Masters OF FINANCE FAQ #1

I am frequently asked questions about money and money saving ideas all the time. Below is the first round of questions that I receive a lot of similar requests.

How do I start saving money?

​The easiest way to do this is to sit down and write out a budget. I have a form here that you can use to start. I suggest that you keep track of everything for 60-90 days prior to trying to enforce a written budget. Extra expenses pop up and sometimes there is no budget that allows for these things. Only having a written track record will help plan in the future.

How do I start a budget?

The easiest way is to use the form I linked to in the previous answer. Keep track of EVERYTHING you spend for 60-90 days. This will allow you to identify patterns of behavior, as well as odd items that can wreck a budget. Don't be too hard on yourself. We are all human, and we have ALL messed up with money.

Do you use credit cards ever?

I am not a Dave Ramsey disciple, sorry.
Much love and respect for Dave, but debt used properly is a major boost to wealth.

Yes I do, and only in smart ways. Remember my approach, good debt vs. bad debt (see page and article here). Using credit cards to gain rewards or discounts is a smart financial manuever. Not only do you buy free time, but often you can gain big savings too. I will suggest remembering one key thing. If you do not have the money in the bank to pay for it, DO NOT BUY IT!

I know people that play the credit card game and save thousands of dollars per year by cashing in points and rewards and paying for all expenses on a credit card in order to get cash back. I am no where near that level personally. I use a debit card for 99% of all transactions I do. I don't like having a bill to pay later down the line. Plus I like to spend extra money in my accounts from time to time on toys!

What is the best way to make more money?

There are 2 approaches to this. Make more at your current job/career, or pick up something on the side and try to make it pay off.

Your goals need a starting point and you are the best decision maker when it comes to that. Can you pick up more hours and make great money where you are currently? Can you make more money by switching jobs/shifts? Is there another company paying more for your services? All of these are legitimate questions.

Assuming that you can not just make more by working more, then it is time to consider a "side hustle". I wrote an article on that here. Consider an extension of what you do currently during the day. Bookkeeping and medical transcription come to mind as things that can be done from home. Don't be afraid to start a business and get some revenue flowing.

What websites help you save money?

This is going to be a whole section of the website. There are far too many to list here in a brief blog post.