Texas Society of CPAs Offers Advice for Fine Tuning your Finances
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) July 31, 2014 -- Did you start the beginning of the year by making smart resolutions to get your finances in order in the coming months? Now that the year is half over, it’s a good time to check in and see how you’re doing. The Texas Society of CPAs offers the following advice on how to best size up your financial situation and make needed corrections.
Do Away with Debt
The average U.S. household credit card debt is just over $7,000, according to a Federal Reserve analysis. That’s a sobering figure, especially when you consider the amount of interest households must pay each month on their outstanding balances. Have you succeeded at lowering your credit card and other debt so far this year? If you aren’t completely satisfied with your progress, now’s a good time to move this goal to the top of your agenda. If you’re only paying the minimum balance, your first step should be to make the largest payments you can so that you can erase your balance sooner, and free yourself from costly monthly interest charges. Make sure to target the account with the highest interest first. Here’s some added incentive: Lowering your outstanding debt can help raise your credit score, which means you may reduce the interest rate you’re charged on future borrowings.
Think About the Future
Saving for retirement is a common consumer goal, but it’s also one that’s easy to put off. But don’t wait until it’s too late. The earlier you begin saving for the future, the more your money can grow over time. Many employers help out by offering automatic retirement savings plans that deduct an amount you determine from each of your paychecks. If your employer also matches your contributions, then make it a high priority to set aside as much as possible to take advantage of the full match. If you don’t, you’re leaving retirement money on the table.
Get Back on Budget
Are you on track with your budget? Or did you resolve to begin better budgeting in January, but never quite got started? It’s not too late to get back on track this year! Your budget should track how much you make and how you spend your money. It’s easy to do and it provides valuable information on how you use your hard-earned dollars. If you’re surprised at how much you spend on takeout, entertainment, or some other category, you may want to rein in spending in that area. Your budget should also include a set amount for savings. Even if it’s only a small amount at first, it’s smart to work on building an emergency fund or a nest egg for a future home purchase or other long-term goal. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll get there.
Update Your Will
Speaking of emergencies, a midyear financial review is a good time to update or create your will. This is especially important if you have kids, since you’ll want to name an executor and a preferred guardian who can ensure their needs are met in case of your death. Take a look at your life, health and disability insurance, as well, to confirm that they are up to date and reflect your current situation and needs.
Get Your Just Rewards
Most people know to look for a credit card with the lowest possible interest rate, but some fail to seek out cards that also offer valuable rewards programs, or to take advantage of the rewards they earn. If you’ve been using the same cards for years, this may be a good time to shop around for cheaper options with better rewards.
Turn to Your CPA
Midyear is also a good time to check in with your CPA to make sure you are doing the right tax planning and taking other smart financial steps. Contact your local CPA for answers to all your financial questions.
About TSCPA
TSCPA (http://www.tscpa.org) is a nonprofit, voluntary, professional organization representing Texas CPAs. The society has 20 local chapters statewide and has more than 27,000 members, one of the largest in-state memberships of any state CPA society in the United States. TSCPA is committed to serving the public interest with programs that advance the highest standards of ethics and practice within the CPA profession.
Avery Elander, Texas Society of CPAs, +1 (972) 687-8688, [email protected]
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