Money. It's what the economy runs on. You want as much of it as you can get. Sometimes life can get overwhelming and we may lose track of our bank accounts but there are three simple things you can do to help get your financial life reigned in.
1. Sit Down and Make a Budget.. And then stick to it!
Sit down and make a list of your income and everything you need to pay out. This will help you keep track of the bills you pay as well as help remind you how much you have after that and how much you will allot yourself for anything else, such as eating out, groceries, gas, etc.
2. Get online banking... And check it often!
This will help you make sure you know what has already come out of your account, and what you still need. I check my online banking to look at my accounts two to three times a day. This is something that will help you stay on top of everything as well as alert you if you see anything weird on your account so you can get it taken care of in a timely manner.
3. Put a little away in Savings... And leave it there!
It doesn't have to be a lot. Put $10-$20 from every paycheck into a savings account and then pretend that savings account doesn't exist. This is something you can build up as a safety net in case of any life emergencies. Not to be used for that pair of shoes you think you just have to have. Then you will have some money saved away for when you absolutely need it.
Managing your money can get overwhelming at times, but following these three simple things can help you feel more in control of your finances and on top of your life.