It can be tempting to spend a lot on unnecessary items if you’re a newly independent student in college or someone living on their own. To avoid doing this, manage your finances and try to avoid debt when you can.

The best way to encourage money to grow is to manage it wisely. Work to protect your profits and invest capital. Of course, you need to spend some of your profit on investment, but you also need to keep an eye on that investment. Decide on a plan ahead of time regarding your profits and capital.

If you are trading currencies, stay abreast of what’s going on in the world, as many things that happen globally influence the movement of the markets. Many Americans don’t pay attention to news outside of the United States, but this can be a mistake if you trade currencies or have significant investments. When you’re aware of what’s going on globally, you’ll be able to make smart predictions about the market and choose your financial strategies wisely.

In these turbulent times, spreading any savings you have around multiple locations is sound strategy. Here are some of the types of accounts and investments you should consider: straight savings account, standard checking account, stock investment, high interest bearing accounts, gold investment. Use a combination of several of these approaches to limit your financial vulnerability.

A great way to get a handle on your financial health is to look for bargains and discounts whenever possible. Reconsider your brand loyalties, instead favoring products for which you have coupons. For example, if Coke is your brand of choice but Pepsi is offering a one dollar off coupon, the Pepsi choice will save you money.

It is important that you file your federal income taxes in a timely manner. If you know you have a refund coming, file as soon as possible. On the other hand, if you know you will have to pay the government additional to cover your taxes, filing as close to the last minute as possible is a good idea.

Set up a budget to avoid crippling debt and unpaid bills. Remember what you have learned here so that you’re able to get yourself out of debt and so you can avoid debt collectors.

There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in
Hartford, Connecticut where you can make the most impact on arts in the community.