Sunday, November 9, 2008

Money Tip: Establishing Automatic Payments to Reach Goals

It is wonderful to have friends that share money-management trials and tribulations. They are a never ending source of tips and secrets to manage those meager paychecks in light of so many available temptations.

Here is one, that was imparted over lunch yesterday:

Dedicate a manageable automatic payment toward a current goal (i.e., paying down a credit card; saving for a trip; or, saving - period). Once, you have sufficiently paid down the balance or accumulated enough savings to reach your goal, re-dedicate the amount to your next endeavor. If implemented, you'll never miss the money because it was never really yours for the spending in the first place. Plus, the goal busting experience will be far more positive then solely watching your balance diminish and your aims remain unfulfilled.

I will add, this tidbit of advice: If you decide to use your online bill pay to make the automatic payments, always make sure there are available funds in your checking account. If not, you may be charged the $35 dollar overdraft fee.

1 comment:

Cheese said...

Your friend must be REALLY smart and financially responsible...