 |
|
1-888-632-5353
M-F 8 AM - 9 PM EST
|
|
is Searching for
Plans in ZIP Code
|
Sorry, that ZIP code
was not found.
Try Again
|
|
|
is Searching for
Dentist in ZIP Code
|
|
|
|
you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Money > Finding Financial Security in Today's Economy
| |
|
|
|
Updated: 1/21/2009 11:00:03 AM |
|
|
 (ARA) - We all face the challenges of today's economy and while things are inevitably going to be different, dealing with the changes is only a matter of anticipating them and protecting ourselves accordingly. You can plan for yourself and your family's financial security by following the basic steps below. These steps will help you to learn to control your money so that it doesn't control you.
Back to Basics -- 5 Steps to Financial Security
1. Create a budget.
* Write down everything you spend each month and cut back on non-essentials. Apply these savings toward reducing your credit card debt.
* Explain to your family that everyone needs to contribute to the expense-cutting. Make it a family effort.
* Use cost-cutting strategies to make the most of your budget. For example, pay in cash and remove credit cards from your wallet. Re-evaluate extra phone and television features. Or, consider eating at home more often, skipping the movie out and enjoying a night of board games with your family.
2. Begin an emergency cash fund.
* Create a savings account and resolve to pay yourself first by setting aside 5 to 10 percent of your salary each month.
* Automatically transfer money from your checking account so that you're not tempted to spend the funds elsewhere.
* Aim to save 3 to 6 months of living expenses in the account for emergencies.
3. Pay down your credit cards.
* Credit card debt is the No. 1 obstacle to a secure financial future, and knowing your credit score is essential.
* You're allowed one free credit check annually with each of the major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Check your report for errors.
4. Create a financial plan using life insurance as the foundation.
* Purchase life insurance. It is the foundation of a strong financial plan and can protect your family during an unexpected turn of events, such as loss of life or loss of income.
* Educate yourself. Certain types of policies accumulate cash value that can be used for large expenses, such as college, while others may be used to help create a legacy of giving that can last for generations to come.
* For a free, no-obligation quote or to learn more about life insurance, visit www.sbliusa.com where you can connect with a life insurance specialist with SBLI USA, a company that specializes in life insurance policies.
5. Optimize your retirement plan.
* If your company offers a 401(k) take advantage of it and any matching contributions.
* If your work doesn't offer a 401(k), consider opening an IRA, or perhaps both.
* Remember, these are long-term retirement plans not short-term savings plans, so be patient and give your money time to grow.
These basic steps will help put you on the path to financial security. Stop worrying about the economy and take control of your future. Visit www.sbliusa.com for more money-smart tips.
Copyright © 2009, ARAnet, Inc.
ARA Content
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.
Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.
|
|
| |
|
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Newsletter | Info to Go |
DP Goes Green |
Affiliate Program | Contact Us
|
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.
© 1999-2009 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending. |
   |
|
| |
|  |
|