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To create a realistic plan or establish spending guidelines, you must start with an analysis of how you actually spend your money now. Explore the blog articles below for helpful advice during this stage of life.

How to Underwrite Yourself

Underwriting is what banks or insurance companies do when they evaluate risks associated with lending money or providing an insurance policy. To underwrite yourself, you need to take a close and honest look at your finances, ask yourself some questions, consider uncertainties and exposures, and evaluate your risk profile on many fronts. Analyze Your Sources of Income The first consideration is your income. Ask yourself these questions: Is your salary steady or variable? Do you rely on commissions or bonuses? Do you work in a cyclical industry? If your compensation is variable, you should not carry a lot of debt. Likewise, you should make sure to have an ample cash reserve. Evaluate Your Debt When you are thinking of buying a big item, consider if you can actually afford the item, not just whether or not you can afford the payment. Commit to paying off your credit card balances every…

Personal Financial Statements

Evaluate your personal financial statements to gauge your financial health. When evaluating the financial health of a company, bankers and investors rely on three types of financial statements: An income statement, which incorporates income and expenses for a period of time A balance sheet, which shows net worth at a point in time A cash flow statement, which considers not only your household income, but also changes in savings and debt I’ll show you how to create each of them below. Income Statement:  Income – Expenses = Net Income How to create an income statement Add up your salary or other income Start with your after-tax take-home pay. Add any other sources of income from consulting or part-time work and rental or investment income (all on an after-tax basis). Add your partner’s after-tax take-home pay as well as any other sources of income. Subtract your expenses or obligations The main…

Spring Cleaning

To manage your financial life better, start with a financial spring-cleaning. Just like when you go through your closet to determine what to keep and what to donate, you need to do the same with your financial life. Get ready A few things before you get started. Designate a room or an area of a room for your work. For online files, keep a log of what you have sorted through. Set out the key office supplies including:  a staple remover and stapler, sticky notes, pencils, paperclips and file folders. Bins for recycling Bags for documents that need to be shredded Gather your information Gather all documents and papers relating to financial, tax, legal, and health care matters, including things such as: Bank, financial, and credit card accounts Insurance Mortgage, car loans, student loans Tax returns Birth certificates, marriage certificates Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney All medical and school documents for…

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