Let’s say you deposit $2,000 into your HYSA at an annual interest rate of 4%.
- At the end of the first year, you’ll earn $80, bringing your total to $2,080.
- In the second year, 4% APY will be calculated on $2,080, earning you $83.20, for a total of $2,163.20.
This compounding effect continues each year, helping your savings grow steadily.
Benefits of a HYSA
- Higher Interest Rates: Earn more interest compared to traditional savings accounts.
- Low Risk: Your deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, which means your money grows safely without risk to your principal.
- Liquidity and Accessibility: Withdraw or transfer funds up to a limited number of times per month without penalties.
- Convenient Online Access: Most HYSAs are offered by online banks with easy-to-use apps and tools.
- Encourages Saving: Higher returns can motivate you to save more consistently and develop better financial habits.
How to Choose the Best HYSA
- APY (Annual Percentage Yield):
Shop around and compare APYs from different financial institutions—higher APYs mean better returns. - Fees:
Look for accounts with low or no maintenance fees and low minimum deposit requirements. - Accessibility and Online Features:
Choose banks with strong online platforms or mobile apps, especially if you plan to manage your funds remotely. - Customer Service:
Good support is essential when you’re trusting a bank with your hard-earned money. Read customer reviews, and ask friends or family about their experiences.
Final Thoughts
A High-Yield Savings Account is one of the best tools for growing your savings without risking your principal. Take time to compare different options and find the one that fits your needs.
With just a little effort, your money can start compounding—helping you build a stronger financial future.
9 Tips To Reduce Food Waste
9 Actionable Ways To Reduce Food Waste
Thank you so much for landing on this super helpful post!
In this post, you’ll uncover the best ways to minimize food waste and save tons of money each year.
Before, I share those powerful money-saving tips, let me quickly explain why it’s so important to build these habits in our lifestyle so we can pass them to the coming generation.
First of all, look what the MITRE survey on “Edible food waste” have to say.
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Inflation isn’t stable—it increases every year, and so do our bills. Amiright?
No matter how tough the economy gets, we never compromise on the quality of food we buy for ourselves and our families. We want them to have the best quality we can afford—and quality doesn’t come cheap.
Many people think the cost they paid at checkout is the real cost for their grocery, unfortunately that’s not the truth. There are other hidden costs like the gas you use to drive to the grocery store, the time you spend shopping adds up too, and don’t forget the self-control it takes to resist all those flashy deals and ads trying to drain money out of your pocket. Right?
It takes lots of determination to stick to a grocery list, and stay on budget.
Just because of poor meal planning and poor storage habits—we end up throwing away roughly 18% to 20% of our groceries every month.
Wow! 20% is a huge number.
Hidden Costs to Put Food On Plate
That 20% could be invested in stocks and potentially grown by at least 10% each year!
But not anymore. No more waste.
Now let me share the tips with you I personally follow that saved my bank—and if you follow them, it can save yours too.
1
Plan Your Meals for the Week
Check your fridge and pantry to see what you already have. Then make a menu for the entire week and create your shopping list according to it. Stick to the list and only buy what’s on. This habit reduces both food waste and overspending.
2
Buy Only What You Really Need
Don’t guess-shop. When you shop without a list, you might forget essentials like salt, sugar, or toothpaste—or worse, overbuy perishable items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, or meat. These don’t come cheap and spoil quickly.
Grocery stores are open every day—so only buy perishables as you need them.
Bulk buying is great only when you’re sure it will be consumed before it goes bad
3
Understand Expiration Dates
Food labels can be confusing, so it’s important to understand what they really mean:
- Best Before / Use By: The product will be at peak quality before this date.
- Sell By: A guide for stores—not necessarily when food goes bad.
Use your senses—look, smell, and taste—before throwing anything away. Don’t rely only on printed dates.
4
Store Food Properly
Proper storage can greatly extend the shelf life of your groceries. I highly recommend using vacuum sealers, airtight containers, and plastic wrap to keep perishables like meat, poultry, and dairy fresher for longer.
5
Use Leftovers Creatively
Letting leftovers sit at the back of the fridge is a fast track to food waste. Instead, repurpose them:
- Leftover veggies? Throw them into soups or stuff them into burritos.
- Extra rice? Make stir-fried rice.
If you can’t eat it right away—freeze it!
6
Keep Your Fridge Organized
A messy fridge makes it easy to forget what you have, which leads to spoilage.
