4 Fun Financial Tips

You’ve probably figured out by now that money makes the world go round. Despite a reluctant recognition of this obvious truth, you may not have the knowledge to take care of your finances.

Another reason people might not spend a lot of time thinking about personal finances is that it’s not much fun. That’s especially true if you’re not earning enough or spending too much. When that happens, it can even be downright depressing.

With that in mind, here are five creative financial tips that you can use to improve your money management skills:

1. Free up some cash if you’re in a tight spot

If you’re experiencing a financial emergency or going through some hard times, one way to free up your cash flow is to consider the benefits of refinancing a car loan. By getting a new loan to pay off your current car loan, you’ll score a lower interest rate, make a lower monthly car payment, and free up some much-needed cash.

2. Remember important dates to avoid freaking out

Because of your hectic life, you may often forget to do important financial things at the right time. For instance, you might forget to prepare to organize your receipts for your taxes before you need to file them or forget to save up for a big annual insurance payment.

Since this causes unnecessary stress every year, why not do something about it? Treat important financial events you need to take care of at certain times of the year in the same way that you treat other appointments every year — with a calendar.

You probably mark on your calendar when you need to tune up your car, show up for your annual doctor’s appointment, and send out birthday or anniversary cards. A personal financial calendar is a good way to remember important dates when you are supposed to prepare for something, pay for something, enroll in something, or renew something.

3. Pay far less for better vacations

The best way to enjoy your vacations is to go somewhere fun and exciting. A change of scenery and pace makes all the difference to your health and well-being. Unfortunately, you may find that going to a resort or a popular tourist destination is always disappointing because of how crowded these places are and the high prices you have to pay for everything. One way to avoid paying top dollar for your place in the sun is to take your vacations during the off-season

Everything will be considerably cheaper — flights, lodging, dining, entertainment, and going to attractions. That means you won’t have to jostle through crowds or be put on a waiting list to get a seat at a show or dine at a favorite restaurant.

4. Go on a crash cash diet to curb your spending

One reason you probably spend more money than you intend is because of how easy it is to part with your money. Think about it. With a flick of your wrist, you can swipe your plastic at a counter or wave your smartphone over a credit card terminal. It’s so easy to electronically transmit money out of your bank account that you probably lose track of how often you do it.

One way to slow everything down is to pay with cash. Counting out your dollar bills and filling your purse or wallet with the weight of loose change will make you aware of how much you are spending and how often you do it.

Without even realizing it, you’ll probably start thinking twice about shopping; or when you do shop, you’ll want to spend less because it’s discouraging watching your plump wallet or purse shrink through the course of the day.

Try these creative tips. They make it rather fun to get good at the money game.