Libby Morsheimer, Author at Parachute

Financial Topics for Teens

If you are a teen or (have a teenager in your life), the following tips will be useful in establishing sound money practices early in life leading to stronger financial stability over time.

Bank accounts and debit cards: Teens should learn how to open a bank account, deposit and withdraw money, and use a debit card. They should also read about and understand the fees associated with these services.

Budgeting: Teens can start learning to budget by tracking their income and expenses. This will help them see where their money is going and make sure they’re not spending more than they earn.

Saving: Teens should start saving early, even if it’s just a small amount each month. The more time saving, the more compounding interest has to work. There are many ways to save, such as putting money in a savings account, buying a savings bond, or investing in a mutual fund.

Credit: Teens should learn about establishing credit and how to use it responsibly. This includes understanding how to build a good credit score and how to avoid debt problems.

College planning: If they plan to pursue higher education, teens need to start thinking about college early, including how they will pay for it. They should research different financial aid options and start saving for college as soon as possible.

Getting a job: Teens can start earning money by getting a part-time job. This is a great way to learn about responsibility, money management and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Starting a business: Some teens are interested in starting their own businesses. This can be a great way to learn about entrepreneurship and make money. However, it’s important to do your research and create a business plan before getting started.

Investing: Teens can start investing early, even with a small amount of money. There are many different investment options available, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. It’s important to talk to a financial advisor before investing to make sure you understand the risks involved.

There are many resources available to help teens learn about financial topics. They can talk to their parents, teachers, or a financial advisor. They can also find information online and in books and magazines.

Here are some additional tips for teens:

Talk to your parents. Your parents may be a great resource for learning about financial topics. They can teach you about their own experiences and help you make sound financial decisions.

Do your research. There is a lot of information available about financial topics. Take some time to read books, articles, listen to podcasts and search websites to learn as much as you can.

Start early. The earlier you start learning about financial topics, the better prepared you will be for the future.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have any questions about financial topics, don’t be afraid to ask your parents, other family members, teachers, or a financial advisor for help.

By learning about financial topics and making smart financial decisions early on, teens can set themselves up for financial success in the future.

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/

Would you like to meet one-on-one with one of our Financial Counselors to talk specifically about your budget? Check out our Financial Coaching Session https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/services/credit-budget-counseling/#financial-coaching or call 716-712-2060.

Budget, Parachute Services

Money and Relationships

Money can be a major source of stress and conflict in any relationship and often is quoted as the top reason for break-ups and divorces. Therefore, it is especially important to manage it carefully in romantic partnerships. Here are a few tips for managing money and relationships.

Communicate openly and honestly about your finances. This includes sharing your income, debts, and spending habits. It’s important to be upfront with each other about your spending habits and financial situation so that you can make decisions together and find ways to strengthen your financial future as a team. It can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing to share some aspects of our financial lives, but it will ultimately help empower you both to establish good money habits.

Create a monthly spending plan (budget) and stick to it. This will help you track your income and expenses so that you can make sure you’re living within your means. There are many different budgeting methods available, so find one that works for you and your partner. You could even try a blend of methods to help you reach those goals! Sound spending plans are the foundation for establishing financial stability and wealth building.

Set financial goals together as a united front. Do you want to buy a house? Save for retirement? Pay off debt? Once you know what your goals are, you can start working towards them together and potentially reach them faster. Place the goals in writing somewhere you will both see them regularly (e.g., on a mirror or refrigerator, on your cell phones).

Don’t make major financial decisions without consulting your partner. This includes things like buying a car, taking out a loan, or making a large purchase. Talking about these decisions before you make them can help to avoid conflict later. Think about if your partner made a major financial decision without consulting you and how you might feel. Remember the team approach.

Be respectful of each other’s spending habits. Even if you don’t agree with how your partner spends their money, it’s important to be respectful of their choices. If you’re concerned about their spending, talk to them about it in a calm and constructive way that stays centered on your shared goals.

Couple discussing money

Don’t let money problems come between you. If you’re having financial problems, it’s important to work together to solve them. Don’t blame each other or let your problems fester over time. Take action to address the issue before it gets bigger.

Seek professional help if you need it. If you’re struggling to manage your finances or communicate about money with your partner, a financial advisor, financial social worker, or a therapist can help.

Money can be a difficult and emotional topic to talk about as people most often feel a range of emotions such as fear and shame, but it’s important to have open and honest communication about your finances in order to maintain a healthy relationship. By following these tips, you can help to avoid conflict and build a strong financial foundation for your future together and also serve as an effective financial role model for your children.

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/

Credit, Debt, Parachute Services

Ways to Reduce Debt

Reducing debt can be a challenging task, but it is definitely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some effective ways to reduce debt:

Create a budget and track your spending: The first step to reducing debt is to understand your spending habits. Create a detailed budget that includes all of your income and expenses. Track your spending for a month or two to see where your money is going. This will help you identify areas where you have budget leaks and can cut back, if even on a temporary basis.