Follow the “first in, first out” rule—move older items to the front so they get used first. Label containers with dates to help you keep track.
7
Freeze for Later
Your freezer is your best friend when it comes to cutting down on waste. You can freeze almost anything—bread, fruits, soups, even herbs in olive oil—for future use. It’s a simple way to make food last longer and save money. You’ll be surprised how much less you throw away!
8
Serve Smaller Portions
Hosting a backyard party? Serve smaller portions—guests can always come back for seconds. Uneaten food often ends up in the trash. This small habit can make a big difference in your budget.
9
Preserve with a Dehydrator
Use a dehydrator or your oven on low heat to dry out fruits, vegetables, or herbs before they wilt. Store them in airtight containers and use them as needed. Great way to preserve and reduce waste!
10
Bonus Tip: Keep a Food Waste Log
Try measuring or weighing your food waste, the number will shock you…..Keeping a log of what you throw away can highlight the money drainer blind spots.
For example, I used to buy frozen spinach—no waste there, because I didn’t have to worry about shelf life. Then I switched to fresh spinach, and I always ended up tossing it.
Since I started logging my grocery waste, I realized the real problem was poor meal planning. I fixed it and—boom—no more waste!
All the tips I’ve shared are ones I personally follow, and I now save around 18% to 20% on my food budget.
Whatever I save on groceries, I move into my fun budget—and now, me and my family get to have more fun without feeling guilty!
No-Spend Tips
8 Powerful Tips for
Month!
For those who don’t know…….
What is a No-Spend Month?
It is a month—or a certain period—where you promise yourself to spend only on your needs and unexpected emergencies, no matter what happens. To help you achieve your no-spend goal, I’ve put together seven 100% working tips that are easy to follow.
But before we dive deeper into the post, I want you to make yourself a mirror promise: look into the mirror and make yourself a promise that no matter what happens—aside from emergencies and essential needs—you will not dip into your savings.
Great… Now, that you’ve made the promise, let me spill the beans so you can take a step closer to your financial freedom.
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1
List All Monthly Essentials
This means listing all essential expenses you must make for your living (house/apartment rent, utilities, car payment, auto & health insurance, groceries, etc.).
To simplify the budgeting process, I’ve put together a basic living expense sheet below to help you create your own customized expense list. And the best part? You can download it for free!
2
Give Yourself a Salary
Whaaaat? Yes, if you don’t, nobody will…
Let me explain. Now that you know the minimum $$$ you need to survive each month, right?
Put the required amount for your monthly survival into a separate account and lock the rest in a HYSA (High-Yield Savings Account).
3
Build a “Boredom Backup List”
This is a list of free activities you’ll use to replace spending habits.
For example, I have a list of 30 no-cost things I enjoy whenever I feel bored. Instead of scrolling Amazon, I look up my list and pick something that suits my mood. You can access it—I think it will help you create your own list too.
4
Gamify Your Fridge
We’ve all watched cooking shows, right?
Similarly, Treat your fridge and pantry like a cooking show challenge: cook with whatever you have available until your next grocery run.
Personally, I create a weekly menu and shop for ingredients only once a week, so I don’t have to compromise on meals.
5
Lock Tempting Apps
Social media ads and food delivery notifications are psychologically designed to trigger your temptation, which leads to impulse purchases.
Guard yourself by using screen time blockers that help block tempting apps like Uber Eats, Instagram, Amazon, and so on.
If you’re an iPhone user, Apple’s Screen Time Restrictions can be a great help.
6
“If I Still Want It” List
During the no-spend period, your eyes will catch discount offers and your brain may try to convince you to buy non-essentials.
But the core purpose of the no-spend month is to kill those unwanted urges. The best way to fight back? Create an “If I Still Want It” list.
Write down the items you think you want to buy. Revisit the list after 30 days—and see if you still want them.
7
Sell Before You Buy
During a no-spend week or month, look around your space—you’ll probably find many items that have been sitting unused for over six months. Try selling them on Facebook Marketplace or another platform and use that money to purchase the item you want.
The idea behind this is to kill the impulse to buy. While you wait for your unused items to be sold, your urge will likely fade. And if you still think you need the item, you can buy it without dipping into your savings or going into debt.
8
Give Your Money a Job Right Now
Hands down to this tip. Why? Because it encourages a total paradigm shift in how you respond to the urge to buy things around you. Whenever you’re tempted by ads, glamorous, flashy beauty products, or trendy accessories, skip the purchase and immediately transfer that money—$25 or $40—into your savings account.
