Green Panda Treehouse

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Photo Credit:  Sister72

Last night’s Super Bowl was a nail biter for us. I thought it was a wonderful game, better than some recent Super Bowls. The game reminded me a bit about personal finance. (First it was fries and now it’s foot ball. I know, I have issues.)Don’t wait until you know everything about finances to start. Learn a little and then start working on improving it. Here’s the essence of personal finance problems that many people encounter.

• If you’re in debt, find out how bad it is. Are you $500 in debt or $5000? The amount determines your basic game plan. Try to come up idea to raise money to eliminate debt.
• If you’re low on savings, start an emergency fund.  Set aside $500 aside for when bad things happen, because they do.
• If you don’t your retirement fund started, then get started today. Put something away consistently every paycheck. Even if it’s $50/month at first, sock some money away for your future.
• If you want to maximize your finances, read as much as you can about your options. If you still want more help, contact a fee-based personal finance advisor.

Personal finance can be as complicated as you want or it can be as easy as automating your savings, bill pay, and retirement. I’m not an expert, but if I waited until I knew everything, then I’ll hurt myself even more.

I’m not advocating throwing your money away at a get rich quick scheme. Stick with the basics like, spend less then you earn. It’ll put you in a better financial position than many of your classmates, co-workers, and neighbors. Perfection is the enemy of good.