Question | Answer |
Create a financial calendar to keep track of your quarterly taxes. |
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This year, tax day is on Tuesday, April 18. |
| Set a budget. A budget is an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. |
| Set specific financial goals. Use numbers and dates, not just words, to describe what you want to accomplish with your money. |
| Always choose federal student loans over private loans. Federal loans have flexible terms of payment if your employment dreams don’t exactly go according to plan after college. |
| Start saving ASAP! Not next week. Not when you get a raise. Not next year. Today. Because money you put in your retirement fund now will have more time to grow through the power of compound growth. |
| Keep your savings out of your checking account. Here’s a universal truth: If you see you have money in your checking account, you will spend it. Period. The fast track to building up savings starts with opening a separate savings account, so it’s less possible to accidentally spend your vacation money on another late-night online shopping spree. |
| Evaluate Purchases by Cost Per Use It may seem more financially responsible to buy a trendy $5 shirt than a basic $30 shirt—but only if you ignore the quality factor! |
| Always check your credit score. |
| Know the differences between debit and credit. |
| Factor cost and quality into any economic situation you may face. |
| Don’t have too many unused credit cards, it brings down your credit score! |
| Pay credit card bills on time for a good credit score. |
| Think about future expenses if you plan on saving. |
| Never spend more than you financially can afford (credit cards). | |