11:09
A: Assets. They’re your key to getting rich. What are they? Things that increase in value, making you more money over time: mutual funds, a savings account or a home. Your car is not an asset Nor is most furniture, so before you buy, think of the long-term value, not just the immediate cost.
B: Budgets. These are so unnecessary, in my opinion. Instead, just set up your direct deposit to automatically put 15 percent of each paycheck into a retirement fund and 5 percent into savings. Then live on the rest, and leave the credit card at home. Done.
C: Coupons. They’re like free money—I don’t know why everyone doesn’t use them! First figure out what you want to buy, then look for a coupon to get it cheaper at sites like thecouponclippers.com, which let you snap up ones you want for a fraction of their value. For instance, a coupon for $1 off Aveeno hand and body lotion costs 10 cents—practically a 1,000 percent return on your money, which makes you a better investor than Warren Buffett.
D: Deductions. Take the standard one on your income taxes unless you own your home. You’ll save time and stress and reduce your risk of being audited to almost zero.
E: Email blasts. Unsubscribe! The daily deals in your inbox are tempting—a $10,000 Thailand trip for $6,000—but can lead you to spend money you don’t have.
F: FICO. That’s the name for your credit score. Get yours at annual creditreport.com and make sure everything is kosher; a 2004 study showed that 80 percent of credit summaries contain errors, some of which can cost you if they lead to a lower FICO score and a higher interest rate on a loan.
G: Guys. Go for the thrifty ones. A 2011 study found that men who throw around the bucks are generally less interested in commitment than men who spend more practically.
H: Home ownership. It’s a good idea as soon as you can swing it. Because of the housing crash and low interest rates, buying is actually cheaper in most cities than renting now. The New York Times at nytimes.com has a great rent-versus-own calculator. Just make sure you have (1) a down payment of at least 3.5 percent of the purchase price and (2) steady
I: Interest rates. If you have credit card debt or an adjustable-rate mortgage, listen up: The interest rate on variable-rate loans is near record lows right now. Take advantage by hacking away at the amount that you owe (i.e., paying more than the monthly minimum) before rates rise.
J: Job search. Doing it online is a waste of time. Every gig I’ve ever gotten has come through personal contacts—and that’s true for most people: According to the Harvard Business School website, 65 to 85 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Work those connections!
K: As in 401(k). If you have to pick just one thing on this list to act on immediately, make it this. Sign up now—you do want to retire someday, don’t you? And always put enough in to get your employer match. Signed up yet?
L: Low-cost-index mutual funds. Stick with them and you’ll beat the vast majority of professional investors. (More exotic options won’t do that.) See vanguard.com or fidelity.com to get started.
M: Money. You could be making more! Dog-walk, babysit (two nights a month could net you $100) or sell your used furniture on Craigslist. Visit earn1k.com for help coming up with the best ideas for you and your life.
N: Negotiating. Don’t be shy. One reason men land bigger paychecks than women in the same field: They ask. Websites like payscale.com and bls.gov can tell you the salaries that specific jobs command. Then go to your boss and make your case!
O: Overcharges. Watch out for them. Experts estimate that 30 to 80 percent of medical bills contain errors. Other industries are equally goof-prone. Skim through all your bills to make sure there are no glaring mistakes that could leave you paying more.
P: Pampering. You can get it cheap! Some cosmetology schools offer services at 50 percent or more off local rates. And don’t worry—students are supervised by their teachers.
Q: Quitting. Never utter the Q-word unless you have the cash to survive for more than half a year without going into debt.
R: Rewards points. Don’t be obsessed! The two most stressful parts of flying for me are the TSA grope-down and listening to people in the airport talk about how they got their flights “for free!” A study out of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that people with reward credit cards spend more money overall than those who routinely pay with regular cards or cash. Why? By spending now, they think they’ll eventually get a no-cost flight. Truth is, you’ll save more money in the end if you use your debit card all the time.
S: Student loans. Pay them off as fast as you can. Opt for the 10-year repayment plan, send in the full amount each month and you’ll save tons on interest, compared with the more traditional 20-year plan.
T: TV. It can make you poor. Consumer research shows that the more we watch, the more we think we can afford things we can’t. Unless you have a Gossip Girl trust fund, put down the remote now and then!
U: Universal life insurance. If you’re single with no kids or other dependents, you don’t need it—or any life insurance. A sales rep who says otherwise is just trying to get a commission out of you.
V: Visa and MasterCard. I recommend their debit, not credit, cards. Worried about identity theft? Both companies offer the same protection against fraud for debit cards as they do for credit cards. When you pay with debit, just choose “credit” on the machine instead of using a PIN number to avoid fees. No more excuses to spend money you don’t have!
W: Wine. Don’t be a snob about it. Many people can’t distinguish between expensive and boxed vino, research shows. The point: Whether it’s pinot noir, bedroom linens or mascara, buy what you love, not what’s “best.”
X: As in ixnay on cosigning a loan for anyone, ever. You could end up with trashed credit, a ruined relationship and thousands of dollars in debt. Remember: Lenders demand cosigners because they’ve decided that your friend/cousin/boyfriend isn’t a good credit risk.
Y: Your phone plan. Odds are you’re paying too much. Most Americans do because the plans are so complicated. The solution? Billshrink.com. Answer a few questions and it’ll find the best plan for you.
Z: Zero debt. Nothing looks as good as being debt-free feels. Try it—you’ll love it.
