Understanding financial management and developing financial literacy are crucial to a fiscally sound and stable life. Solid financial skills empower individuals to make informed decisions about their finances, from budgeting and saving to investing and managing debt. Starting to learn about these things at a young age provides a strong foundation for lifelong financial health, promoting responsible money habits and preparing individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern economic world with confidence and resilience.
Retirement Calculators
When you plan for retirement, you need to handle your money carefully and invest it smartly in order to make sure that you have enough savings to support yourself when you're older. Depending on the specific types of retirement savings your money comes from, you must follow specific rules about how and when you get payments from your retirement fund.
Savings Calculators
Saving money for big purchases can prevent you from borrowing too much money or accumulating credit card debt. It's also wise to keep money aside for emergencies, like if you need to buy a new appliance or fix your car unexpectedly.
Tax Calculators
Most people aren't accountants, but almost everyone needs to pay taxes. Knowing the amount you might have to pay and planning how much gets taken from your pay can help you avoid financial problems come tax season.
Mortgage Calculators
For many people, buying a house is the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Most folks need a mortgage to do so. Before you commit to a mortgage, think about the amount you can afford to pay each month. After you move in, consider whether you can pay a bit more each month to bring the balance down faster.
Investment Calculators
People make investments in order to achieve different financial goals, and they use a variety of strategies to do so. But everyone's goal ultimately boils down to making as much money as possible while avoiding losses.
Personal Finance Calculators
Being good with money means knowing the amount you have in relation to how much you'll earn from work. It also means being able to balance your income with your expenses so that you always make more than you spend.
Insurance Calculators
Having good and reliable insurance can help you avoid a financial crisis, but it costs money. Make sure to look into different options and think about what you really need before picking an insurance policy.
Loan Payment Calculators
For some purchases, loans are unavoidable, but it's important to be well-informed about what you're getting into and how you'll manage the payments. Always make sure you thoroughly understand a loan's terms before signing an agreement.
Auto Loan Calculators
Most adults in the U.S. need a vehicle to go places, but only a few have enough money to buy one outright. Look for the lowest interest rates when you're getting a loan, and pick the loan with the shortest term that fits your budget.
Credit Card and Debt Payoff Calculators
You have different ways to pay back what you owe, but the most important thing is to do it as soon as possible. This is even more important if you owe money on a debt with a high interest rate, which can often be found on credit cards.
Additional Readings on Financial Literacy
- Making a Budget
- Financial Literacy, Financial Education, and Economic Outcome
- How to Create a Budget in Five Steps
- Essentials of Investing
- The Value of Financial Education During Multiple Life Stages
- Teens Respond Well to Financial Education
- Small Steps for Successful Investing
- Facts About Youth Financial Knowledge and Capability
- Understanding Credit Scores
- Forming an LLC
- Financial Literacy: What Works? How Could it Be More Effective?