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Surviving The Economic Crisis
The MMI Online Articles are designed to inform, assist, educate and alert consumers.
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The nation’s struggling economy, housing crisis, and credit crunch have undeniably impacted many Americans. The complex nature of our turbulent economy can leave some consumers feeling confused and powerless. While it’s important for consumers to try to understand what’s going on in our national economy, it is imperative that they empower themselves to take good care of their personal economies—their monthly income, expenses, and investments.
The most important thing to remember is that you can always control your budget and spending. The task is not always easy, but the basic fundamentals of smart money management still apply no matter how confusing things get on a national level. Changing your spending habit should be the first, and may be the most difficult, undertaking your family will face while trying to survive this financial crisis. Living as though nothing has changed is the number one mistake people make during challenging times and can lead to seemingly insurmountable credit card debt.
It is clear that the current economic downturn is not going to be a temporary struggle. Taking steps to safeguard your family’s budget will be critical in ensuring your ability to weather the financial storm.
Little changes count. Even small changes can have a big impact, and more importantly, will set the stage for changing your habits. Your family will be stronger financially and once you get on the right track, you can begin saving for a long-term goal (like a vacation, or new car, etc.)
Reevaluate your habits. If your income or expenses have changed, your spending must too. Old habits are hard to break, but your family may need to forgo some ‘traditions’ like Friday night eating out, or Sunday movies, until your financial situation changes.
Pay your bills on time. Late fees and over-the-limit charges can quickly add up to a debt problem. Additionally, many creditors have raised their rates and have even closed accounts as penalties for late payments.
Deal with big issues. If you have large, looming financial issues, such as unpaid debt or tax liens, it is time to deal with them head-on. Contact your creditors and make acceptable repayment arrangements. Implementing a plan to remove these stressors from your life will be good for your mental and financial health.
Expect the unexpected. Strive to establish an emergency savings account equal to at least three months of your income. If this goal seems too lofty, try having a small amount automatically deducted from your paycheck into a savings account. As they say, out of sight, out of mind—you won’t spend it if it’s not in your checking account.
Perform a credit check-up. A positive credit report means better loan terms and more borrowing power—two of the most powerful tools you can have. Experts recommend that you review your credit reports annually and before making any major purchase. To obtain free credit reports once per year, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com
Finally, today’s economic climate may leave you reluctant to put your money in long-term investments, but it is important to remember that, despite everything, there has been no 10-year period in the previous 50 years where the stock market has not gained value. Individual stocks have failed, but overall the stock market has performed well for the long-term investor.
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