Money in Your 20s

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Money in Your 20s

Financial Rules to Live By

These basic financial rules provide the answers to the questions you may have about saving, spending and borrowing money. By following these guidelines you can take control of your money and be financially fit.
Can a Car Rental Save Me Money?

Car rental is one alternative to buying a car. It can save you money, especially if you do not use a car regularly. Additionally you may be able to rent a car occasionally and make do with an older less reliable car for the majority of the time. Often car rental is overlooked as a solution to a number of problems. Here five times when you should consider car rental instead of purchasin…

Stop Fighting About Finances

When you get married, the way you handle your finances will change. Hopefully you discussed your finances with your spouse before you got married, and you now have the same set of goals that you are working towards. However there are times when the two of you might not be in agreement when it comes to your finances. The amount might be large or small, but you need to work to resolve these diff…

Make Large Purchases
Whenever you make a large purchase, it is important to take the time to make a good decision. In addition to researching which type of item to buy you should also be sure that this you should be making the purchase at this time. These seven questions will help you make the right decision for you.
Should I Loan a Friend Money?
If a friend asks you to borrow money or if you see a friend struggling financially you may be tempted to loan your friend money. But is this a good idea. Loaning money to friends is bad on relationships and risky as well.
Should I Change My Dreams or My Income?
<p>It can be difficult when you realize that you do not make enough money to make ends meet. You may make enough to cover your current commitments, but you do not make enough to do the things that you really want to in life like travel or buy a home. If this is the case you need to make changes to your lifestyle and to your career choice. </p>
If I Can't Pay All of My Bills Which Ones Do I Pay First?
<p>When it comes to budgeting, paying your bills and paying off bad debts, it is important to realize what your priorities should be. This will vary from person to person slightly, but there is a definite order to what bills you should pay no matter what. After that the order may shift depending on your priorities and your situation. </p>
Determine If your Charity is Legitimate
When you decide to give money to support a cause or help others, it is important make sure that the charity you are giving to is legitimate. Learn the things you need to do to protect yourself.
Should I Use a Payday Loan?
A payday loan should always be a last resort. Payday loans businesses charge high interest rates and make it difficult for customers to meet their future obligations.
Should I Lease a Car?
Leasing a car may seem to be a good idea on the surface, but how does it fit in with your long term financials goals. Learn whether or not leasing a car will save you money and help you to build your wealth.
Should I Purchase My Home Now or Wait for the Market to Stabilize?
Buying a home is a big investment. It is important to make the purchase at the right time. You do not want to buy a home only to have the prices drop sharply in the first year that you bought it.
Are You House Poor?
One common problem that people run into is that they become house poor. You are house poor if you have no extra money to pay for emergencies, cover your expenses and save for the future, because your house payment is too large. Learn what to do if you are in this situation.
How to Catch Up on Late Payments
If you find that you are behind on your bills or payments, it can quickly turn into a negative cycle. Learn what you can do to turn the situation around quickly.
Look for a New Job
Finding a new job can be an intimidating process. Once you have your first job out of college, you may be tempted to stay there until you retire. However, you will be doing yourself a disservice. It is important to continue to look for growth in your potential as well as your salary and benefits. You can look for promotions inside your current company or you can look outside of your company.
Saving on Your Wedding Expenses
Planning your wedding and honeymoon can be stressful and expensive. Traditionally parents will help to pay for the wedding, but couples are beginning to pay for the wedding themselves. Don't let your wedding start you out in the negative
How to Buy Your First Home - Eight Basic Steps to Buying Your Home
Buying your home is huge commitment and a time consuming process. It is important that you understand each of the steps or stages that you must go through on your way to home ownership
Self-Employment: Taking Care of Yourself
Self-employment offers a lot of freedom. It is great to work for yourself and really work to achieve your own dreams. With the added freedom comes more responsibility. Here are four things that you should make sure you have covered.
Roommates and Money
Money is a shaky area when it comes to roommates and significant others. More fights result as a result of unpaid bills or roommate money problems. It can be really difficult to deal with these problems. These problems can put a kink into your life. Here is a list of common roommate money problems and how to deal with them effectively.
Seven Holiday Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
Holiday shopping and spending mistakes can cost you more than you realize. Learn the best ways to avoid making the common holiday shopping mistakes.
Merge Your Finances
Learn the basic steps you need to take to merge your finances with your spouse. These steps will help you get off to the right start in regards to your money.
Communicate Effectively With Your Spouse About Your Finances
Learn the important money matters that you should discuss with your fiancé before you get married. You will learn the importance of understanding finances and communicating effectively about your money.
Buying a Home
Learn five essential questions you should ask yourself before you buy your first home. These questions can protect you from making poor financial decisions.
Buying a Car
Learn the four most important things to consider before you buy a car.
  • Share
  • Forum
  • Explore Money in Your 20s

    About.com Special Features

    Building Your Small Business

    Get the best tips on starting up and staying competitive. More >

    Best Moves in a Bad Economy

    Stay on top in this tough economy with our smart, easy-to-follow financial tips. More >

    Money in Your 20s

    1. Home
    2. Business & Finance
    3. Money in Your 20s
    4. Money in Your 20s Basics
    5. Financial Rules

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.