Is there any real way to become financially secure, doing better than just getting by.?

Answer 1

I must agree with most of the people here and say spend less than you make. But I also believe that you must pay yourself first.
Does your company have a 401(k) or 403(b) program? If so, sign up right away. If your employer has a matching program, and most do, then that is free money for you. If you are able, put the maximum amount allowed into your 401(k). The HR or personel department where you work will be able to run the numbers and tell you exactly how much your take-home pay will be. When my husband signed up for the 401(k) program at his work, back when they first started in the 1980's, he put the maximum (12%) into the 401(k) and his employer matched the first 6%. His weekly paycheck when down by $0.76. Yes, you read that right, his check went down by only seventy-six cents AND we made 50% on the investment before it started since the company matched the first 6%. A few months later my employer started a 403(b) program. [403(b) is the same as a 401(k) except it is for non-profit employees like police, fire, hospital, teachers, etc.]. Due to my husbands experience, I, too, put in the maximum 12% and received my employers 6% match. My paycheck went up $0.27 because the deduction put me in a lower withholding bracket. So all of that money that was going for tax withholding is now in accounts with our names on them, growing away, until we retire.
If you company does not have a 401(k), then start a self directed tax deductible IRA. If you are in a low tax bracket, then start a Roth IRA. Either way, pay yourself first.
The other big "secret" is to not get caught up with credit card debt. If you can't pay for it at the end of the month, then don't buy it. Save up for what you need. People think that the word "budget" is a dirty word, but a budget gives you freedom from worrying about money. By putting a litle aside each month for all of those periodic expenses, like car registration, insurance, property taxes, etc. , you have the money when you need it because you already budgeted for it and set it aside, then you don't have to worry about where you're going to come up with a big chunk of money before the due date.
There are plenty of sites online that can show you how to set up a budget that works for you. Remember a budget is a tool that works FOR you. You don't work for it, remember to leave a little "fun" money in your budget. If you don't use up all of your fun money this month, carry it over so you have more fun money next month. I think too many people make budgets that are so tight and draconian that they don't leave any room for fun and that is the mistake. Enjoy yourself but be smart about it and you will be financially secure.

Answer 2

It's hard, I know it is. But to get there spend less and save more.

When I was younger, I wanted to buy a big house, at least a big house for a single guy. My dad talked me into a split entry. I had heard on a radio program that the best savings is pay off your house quickly, so I put all available extra money on my mortgage. Now I own my own house.

I put as much as I can spare into my 401K and IRA because I'm not counting on Social Security.

I also do consulting work on the side to make a little extra money. Every bit helps.

Even if you put away $10 a week it's still a start.

Answer 3

Yeah, making more money and spending less. But this big bad material world has its grips on our throats. We got to feed the machine so the rich can get richer. Most of us are the modern day serfs we are here to protect the King, the CEO,s the shareholders, etc.... Our fate has already been designed. Too break out of this program you need to do something extraordinary like push yourself to the limit, seeking and studying constantly, and also have a bit of luck on your side. Good Luck, Chap.

Answer 4

It depends on what you mean by being financially secure. You could be financially secure and living at the poverty level. Financially secure could mean to you living within your means and being content with what you have. If financially secure means not having a desire to have more- no, you'll never be there.

Answer 5

i've got a legit program for you to try. It only takes $7 to get into and your profit potential is HUGE. I created the program and have had many successful people come out of it. Most people make at least their $7 back within the first 2-3 weeks and after that things usually take of and its all good afterwards.

Answer 6

Of course!

Live on what you make. Invest regularly. Save save save. Don't do sebt, etc.

Go get Dave's book - The Total Money Makeover. Also check out the Millionaire next door, and similar books.

Answer 7

Start by getting an education, next a good job, and then be nice to people and possibly you will get by.

Answer 8

You have to believe that you can do it. work extra hard with no doubt in your mind that the goal you have set IS achievable. Not by someone else, by YOU.

Answer 9

Yeah, a budget.

Answer 10

go to daveramsey.com