Money Basics: Three Golden Rules of money management (2024)

Money management advice is everywhere these days, as more people take personal financial control.


TV programmes, financial websites, social media and even friends and family will all have opinions to share about how you should manage your money.

However, despite all the advice, tips, ideas and new digital tools to manage your personal finances, these three golden rules willneverchange.



Golden Rule #1: Don’t spend more than you earn

Basic money management starts with this rule. If you alwaysspend less than you earn, your finances will always be in good shape. Understand the difference between needs and wants, live within your income, and don’t take on any unnecessary debt. Simples.



Golden Rule #2: Always plan for the future

Get the savings habit by paying yourself first. On payday, transfer money to your savings account even before you pay bills. Set up a regular transfer to save money automatically. Planning for the future means preparing for the unexpected, building up an emergency fund to handle life’s unforeseen expenses.



Golden Rule #3: Help your money grow

Once your savings startto build, find ways to grow your money through investing. This is especially important for long-term savings strategies such as retirement planning. There are many investment types available at various levels of risk, so always make sure you thoroughly understand the kind of product you’re investing in. Time is on your side for your retirement and other long-term goals when you start saving and investing as much as you can, as early as you can.

Much more financial education here >

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Money Basics: Three Golden Rules of money management (2024)

FAQs

Money Basics: Three Golden Rules of money management? ›

The basic principle of the golden rule of saving money is to save at least 20% of your income. This includes any form of income, such as salary, bonuses, or freelance earnings. By consistently saving a significant portion of your income, you can build a strong financial foundation and achieve your financial goals.

What are the three basic steps in money management? ›

3 Basic Money Management Skills
  • Keep track of your spending.
  • Start saving funds now for any future financial situations.
  • Make monthly debt payments.

What is the golden rule of money? ›

The basic principle of the golden rule of saving money is to save at least 20% of your income. This includes any form of income, such as salary, bonuses, or freelance earnings. By consistently saving a significant portion of your income, you can build a strong financial foundation and achieve your financial goals.

What is a 50/30/20 budget example? ›

Applying the 50/30/20 rule would give them a monthly budget of: 50% for mandatory expenses = $2,500. 20% to savings and debt repayment = $1,000. 30% for wants and discretionary spending = $1,500.

Is the 50/30/20 rule realistic? ›

The 50/30/20 rule can be a good budgeting method for some, but it may not work for your unique monthly expenses. Depending on your income and where you live, earmarking 50% of your income for your needs may not be enough.

What are the 3 basic functions of money? ›

To summarize, money has taken many forms through the ages, but money consistently has three functions: store of value, unit of account, and medium of exchange. Modern economies use fiat money-money that is neither a commodity nor represented or "backed" by a commodity.

What are the 3 concepts of money? ›

The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally, a standard of deferred payment. Money originated as commodity money, but nearly all contemporary money systems are based on fiat money.

What are the 3 basic golden rules? ›

1) Debit what comes in - credit what goes out. 2) Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver. 3) Credit all income and debit all expenses.

What are the three golden rules of money management? ›

Basic money management starts with this rule. If you spend less than you earn, your finances will always be in good shape. Understand the difference between needs and wants, live within your income, and don't incur unnecessary debt. It's really that simple.

What is the Golden Rule short answer? ›

The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated by them. It is sometimes called an ethics of reciprocity, meaning that you should reciprocate to others how you would like them to treat you (not necessarily how they actually treat you).

Is $1000 a month enough to live on after bills? ›

Bottom Line. Living on $1,000 per month is a challenge. From the high costs of housing, transportation and food, plus trying to keep your bills to a minimum, it would be difficult for anyone living alone to make this work. But with some creativity, roommates and strategy, you might be able to pull it off.

Does your 401k count as savings? ›

A 401(k) can count as savings in a 50/30/20 budget plan. But if 401(k) contributions are automatically deducted from your paycheck, they're not included in your take-home pay calculation.

How much money should you have left over after bills? ›

As a result, it's recommended to have at least 20 percent of your income left after paying bills, which will allow you to save for a comfortable retirement. If your employer offers matching 401(k) contributions, take advantage so you can maximize your investment dollars.

Is $4000 a good savings? ›

Ready to talk to an expert? Are you approaching 30? How much money do you have saved? According to CNN Money, someone between the ages of 25 and 30, who makes around $40,000 a year, should have at least $4,000 saved.

What strategy will help you save the most money? ›

Simple Strategies for Building Your Savings

Paying attention to where your money goes, creating a realistic budget, and setting short-term and long-term savings goals will help create a solid foundation. With a plan in place, getting started is as simple as opening an account and making deposits.

What is the pay yourself first strategy? ›

The "pay yourself first" budgeting method has you put a portion of your paycheck into your retirement, emergency or other goal-based savings account before you spend any of it. When you add to your savings immediately after you get paid, your monthly spending naturally adjusts to what's left.

What are the three 3 elements of financial management? ›

Financial management can be classified broadly into three types.
  • Capital Budgeting. Capital budgeting means assessing and choosing long-term investments, which could involve ventures like new projects, acquisitions, or expanding current operations. ...
  • Capital Structure. ...
  • Working Capital Management.
Apr 17, 2024

What are the 3 steps you must take to be money smart? ›

By taking the time to determine your budget, track your spending, and create realistic savings goals, you will be well on your way to a brighter financial future by paying yourself first.

What is step 3 in the financial planning process? ›

Step 3. Analyzing Your Current Financial Situation. With your financial information meticulously gathered, it's time to delve into a comprehensive analysis of your current financial commitments. Scrutinize your income, expenses, assets, debts, investments, and other financial commitments.

What are the 3 measures of money? ›

M1 consists of coins and currency, checking accounts and traveler's checks. M2 is a more broad definition of money. M2 = M1 + small savings accounts, money market funds and small time deposits. M3 is even more broad and includes M2 + large time deposits, large money market funds and repurchase agreements.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5471

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.