This positive shift will grow your savings account surprisingly faster than you’d expect. Trust me, this habit will make you feel empowered, not deprived.
Final Thoughts
After completing my no-spend month, I’m feeling smart within myself.
I discovered that I can be happy without spending on my wants, I got creative on using available resources, rewired my habits and relationship with money, and achieved my goal of saving $400 every month.
The Beliefs That Shape Your Bank Account
7 Money Beliefs That Are Keeping You "Broke"
I’ve come to realize one thing — your mindset can either make you or break you.
Back in the day, I thought managing money was all about math, numbers, budgets, spreadsheets, and interest rates. Everyone around me seemed to believe the same thing. But over time, I found out the truth was something else entirely. And honestly, it changed my life.
Here’s what I mean:
Your bank account is a reflection of your beliefs.
Think about it — what you believe about money affects everything. How you earn, how you spend, how (or if) you invest. And most of those beliefs come from how we were raised, our culture, and what we’ve picked up from family or society over time.
The good part? You can change those beliefs. And once you do, your financial life starts to shift too.
Let me walk you through some of the key money beliefs that might be holding you back — and how they’ve shown up in my own life.
Table of Contents
1
“I’m not good with money.”
This one used to hit me hard.
If you believe you’re bad with money, you avoid even trying. You don’t track your spending, you ignore your debt, and you tell yourself budgeting isn’t for you.
In my early 20s, I didn’t know what a budget was. I’d overdraw my account and just brush it off like, “Eh, I’m not a numbers guy.” Truth is, I never really tried to learn. But once I started watching YouTube videos and reading a few blogs, I realized money skills aren’t rocket science. Anyone can pick them up.
2
“I’ll always be poor.”
This one is personal. It often comes from growing up without much. When you’re raised around struggle, it can feel like success is out of reach.
One of my friends grew up in a low-income household. Owning a home? That felt like a fantasy to him. But instead of giving up, he started learning about credit, mortgages, and saving for a down payment. That mindset shift? It helped him buy his first home at 36.
3
“Money is the root of all evil.”
This belief can make you feel weird or guilty about wanting more money. It messes with your confidence. It makes you afraid to charge what you’re really worth.
I’ve been there. Every time I went for a job interview, I accepted whatever salary they offered. I never negotiated. I thought asking for more would make me seem greedy. But once I started seeing money as a tool — not something evil — I stopped lowballing myself. I earned more, got more respect, and had some breathing room by the end of each month.
4
“If I make more, I’ll just spend more.”
This one keeps a lot of people stuck. You might avoid higher-paying jobs or side gigs because deep down you think, “What’s the point? I’ll just blow it anyway.”
Here’s the thing: it’s easy to upgrade your lifestyle when your income goes up — new phone, better car, more takeout, designer clothes. You look rich, but your bank account tells a different story. Unless you fix your habits, more money won’t change a thing.
5
“I’ll start saving when I make more.”
So many people (me included, once upon a time) wait for the “right time” to start saving. But the truth is, the perfect moment never really comes.
Even if you’re earning minimum wage, you can start small. Skip a $5 coffee here, track your expenses there — it adds up. What matters most is consistency, not the amount.
6
“Budgeting means I can’t enjoy my life.”
This one used to annoy me. People hear the word “budget” and think it means saying goodbye to fun. But that’s just not true.
Budgeting isn’t punishment. It’s actually the opposite — it gives you control. It lets you decide where your money goes instead of wondering where it went. I’ve written a full post on budgeting if you want to dig into that.
7
“Money will fix all my problems.”
Let me tell you about a friend who won $15,000 in the lottery.
First thing he did? Paid off his credit card, bought new clothes, and upgraded his phone — all in cash. Sounds smart, right?
A year and a half later, his credit card balance was back to $12,000. Nothing really changed. Why? Because the problem wasn’t the money. It was the mindset. When you don’t change your habits, no amount of cash can save you.
Final Thoughts
Beliefs are powerful. But they’re not set in stone.
If your money situation is a mess, don’t just blame your paycheck. Take a good, honest look at what you believe about money.
The best part? You can start changing those beliefs today.
And I promise — your bank account will eventually start to reflect that change.
Personal Financial Planning
Personal Financial Planner Step-By-step
Do you also struggle to make your ends meet like I did, and our fellow Americans do?
Let me tell you guys, planning your finances is not just about surviving until your next paycheque; it is about creating a financially secure future for you and your loved ones.
