Take Control of Your Finances, and Take Control of Your Life!

 

It’s not easy keeping up with the torrid pace of life these days. Conveniences and connections allow us to be accessible, but at the same time place demands on our time that infringe on the simple but important tasks that we never seem to get to. Personal financial management is often one of those areas that require the same diligence, discipline and organization as our job and other important household responsibilities. To help you get organized and ease the stress, we recommend using one of the many free web-based subscriptions available online.

 

But, before you sign up for just any budgeting tool, take some time to better understand your own needs; then, match a platform that most fulfills your goals and that is easy to set up and use. Here are some of the features we think you should look for:

 

 

The first rule in effective personal financial budgeting and money management is organization. Your choice of free online budgeting software should include a household-friendly method of recording, categorizing and prioritizing all of your financial records.

 

 

When you’ve accounted for all of your monthly income and expenditures; it’s time to prioritize and reassign your discretionary income so that it is in line with your debt reduction, savings or investment goals. So, whether you’re paying off a student loan or investing in retirement, the same principles of money management apply.

 

 

By setting financial goals, you are more likely to stick with your plan; it’s the reason that keeps you on track each month, despite the difficult sacrifices you sometimes must make. If you plan the work and work the plan, before you realize it, you’re well on your way to a more manageable life, enjoying such benefits as:

• Putting your financial house in order
• Becoming affluent with your money
• Enjoying a healthier relationship with money
• Living within a budget that works
• Successfully managing home equity
• Weathering any unexpected life emergencies
• Eliminating debt in the most efficient way
• Becoming financially free in record time
• Improving your cash flow
• Creating wealth

Your Financial Dashboard

 

We highly recommend using family budgeting software that provides you a snapshot of your current overall financial position; a dashboard visualization is usually best. Once you have a picture of where your money is going, you’ll be better prepared to make objective decisions that follow your future goals.

 

 

Some of the more comprehensive online personal finance software programs include analytics tools, covering debt analysis, mortgage analysis, income expense analysis, cash flow analysis, net worth analysis and expenditures analysis. Handy "what-if” scenario tools help you see the financial impact you’ll receive with the decisions you are considering. Seeing the potential reward is often a strong motivator for follow through and discipline.

 

Online money management software is not a cure-all to your financial challenges; but it is a great first step to an organized and better managed personal financial household.

Treat yourself to a more confident vision of your financial future!