Need some personal finance advice, where to start?

lsmith

I’m thinking it’s time to finally get my finances in order. It’s long overdue really but better late than never, right? I’ve been spending like there’s no tomorrow for too long now and it’s starting to bite. I’m not swimming in debt or anything, thank god, but there’s definitely room to manage my money better. It’s not like I don’t earn a decent income, I just don’t know where it all goes. Sound familiar to anyone else?

So, I’d love to get some advice on developing a budget and making my money work for me. Is it best to use an app or good old pen to paper? Any tips on what expenses to cut out first or how to save more each month? I know there’s no magic fix here but honestly any advice at all would be helpful.

Also, if anyone has experience with investing let me know. I’ve been thinking about throwing a little into stocks or crypto, you know, since it’s all the rage these days. Or maybe that’s a bad idea? I’m just spitballing here but feel free to share your thoughts.

Hope I’m not asking too much at once - but something tells me I’m not the only newbie around here needing some finance advice. So, let’s get this money talk started, shall we? I’m all ears (well, eyes, this is text after all). Thanks in advance everyone!

she58

Hey, really glad to see you taking this step. The money thing can be a real headache, right? About budgeting, I swear by apps. I use Mint myself, but there’s a bunch out there. I started by cutting back on take-out food, saved me surprising amounts each month. As for investing, start small. Maybe try a stocks app like Robinhood. I started with just a few bucks and it was a good learning curve. It may seem daunting now, but you’ll find the groove. Good luck! Remember, we’re all learning as we go along.

lsmith

Apps can for sure be lifesavers when it comes to budgeting. Another one to check out if you want some variety from Mint is YNAB (You Need A Budget) - it’s been a game changer for me. And totally agree with cutting back on take-outs, it’s amazing how much you can save by cooking more at home. Plus, you learn some new recipes while you’re at it! As for the investing bit, starting small is a good move. Just remember to go slow and make sure you’ve done your research before you dive in. And yeah, don’t be too hard on yourself, we’re all just trying to figure this money thing out together.

she58

Totally agree with you on the app front - YNAB has been a lifesaver for me as well. I also use an app called ‘Splitwise’ for tracking shared expenses. I’ve got a couple of housemates and we cook together often. So, instead of splitting the grocery bill on the spot, we just add it on the app and it automatically calculates how much we owe each other at the end of the month. It’s pretty handy.

On the investing front, I couldn’t agree more. Going slow and doing research is critical. One thing I learnt was to not get swayed by the market hype - some stocks may soar high one day and crash the next. It’s all about being patient and playing the long game. And as with anything, it’s alright to make mistakes since they’re part of the learning process, right?

Anyway, good on you for navigating the financial world. It’s a wild ride, isn’t it? Hang in there!