Idaho Realtor, Don Wixom with RE/MAX Advantage offers a few financial suggestions:
1. Concerning debt- Begin paying off your consumer debt which holds the highest annual interest rate first. This will save you valuable dollars that can be used to pay off other debt & you will quickly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once one account is paid off, add that normal payment to the next highest interest bearing debt. This snowball effect can be very exciting once you see the results!
2. Use less credit- Whenever possible, use cash for things such as eating out or impulse buys. If you determine NOT to use credit, you will be more disciplined to spend less and keep your cash.
3. Increase savings- Yeah, I know, savings accounts don't pay much interest, but as they say, "Cash is King!" Even if it's your daily pocket change or cash from turning in those aluminum cans, put something aside every month in an "untouchable account." You never know when that rainy day may come.
4. Plan ahead for major purchases- For the most part, everybody has a car payment. When you pay off your car, or if you don't have a payment, start making one! Yes, a car payment, but make it to yourself in the form of a savings account of some kind. If you can be disciplined to make a payment to savings, you just might be able to pay cash for that next needed vehicle. Plan ahead for appliances, furniture, tires, gifts, etc. Using less credit and planning ahead will make for a little bit more happiness!
5. Invest- I highly recommend, if possible, to buy a rental property in this fabulous market! NOW is the time to buy! It's easier than ever to see a property cash-flow. You will also be able to watch the appreciation of your real estate investments by buying in this low market!If you have a financial advisor, you may also consider stocks, mutual funds or an IRA. Search Homes for sale in the Boise area
6. Pay down your home mortgage- By paying extra principle on your monthly mortgage payment, equal to the normal "principle" payment, you can theoretically pay your home off in half the time! Please call me for a short demo / explanation of this idea!
7. Budget- First of all, by tracking what you spend, you will quickly learn where you may be over-spending. Take a 30 day time period & write down every penny spent in every fashion possible; cash, checks, debit cards, credit cards, etc. After the 30 days, you may be amazed at where a giant leak in your finances may appear. Strategize your household budget to meet the needs (and wants) of your expenses. Once you discipline yourself to stick to a budget, you will see the advantages and provide more financial freedom for you and your family!
Don Wixom RE/MAX Advantage 5680 E Franklin Rd Ste 100 Nampa, ID 83687 Direct: (208) 880-5039 Office: (208) 466-0002 Fax: (208) 466-2227 Email: wixy@sellidaho.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Broker/Owner, ABR, CRS, GRI, e-Pro Internet Professional