Young and Successful

Hey everybody!!! I know you all have missed my posts so I figured I'd do one for graduation!!!! Now everybody thinks of what to ask for on graduation, as well as what to give. And of course the best thing is money right?! And of course we're some times afraid to say that's what we prefer. Well in this case it's not. I've learned a few people have what you call a "wishing well" when they have birthdays, weddings, house warnings, and graduation. All this is, is a way of saying you want money. And for these few occasions it is appropriate to ask for. Now what I've seen a couple do for a wedding is ask for gift cards. Which is a smart idea. Graduating students use this to your advantage. Instead of getting all money so for gift cards as well. And no I'm not talking about to clothing stores (but if you prefer it's fine). But what I encourage you to do is ask for ones from Walmart, target, best buy, ikea, Office Depot and things such that. Reason being, you're about to make that even bigger step to the real world and possibly move to a bigger place, or just move in general. This gives yourself the opportunity to have money for the appliances or electronics you really want and have little of your money to spend on them, or not have to pay at all. Also, this cuts down on you having o do a registry or simply just getting gifts you do not care for. This gift idea is simple, reasonable, limitless to what they spend on the card, and limitless on what you can buy. Try this gift and ask for it. It's smart and simple.

Surveys, I have a bad habit of not doing these... but really what if you could win that gift card, shirt, pair pf pants, or anything else for that matter. The main point is, it's free or its a huge savings. And that is what we are all fishing for right?

It's the end of week 6! In your savings account you should now have 21 dollars! Look at you saving! Great job! But lets stay on track you guys! Remember keep putting your money back! Save even more! This is just a base savings! You can do it!!!!!!

Today I was thinking, "I get paid tomorrow." So I check my bank account to see how much money I did not spend that I sat aside for spending. Well, I had $10 extra. I decided I'll treat myself to dinner, then I thought, no that's more money for later. In other words, I'm trying to say just because you have that extra money, don't blow it. This can come in handy for that week you're a little short, you want to go out with friends, or go to a game. I want you to think, do you go to a restaurant and have plenty left over, do you throw that away and waste about $15? No you take it home and save it for the next day. Do your extra money the same way. It's all a mental state of "can I do it?!" And yes you can!

Off into college is when we more than likely are introduced to loans and credit cards. The best thing to do is stay away from them, although we all may need assistance from time to time. Keep in mind that what you borrow you will have to pay back. This can also cost you getting hired for a job, getting a loan, or a car in the future. So only borrow what you know you can payback. This also means don't borrow money or build credit on useless things. Before you apply for a credit card, shop around. Look and see if they have rewards, designed for college students/young adults, as well as the interest rates. And most importantly PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME! Protect your SSN. Please do not apply for things at numerous booths at college giving out your SSN. It's fine to receive the pamphlets and speak to them, but apply online or in the business. You never know who is looking over your shoulder to fraud you at any given time.

I want people to understand just because you say you are on a budget doesn't mean you're broke or can afford something. I have had a few people say "how are you going to this or that and you're on a budget." It's not the fact I don't have the money, but it just means that a person on a budget doesn't spend money foolishly as others may do. When you budget your mind is made up that you want to cut down spending and save every penny you can. So you may not eat out, go out, or buy things as much as you did before. You have a cut off bar for spending weekly, biweekly, or monthly. So people don't let others think you are broke when you say you budget, and don't feel like you need to spend just because someone makes a comment on you budgeting. Of you fall off the wagon get back on, but don't spend all of your savings "fitting in with the jones'."

This is ending week #4 add your $4 to your savings account! You should now have $10 in your account! And As stated as before your increments could be higher if you do make more. Such as increments of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1,000. Also I'd like to mention for people who have children, let them do it as well and reach then to save. Let them do theirs in increments of .10 at the end of the year they will have $137 We've got this you guys! Save, save, save!

Many of us young people, of course, like to live the young life and have fun. We hang out with our friends, throw parties, and go to clubs. And there is a price for our recreational time. As for myself, when I am doing these activities I sometimes tend to forget my finances. In other words, I spend without thinking of how much I actually spent until I check my account the next morning. Lol! I want to share with you a few tips I learned to do and consider when having fun in order to keep our finances right. 1. House parties -everyone loves a house party, you go to someone else's place ,have fun, eat and drink off their dime, and don't have to clean up the mess! Sounds fun right? Well in the eyes of the host it can get costly. So I want to encourage you all while throwing a party tell everyone to B.Y.O.B. and if you want to serve food have a few close friends to bring food as well. It's way better on your pockets trust me. 2. Going to the bar/club - first see if they are having any specials that night, and decide the one with the best deal. Deals such as, get in free before 11, ladies free all night, drink specials, and no admission charged. This way you can spend less at the door and can free you up for a few more dollars at the bar, grab a meal afterwards, or simply just a few extra dollars in your pocket. Take CASH ONLY in. My problem is starting a tab on my card. Tabs let you come straight to the bar, order, and put it on your car at the end of the night. Paying cash every time lets know how much you're spending and once your cash is gone you have to STOP! And that's good, because we want a cut off limit and if we cut off before the limit it is even better. Ration yourself on drinks. Get a drink instead of a shot. This way you can have something you can sip on for a while instead of drinking it in a matter of seconds. Before heading out try drinking at home. This way you will not feel obligated to buy drinks while you're out. But please do drink responsibly and have a designated driver. 3. Saving to go out - Plan ahead when you want to go out. You put in a request at work right? Well put in a personal request to save your money. You can work an extra day or a few hours at work in advanced to make sure you have extra to go and have fun. I like to do this because I think that I haven't spent as much and it's a part of my "cushion" money and I can feel free to have a wonderful time!

These very few essentials will carry you very far in life and lead you to success if you begin these good habits today!

Bare with me this will take a few days but I promise it will be worth your while and very helpful. I also want you all to understand that even though we maybe past these stages, there is always improvement. We also can reflect on the past to see where we have made our financial mistakes and how to correct them.

We're at the end of week 2 everybody! You should now have $3 in your account! Remember do NOT TOUCH IT! We've got 50 more weeks to go!

There are way more ways to save and use the money. Although, these are a few things that I thought of that have actually happened to me. Feel free to comment or send a message on saving this refund; I ,as well as others, would love to know how you save your refund check!

Thank you! I really pray that this will help a lot of people. But I encourage you as well, even though you may not be in this age range; Because saving and budgeting has no age limit! Thank you for your support!