Welcome to bruneiONS.com

brineioONS.com is a weekly online magazine on art, lifestyle and culture
Twitter icon Facebook icon Browse Email
bruneiONS
29/03 Friday 01:57AM

Five tips on becoming good with money

By Huwaida Ishaaq

Money may not be everything but having thoughts of spending money or the feeling of not having enough money can affect our lives, a study has shown.

At the Sun Yat-Sen University in China led by psychologists Kathleen D. Vohs, Xinyue Zhou and Roy F. Baumeister, 84 students were divided into two groups and were socially excluded to observe how money affects their condition when under distress.


In one experiment, one group had money to count while the other was given pieces or paper. Several tests concluded that the participants who had counted money reported greater feelings of inner strength, self-sufficiency and greater tolerance for physical pain. 

In another test, one group had to write about their monthly expenditures while the other was asked to write about the weather. Money was also a clear factor in the experiment with the group who had been reminded of having spent money feeling greater social distress and physical pain.

Whatever your age and financial status, sooner is better than later if you want to start reinforcing good money habits.  Begin with the following tips and the next time you feel overwhelmed by money, let it be because there are too many options on where to invest your cash and how to spend it.

Tip 1. Be accountable

Acknowledge that it is up to you to get on top of your finances. Being accountable also means accounting for your money.  Keep records of everything from lunch or grocery receipts to rental cheques. In other words, set up a simple system that allows you to stay accountable.

Tip 2. Cut or lose the credit card

When you spend money you don’t have, it generates interest. You must realise that your credit card is not your lifeline. Always pay more than the minimum amount. After you're through with the credit card get a debit card so that you can still enjoy online shopping without the burden of debt.

Tip 3. Prepare a budget

Develop a spending plan based on what you need whether daily, weekly or monthly. Adopt some lifestyle changes such as setting a limit as to how many restaurant lunches you’re having

Tip 4. Assign your income into specific areas

The idea is to take a percentage of your income and divide it up into six different categories, each for a different purpose.

  1. Ten percent for Long Term Savings
  2. Ten percent for Education and Learning
  3. Ten percent for Play
  4. Five percent for Charity
  5. Ten percent for investments
  6. The rest is for necessities

Tip 5. Remember that 'ETC'

This stands for 'Every Thing Counts'.  Teach yourself to become financially savvy with these tips and build upon them.  When you’re ready, stretch a little further.  Look to build an emergency fund with three months living expenses or talk to someone about preparing a will. You can take on a part time job or learn a skill that you can monetise. Before you commit to anything that involves numbers and rates, make sure to shop around to get the best deals.

Learn Language On The Go
It is entirely possible to learn a language online and these days, there's a site or app to suit every level of enthusiasm. More

Saloma in My Car
I would not define myself as a 'Feminist', I cannot say that I am ardently passionate about burning brassieres or hosiery but I do believe that I am a humanitarian ... More

Francophonie Week 2015
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE BRUNEI (AF Brunei) is proud to announce the celebration of their annual event – Francophonie Week 2015 - from the 21st until 28th March 20 ... More

Filipinos in Brunei by Cécile Castilla
Written by Cécile Castilla, this book is a collection of stories and experiences from twenty individuals who have share their live journey which brought them to ... More