Pay more than the minimum payment: Paying more than the minimum payment on your credit cards can significantly reduce the amount of interest you pay over time. Even an extra $25 or $50 per month consistently can make a big difference, especially on high interest credit cards.

Prioritize high-interest debts: When paying off multiple debts, it’s important to prioritize those with the highest interest rates. This is because you’ll pay more in interest on these debts over time. There are two main strategies for paying off high-interest debt: the debt avalanche method and the debt snowball method. The debt avalanche method involves concentrating on paying off your highest-interest debt first, followed by the debt with the next highest interest rate and so on. This method may help you reduce the high interest charges. The debt snowball method is where you gradually pay off your debts, smallest to largest and gain momentum while doing so. As one debt is paid off, you add those funds to your payment of the next highest debt and so on. It snowballs!

Increase your income: One of the most effective ways to reduce debt is to increase your income. This could involve getting a second job, taking on freelance work, or starting a side hustle.

Reduce your expenses: There are many ways to reduce your expenses, such as cooking at home instead of eating out, canceling unnecessary or unused subscriptions, finding cheaper ways for entertainment, and reducing habitual habits like coffee/snacks and personal care practices like getting your nails done. Even changing these habits in the short term (6-9 months) can help.

Avoid taking on new debt: The best way to reduce debt is to avoid taking on new debt in the first place. This means using your credit cards responsibly and only making purchases that you can afford to pay off in full each month.

Negotiate with your creditors: If you’re having trouble making your debt payments, don’t be afraid to contact your creditors and try to negotiate a lower interest rate or monthly payment.

Consolidate your debt: If you have multiple debts with different interest rates, you may be able to consolidate them into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This can simplify your debt repayment and save you money on interest.

Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to manage your debt on your own, consider seeking professional help from a credit counselor at an agency like Parachute. We can help you create a debt management plan and provide you with additional guidance on how to reduce your debt. A debt management plan is a structured payment plan to repay your debts in full in five years or less, by lowering interest rates, minimum payments and stopping fees.

Stay motivated: Reducing debt takes time and effort, so it’s important to stay motivated. Set realistic goals and celebrate your progress along the way. Keep your eyes on your future goals and think about how good you will feel when your debt is reduced or gone!

Remember, reducing debt is definitely a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself and the process and work to keep your focus on your end goal.

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/

Budget, Parachute Services

Post-Holiday Budget Hacks for the New Year; It’s Never Too Early!

Post-holiday budget planning is the process of getting your finances back on track after the holiday season. This can be a challenge, especially if you overspent. But, by taking some simple steps, you can get back on the right track and avoid financial stress in the new year. It can take some time to recover financially after the holidays, but consistency can make a huge difference over time. Be patient with the process and regroup for next year!

Additionally, reading this BEFORE the New Year of 2024 rings in can also be super helpful for this year’s holiday season.

Here are some tips for post-holiday budgeting:

Review your spending. The first step is to take a look at your spending and see where your money went during the holidays. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back in the future. You can use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to track your spending.

Pay down debt. If you overspent during the holidays, you may have some credit card debt to pay off. Make a plan to pay down this debt as quickly as possible to avoid high interest charges. Pay more than the minimum payments required, if at all possible. If possible, consider using all or part of any tax returns to pay down this debt.

Revise your budget. Once you have a good understanding of your spending and debt, it’s time to revise your budget. This may involve cutting back on unnecessary expenses or increasing your income, even if on a temporary basis. You may be back on track after a few months!

Set financial goals. Having financial goals will help you stay motivated. Some common financial goals include saving for a down payment on a house, retirement, or a child’s education. Really be specific with your financial goals to help them materialize. Write out those goals and look at them frequently.

Create a holiday spending plan for next year. Start thinking about your holiday spending for next year now. This will help you avoid overspending again.

Shop around for the best deals throughout the year. Compare prices at different stores and online before you buy anything. Consider dollar, thrift, and discount/liquidation stores.

Take advantage of sales and coupons. There are always sales, coupons and promo codes available, so be sure to check for them before you buy anything.

Take advantage of post-holiday sales. Many retailers offer discounts on leftover holiday merchandise after the holidays. This is a great time to stock up on items you need or want at a reduced price. Be sure to store them in a place you’ll remember!

Return unwanted gifts. If you received gifts that you don’t want or need, return them for a refund or exchange. This will help you get some your money back and/or buy things you actually need.

Regift items. You can regift items that you do not want or need. Keeping inventory of what gift you received from what person can help this be a successful plan from year to year.

Sell unwanted gifts or belongings. If you have unwanted gifts or belongings that you can’t return, consider selling them online or at a garage sale. This is a great way to declutter your home and make some extra money.

