If you’re not a certified public accountant, a tax preparer, financial analyst or another position that requires frequent money management, then chances are, managing your finances is a chore. There’s nothing fun about it, and often, it can be stressful. But it doesn’t take a mathematical genius to derive a useful and responsible financial plan, and there are ways to take the hassle out of managing your money. Follow these steps to ensure that financial tracking and budgeting is easier than ever. Create a budget. The first step to coming up with any good financial plan is to know where you stand. Start by creating a basic budget. When you start small, figuring out your budget is less scary. First, add up all of your necessary monthly expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, cell phone, gym membership, etc. Then, subtract that total from your total monthly income. Take that number and divide by four, and that’s how much money you’ll have each week to spend on food, entertainment, and anything else you want to purchase. Creating a budget gives you a greater sense of awareness and, subsequently, makes you feel more in control of your financial life. Use apps and tools. [...]
