Dealing with money is a fact of life for everyone. Even kids, who only get an allowance, have to think about how and when to spend that money best. Staying on top of your financial activities can be tough when you feel ill-equipped. Here are some ways you can improve your ability to keep track of your finances.

If you don’t feel comfortable selling, don’t do it. Leave your stocks alone if you’re earning money on them. Consider any stocks that aren’t performing well, and think about moving them around instead.

If you buy protein in large quantities, you will reduce both your bills and number of grocery trips. As long as you can use up what you buy, purchasing in bulk will be cheaper. If you cook meals for the rest of the week, it can save you a lot of time.

Look at the fees before you invest your money. Brokers that invest your money long term will charge money for the service. Your total return will be greatly affected by these fees. Avoid patronizing brokers that charge high commissions, and do not invest in funds that have high management costs.

It is a good idea to always file your personal taxes when they are due. You should aim to file as early as possible in order to get your refund faster if you think you will be getting one. It is a better idea to file near April 15th if there is a chance the you owe the government money in taxes.

Credit Cards

To maximize your credit score, have at least two, but no more than four, credit cards. Having just one card means slower accumulation of good credit, but having five or more cards can add unnecessary complexity to your finances. It’s a good idea to begin with two credit cards and only get more cards if you truly need them.

These tips will help anyone understand and shape their personal financial situation into a healthier, more productive situation. No matter whether you’re starting with five dollars in the bank or with five thousand in investments, the same principles apply, and you can use tips like these to boost yourself into a new, better way of life.

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