Cancel unused subscriptions. Take some time to review your subscriptions and cancel any that you’re no longer using. Be honest with yourself about what you are likely to use in the future. This could include magazine subscriptions, streaming services, and gym memberships.

Here are some additional tips:

Automate your finances. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month. This will help you reach your financial goals without even having to think about it. Start with a small amount, if needed, and increase it as is feasible for you.

Use cash instead of credit cards. When you use cash, you’re much more likely to be mindful of your spending. People tend to spend less when using cash.

Review your insurance policies. At the beginning of each year, make sure you’re getting the best possible rates on your insurance policies. You may be able to save money by bundling your policies or shopping around for new providers.

Getting back on track financially after the holidays can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you, and with a little effort, you can get back on track!

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/

Budget, Parachute Services

15 Universal Truths About Money

Here are 15 universal truths about money. Recognizing them will help you better understand the role that money plays in your life and how to best handle money to achieve your financial goals and attain financial security.

Money is a tool; a means to achieve your goals.
You can’t outspend your income. No matter how much money you make, if you spend more than you earn, you will eventually go into debt.
Saving money is important. It gives you a financial cushion in case of unexpected expenses, and it helps you reach your long-term goals.
Investing your money is a smart way to grow your wealth over time. But it’s important to do your research, understand the risks involved and seek guidance from a professional you trust.
Debt can be a burden. But it can also be a tool to help you achieve your goals. Just make sure you borrow responsibly and pay off your debt as quickly as possible.
Your spending habits matter. The way you spend your money (your own money habits) can have a big impact on your financial future. Small amounts of savings grow to big amounts just like small expenses over time add up to large expenses.
Comparing yourself to others is not helpful to your financial health. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Focus on your goals and make sure you are on track. Stay in your own lane!
It’s never too late to start saving and investing. Even if you are starting late, it is never too late to make a difference.
Get help if you need it. There are plenty of resources available to help you with your finances. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from agencies like Parachute!
Money is not everything. It is important to have financial security, but it is also important to enjoy your life and live within your means.
There will always be things that you want in the short term and cannot afford. It’s true for everyone!
Financial success is influenced heavily by your behavior with money. Consistent patterns are powerful.
Appearances are very deceiving. Just because someone looks like they have a lot of money, simply may mean they spent a lot of money and they be may be in significant debt.
Having a lot of material possessions (stuff) is not the same as having financial security.
Financial success involves what you earn, what you keep, what you grow (i.e., investments) and what you preserve.

These are just a few of the many truths about money. The most important thing is to learn about your finances and make smart decisions with your money. By doing so, you can achieve your financial goals!

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/

Budget, Parachute Services

Budgeting for the Holidays – Part Two

The holidays will be here soon and they are a “season”, not just a singular day or event; and, there can be several events! There may be parties and celebrations where you are expected to bring a dish, and/or provide a gift(s) and also meet family and friends out for lunches and dinners. The costs add up!

The holiday season can also include other celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries or even weddings. Finally, winter is the time where added expenses can come into play such as higher utility (e.g., heat, electric) bills, and unexpected car expenses like batteries and tires that need replacing.

How do you cover these expenses without completely exhausting your budget and getting yourself in post-holiday debt?

Consider several of the suggestions below to help reduce the expense and stress of the holiday season. Ideally, an early and clear plan communicated to your family and friends can help a lot! If you haven’t already, check out Budgeting for the Holidays – Part 1 for more tips!

Try not to get too caught up in Black Friday deals. Many times, people spend far more on other items than they actually save by battling the crowds and spending a lot of time and gas.
Don’t forget discount and dollar stores for cards, tissue paper, gift bags, boxes, and small thoughtful gifts like candles and picture frames.
Delay some family and friend get togethers to late December or January to take advantage of fantastic post-holiday sales. Remember, it is really your thoughtfulness that counts the most.
Shop post-holiday sales for gifts for next year.
Consider buying everyday use gifts. Buy someone’s favorite cereal, coffee, muffins or snacks. Gift cards for essentials like groceries and gas are also often appreciated.
If your family and friends have favorite charities, you can make small donations in their name (e.g., an animal shelter or food bank).
Make a pact to exchange gifts you already have in your home with friends and possibly some family members.
Gifts can be experiences! Offer babysitting services, wash someone’s car for a few months, pet sit or do errands. You can get really creative here.
Be truthful with yourself and your family about what you can and can’t afford. Set expectations early to help avoid disappointment.
What you can’t buy during the holidays is an opportunity for the next holiday season (or for a birthday or other special occasion) and you can use the added time to save.
Finally, try to avoid the mindset that your love for your friends and family equates to how much you spend on them. Most of the time, it is not feasible to buy everything we want to buy for everyone we want to buy for without significantly hurting our budgets and our overall financial well-being.

If you’re dealing with high interest debt payments as well, see what you can save with Parachute’s Debt Management Plan https://parachutecreditcounseling.org/dmp-calculator/