What is Personal Finance?
Personal finance is all about how you handle your money—how you spend it and how you save it. It covers important topics like budgeting, spending, saving, borrowing, and investing your hard-earned cash.
The Importance of Income
Managing your personal finances starts with having money. Most people earn money through jobs, unless they are fortunate enough to inherit wealth. However, even if you earn more than the average income, you have financial responsibilities that consume your earnings. These responsibilities include paying for housing, transportation, groceries, insurance, utilities, and other necessities, as well as managing debt and occasional indulgences.
Understanding Debt
Debt is something you owe, usually in the form of money. It often arises when you need more money than you earn. To fill this financial gap, you may borrow money through loans or credit cards. However, if you consistently spend more than you can afford to repay, debt can become a burden and affect your financial well-being.
Balancing Debt and Income
To maintain financial stability, it’s important to control your debts and maintain a healthy balance between what you earn and what you owe. Lenders and credit card companies consider your debt-to-income ratio when deciding whether to give you credit. This ratio compares the amount of money you owe to the amount you earn. The lower your debt compared to your income, the less risky you appear to lenders.
The Recommended Debt-to-Income Ratio
Experts suggest keeping your debt-to-income ratio at 36% or less. For example, if your annual income matches the median household income of $60,366 in 2017, your total debts should not exceed $21,731.76 per year or $1,810.98 per month.
The Importance of Some Debt
While excessive debt is problematic, having no debt can also be challenging. Lenders and credit card companies look at your credit history and credit score to assess your creditworthiness. To establish good credit, it’s necessary to have a history of responsibly managing debts, such as credit cards and loans. Surprisingly, without any credit history, it can be difficult to obtain loans or credit cards because lenders cannot evaluate your reliability as a borrower.
Finding the Right Balance
The key is to strike a balance between manageable debt and income. Avoid accumulating more debt than you can comfortably repay while meeting your other financial obligations. For instance, if you have a mortgage, make sure it doesn’t push your debt-to-income ratio above 36% when considering all your other expenses.
The Role of Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt can work in your favor, but it’s important not to accumulate too much of it. It’s crucial to use credit cards responsibly and avoid excessive borrowing. Maintaining a healthy level of debt is about finding the right balance between what you owe and what you earn.
The Value of Budgeting
If you struggle to manage your debt or have difficulty saving money, creating a budget can be immensely helpful. A budget allows you to plan and track your income and expenses, ensuring that you allocate funds appropriately and have a clear overview of your financial situation.
In summary, understanding personal finance means effectively managing your money. By keeping your debts under control, maintaining a balanced debt-to-income ratio, and utilizing tools like budgeting, you can achieve financial stability and make smart decisions about your finances.
