Monday, January 9, 2012

New Independence, New Responsibilities: A Guide to the First Few Years on Your Own

There are few times in life more exciting than when you leave home to attend college and begin your career. This is a time of freedom that is unmatched in any other time of life. After you begin work and find a partner, the rest of life seems to be set for you. But this is a time that you can learn, grow and enjoy everything that life has to offer. The only little down side seems to be getting a grasp on your finances.


Learning to Set a Budget


Life isn't as easy as many moms and dads make it look, because they've had two or three decades more experience than you. But many of the things they're telling you are right. You need to set a reasonable budget and learn to stick to it. In time, you will build savings and credit. Until then, you have to learn to do without a few things you'd really like. When an emergency creeps up, use options like Mobiloans to get your life back on track.


How to Make a Budget


Figure up your net pay. This is how much you bring home each paycheck after taxes, insurance and other deductions. Then add up all of your monthly expenses. List the most important things first. Subtract what you have to have to live each month from what you earn, and this is the money you have to use at your discretion.


Using Discretionary Money


You probably have a lot of things you need and even more things that you want. Make a list of your priorities and spend your extra money where it really counts. It may be worth it to you to skip eating out and spend your money on art supplies or car parts. This is part of being an adult, and there is nothing wrong with making sacrifices in one area to enjoy another, as long as the bills are paid and you are eating regular meals.


In the Long Run


It is important to remember that the freedom of this time of your life does come with a price tag. It takes time and experience to build wealth. Set a small amount of money aside each week to build a savings account. Use credit wisely and don't take on a monthly car payment or high rent payment that you aren't going to be able to make. Above all, be patient. Your parents probably didn't own a home the day they graduated, either.

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