Maintaining a regular assessment of your family finances is essential to the family’s financial welfare. The following tips will help you take charge of your household finances.

Use of Credit Cards

Use your credit if you have one. However, remember to pay your outstanding balance, not the minimum amount, before its due. Utilisation of credit card should be done wisely.

Rule of Thumb

If the total household expenses is higher than 33% of your household income, it’s time to cut down on expenses. Here are some tips to lower your expenses.

1. Cleaning of air-conditioners should be done regularly.

2. Wash your laundry on full load.

3. Place thimbles on your taps

Allocate Book Keeping Reponsibilities to Your Kids

If you have kids, share them a simple task in book keeping, like data-entry. This will make them understand basic financial principles. It will also teach them to become responsible and promote good financial practice.

Organize Your Financial Statements

Take note of your finances. Compile them in a notebook or ledger. If you have a computer, put everything into a spreadsheet. You don’t even have to pay up cash for a spreadsheet.

Here are some tips in organizing your financial statements.

1. Keep soft copies of bills and statements, if available. This will save time from entering data.

2. Save your files and have back-up of them. You can use CD-R or thumb drive. Then keep them in a secure place.

Plan Your Finances

If there is only one in the household is working, and there is not much sources of income, consider an insurance plan for the breadwinner. This will help you from financial problems when the breadwinner become disabled

Make It a Routine

When you are not doing your task, it piles up. Set aside 30-60 minutes each week to maintain your finances.

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