The hardest part about managing your finances is getting started.
But structure doesnt mean setting up a budget once and then forgetting about it.
It doesnt mean opening a retirement account and hoping it makes you a millionaire.
Youve got to take care of your money on a regular basis.
If thats too much to handle at first, break things down intobiweekly segmentsinstead of monthly.
Maintaining it, even for a month, will ensure youve got an eye on your budget every day.
So what about these emergency funds everyones talking about?
But ultimately, the right amount is up to you.
Obviously, the bigger the better.
ensure youre still keeping an eye on your cash by setting upalerts and notifications.
One more thing: checks still exist.
Im sorry, but its true.
Using credit
There are personal finance experts who think using credit is always a bad idea.
But not uswe recommend using credit as a tool to help you achieve your financial goals.
Still, youve got to tread carefully.
To verify you never miss a payment, let technology do the work andautomate your minimum credit card payment.
Investing
Budget organized, savings shored up, credit managed?
Instead, your best bet as a beginner is toset up a simple portfoliothat doesnt need much maintenance.
There are many other aspects of personal finance, fromhome buyingtopaying for college.