Better Financial Management
Did you ever find it odd that personal finance wasn’t a topic readily discussed in school? I’ve heard it’s this way because they’d rather have parents talk to their children about finance, but then that day rarely comes for many if at all. Even adults have issues with understanding their personal finance and management; how is it then possible for them to teach the youth?
It would be nice if finance was taught in schools but let’s not hold our breath. Instead, let’s take a minute to remember where we’re at in this moment: you’re online, you have access to the world’s knowledge, and you have free time.
So why not brush up on financial literacy (even if it’s a few minutes a day)?
My first recommendation would be: BankingSense.com
This popular website makes my list because it presents a mix of helpful tutorials, reviews, and discussion on everyday topics you’d be interested in personal finance. The content, in regards to everyday topics, are the ones we want to know but probably wouldn’t be on sites like Bloomberg. These include an examination about Walmart check cashing or weighing in the best states to retire.
I think this is a great starting resource because the information doesn’t go over your head and there are many actionable strategies even the newbie in financial literature can take.
My second recommendation would be: Reddit Personal Finance
Reddit is a bit of a clunky site/forum but once you’re accustomed to the layout and how commenting & submissions work you shouldn’t have any trouble. The site is very popular and attracts people from all walks of life. In this case we have a “subreddit” dedicated to personal finance where you can chat with others and find resources on a range of entry, medium, and expert-level topics. You can keep up with a conversation about common items like savings and 401ks or listen in to active discussions & Q&As from industry leaders giving you insider tips.
My third recommendation would be: Udemy
Free information is fantastic but if you’re like me you bookmark an article or skim around only to forget about it and never really act unless it’s truly pressing. I feel it’s different with Udemy because you’re making a financial investment into a course. Because you’re spending money you feel obligated to continue with the course (and sometimes guilty if you start to slog). There are hundreds of courses on Udemy from free to paid (I’m recommending the paid courses for obvious reasons); they cover all aspects of expertise whether it’s the basics or going into items like trading, accounting, and more.
My fourth recommendation would be: App Stores
The link may talk about financial apps for kids but let’s be real: some adults need to start at these basics as well. You’re still bound to learn something with these financial apps and can always move on to others such as Mint or the Experian app. Since apps are readily available because you have a phone you can build your financial intelligence on the go and through practice if you’re using them in your day to day activities. There are also investment apps like Robinhood that lets you play the stock market without the heavy costs. All of these apps amount to a greater understanding of the financial landscape.
My fifth, and final, recommendation would be: Happily Blended
Of course I’d place this on the list because there is more to finances than just money. How you feel, goals you make, relationships you build, health, and all aspects of what makes you… you… goes into your lifestyle which can wildly change your personal finance. I find it just as important to work on yourself as you would on your finances; find a nice balance between the two so you have time to learn, be mindful of your surroundings, and stick within your ideal lifestyle and you’ll get ahead in your finances and long-term financial goals.
At the end of the day I can’t force you to take time to learn about finance but it would be a real disservice to yourself not to, especially since you’re literally using a tool with endless amount of information. Take a little time out of your busy day and follow through an article or act on suggestions; it all adds up in the end.
What online resources do you enjoy using to learn about personal finance and gain a better understanding of your money and the marketplace?
