Avoid Financial Pitfalls Now With These Simple Do-It-Yourself Tips

By Keith Gilabert

When your finances are in bad shape, it reflects on your life in general.
Read on to pick up some personal finance know-how.

Look at what you no longer use to free up some cash.  Your old laptop can make you some extra money if you need it. Used electronics that are working can net a decent chunk of change. If it's broken, it can still be sold for some extra change. Remember, getting a little bit of money is a lot better than getting nothing.
Avoid investment opportunities that have high fees attached. It is common for investment managers to assess substantial fees for the work they do on your behalf. These fees majorly affect your total return. Stay away from brokers who make too much money off of commissions or a fund that costs too much to manage. 

Always check the fees.

Think about purchasing store brand foods over name brand foods. In most cases, there are no major differences between a store product and a costly brand name one. It usually consists of the same ingredients too. Do not be afraid to try these foods, they can save you a lot of money in the long run.  The average person spends about $780.00 per year on Starbucks.
Replace older incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency CFL bulbs. This will lower the cost of your electricity bill, and also help out the environment. CFLs also last longer than traditional light bulbs. You will spend less money by buying fewer bulbs.  Making small adjustments in your life will help in the long term.

Don't try to save money by skimping on home or vehicle maintenance. Preventative maintenance is necessary in order to take proper care of your possessions. Over the long term, taking care of your property will save you money.

Try to hold a garage sale, where you can sell all of your unwanted goods for additional cash. Your neighbors may even let you sell items for them. Creativity is one of the most important factors towards a successful garage sale.

Make sure you have a checking account that works for you. A lot of people stay with the accounts they have always had, but you should see if there is a better one with less fees! Find out what fees you are being charged at your current bank and make an effort to find a checking account that charges you less, so that you can keep more of your own money.

Write it Down!  A written budget is valuable to having successful personal finances. The first of each month, compose a list which describes every expense. Remember to include all expenses due, such as rent, lights, cars, phones and food. Try to take all expenditures into consideration. Add up your anticipated monthly expenses, and make sure you don't spend more than what you have left after paying them.
If the whole family wants an expensive item, then ask each member to contribute to buying it because this will show kids the value of money and make them appreciate what they have. When the purchase is for something the whole household can enjoy, like a new television, try convincing everyone to donate towards the purchase.

If you take the time to get your money in order, your life will run more smoothly. Having a firm grasp on your finances gives you peace of mind and relieves stress. It allows you to focus on more rewarding areas of your life.