I have answered all the questions that came to my mind when I first started my financial planning. They were pretty much “general to all,” but… you might have some other questions that are not mentioned in this post. NO PROBLEM!!! Comment them to me, and I will do my best to answer them.
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What Is Financial Planning?
So, what exactly is financial planning? Let me break it down for you.
It involves setting financial goals, managing your income and expenses, saving, investing, and planning for future needs like retirement.
According to Charles Schwab, 96% of people with written goals achieve their financial objectives.
Key Components of Financial Planning:
Budgeting: The core purpose of creating a budget is to ensure you spend less than you earn.
Savings: The money saved by following your budget builds a financial cushion for emergencies and future needs.
Investing: After building your emergency fund, invest your hard-earned money to benefit from compounding—via stocks, bonds, or high-interest savings accounts.
Debt Management: Carrying debt is normal—it can be paid off with the right strategy.
Insurance: Protecting yourself and your family is crucial. Insurance covers unexpected costs from hospitals, accidents, and more.
Setting Financial Goals
We all want a lot—from a new pair of socks to a big house—and that list keeps growing, right?
Focusing on one thing at a time through goal-setting keeps you on track and helps you reach your goals faster.
Just like I did, you can use the S.M.A.R.T. framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). It’s a proven way to achieve your goals.
1
Budgeting
Budgeting is the backbone of financial planning. It helps you allocate your money wisely to meet needs and wants. Here’s how to build your own budget:
- Have a clear goal.
- Calculate your income.
- Track your expenses.
- Categorize your spending.
- Follow the 50/30/20 rule.
- Monitor and adjust regularly.
2
Building an Emergency Fund
Remember the saying, “Save for a rainy day”? That means saving for life’s unexpected events—medical bills, car repairs, or job loss.
According to the CFPB, aim to save 3–6 months of living expenses.
Here are my savings strategies you can try too:
- High-yield savings accounts (HYSA): Shop around for the best rates.
- Automate your savings: I started with $5 per paycheck. It seems small, but it helped me build a habit. You can increase the amount over time.
- Challenge yourself: Try saving consistently for 4 weeks. Gradually increase your timeline to build a long-term habit.
3
Debt Management
I know the weight of debt. Trust me, it’s heavy—but manageable.
- Avoid More Debt: Before spending, ask yourself, “Is this a need or a want?” Stick to needs until your debts are gone.
- Extra Income Stream: I drove Uber after restaurant shifts to clear my debt. A side hustle can make a huge difference.
Two Proven Debt Strategies:
- Avalanche Method: List debts from highest to lowest interest. Pay more on the highest, and minimums on the rest. Once one is paid off, move down the list.
- Snowball Method (My Favorite): List your debts from smallest to largest. Pay off the smallest first for quick wins that build motivation.
4
Investing
This is the fun part!
Do you know Robert Kiyosaki? Of course, you do. In Rich Dad Poor Dad, he teaches:
“Buy more things that put money in your pocket instead of things that take money out.”
Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—anyone with basic knowledge can get started.
Here are some simple definitions:
- Stocks: Own part of a company by buying shares. Higher risk, but potentially higher returns.
- Bonds: Lend money to governments or companies and earn interest over time. Lower risk and steady returns.
- Real Estate: Invest in properties for rental income and long-term appreciation.
5
Retirement Planning
I watched my grandparents live on a “freedom budget.” You’ll want that too—and it requires planning now.
Start saving early, because compound interest and time are your best friends.
According to a Bankrate survey, most American adults regret not saving enough for retirement.
Don’t let that be you.
6
Insurance
Life is unpredictable. Insurance protects you and your loved ones from financial setbacks.
Types of essential insurance include:
- Health Insurance: Covers major medical costs. You pay only a fraction.
- Life Insurance: Pays a large sum to your beneficiaries when you pass away.
- Homeowners Insurance: Covers damage or loss to your home and possessions.
- Auto and Disability Insurance: Protect against vehicle damage and income loss from injury or illness.
7
Reviewing and Adjusting Your Plan
A financial plan is not a “set it and forget it” deal. Life changes—and so should your plan.
Regularly review your financial goals, income, and expenses, and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
In my opinion, financial freedom isn’t about how much you earn—it’s about how well you manage what you earn.
Take control of your finances, and watch your savings grow.
Remember: Knowledge is useless until it’s put to work.
The key to success? Start—and start now.
