Strategies to Protect Your Money and Yourself

Money makes the world go round. It can make or break you, and everyone has a different relationship with money. If you struggle with everyday finances, you know that this is a huge source of stress. Economic uncertainty within the overarching structure can give you the jitter too, even if you are usually good with money. It does not matter who you are or how much money you have, you will want to find a suitable solution for you that allows you to protect what you have. Having your money somewhere safe can give you that peace of mind most of us crave. Reducing the stress levels you have in your life, primarily where money is concerned, can provide you with a better sense of well-being. Remember, it doesn’t matter what you have. What really matters in the case of money is what you do with it. Here are a few ways you can 

protect your money:

Be Aware

How many people out there blinding walk into mountains of debt just because they spent their money in a very immature way. Many people simply tap their debit or credit cards and have no idea on the amount they are actually spending. Over time, this habit has a way of biting you where it hurts. In order to protect your money, you need to become aware of your spending and stop yourself from falling into debt in the first place. Think about it when you go into that corner store, do you really need that bottle of drink? $5 here $10 there really adds up over time. Before you know it you’re in your overdraft, and you begin reaching and surpassing the limit each time. Debt is such a nightmare, and don’t think that a bankruptcy case will save you, as sometimes banks can deny bankruptcy. Perhaps, you need to practice a little delayed gratification. Don’t spend impulsively. Hold back and think about it. Save up, if you can, and by the time you have the money, you may not even want the thing you were so ready to spend $100 on at the time.

Live Within Your Means

Okay, I get it, there are so many nice products out there, and spending top dollar on that new motor seems like a great idea, but is it? Be honest with yourself, and go for things that are actually within your means. Yeah, having that new purchase may make you look great, but is it worth all the worrying you will be doing when you have trouble making the repayments? Living frugally is essential to protecting yourself and keeping your finances stable. Besides, who really cares what type of car you have? Just you. If you can change your mindset now, you can save a whole lot of heartache down the line.   

Invest

Once you have mastered the art of living within your means, you may find that you have a little spare income. If you want to capitalize on the money saved, then it is a great idea to invest your money. You can buy shares. It is better to buy low-risk, long-term investments that appreciate over time. That way, your money is more protected. Shares also have the bonus of paying out dividends. So, do a little research on companies in the stock exchange, and maybe discuss your options with someone in the financial industry about this sort of investment. If you have done your homework appropriately, then your choice will be less risky. Other forms of investments include buying collectibles and a low price, buying bonds or funds. You can also invest in real estate. Whatever avenue you choose to go down, always ensure you understand what you are getting into. Don’t trust blindly, and always do your own personal research.

Divorce

When you said “I Do,” you never imagined that it could end in divorce. But a cold hard fact of life these days is that it is very likely that your marriage will end in divorce. So you need to be vigilant. Before you walk down the aisle, ensure you have a prenuptial agreement in place, this is a great way to solve a lot of messy issues if it ends in a divorce. If it is too late and you haven’t protected yourself that way, then there are other ways to protect your money. First, try not to fall into debt. This involves being aware of your spending habits and being aware of your partner’s spending habits. If they are a bit of a liability, you need to have that hard talk with them. Maybe you should keep separate banks accounts, if you have a joint bank account but know divorce is on the way, perhaps it is an idea to split this now and close the joint account. You could get credit reports created which detail both of your spending habits and may highlight any financial problems your partner has and has not warned you about. This may protect you down the line. Divorce can have many challenges, so the best thing you can do is look after yourself. 

Insurance

This is the best way to have peace of mind over your assets. If the worse does happen, you know that you have that financial backing. You can cover your house, car, any other asset that is worth something. Don’t scrimp as accidents and break-ins happen all the time. You should also look to insure yourself. If you are the main breadwinner and have an accident that causes you to be off work for a long time, or even forever, having insurance means that you can continue receiving that much-needed monthly income. You can also get life insurance, which covers your family in the event of your death. There are many different types of insurance and levels of cover. You need to sit down and work out what would be best for you, your money, and your family. There is no point denying that these things can happen. Protecting your money means you have to be a realist.