Don't let your money manage you

Don't let your money manage you

(ARA) - As the United States, one of the world's wealthiest countries, struggles with debt and a still-uncertain economy, Americans are closely watching the steps our leaders are taking to address long-term fiscal problems. The state of our nation's economy has also caused many individuals to re-examine their own personal finances and money management plans.

In a new book titled "Wealth: Is It Worth It?" the founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc., S. Truett Cathy, examines the potential dangers that accompany the pursuit of personal financial success. In a video message on WealthIsItWorthIt.com, Cathy says, "We are misled to think money will bring happiness."

Having grown up in a financially poor family during the Great Depression, Cathy now owns the Atlanta-based restaurant chain with annual sales approaching $4 billion. Using his own life lessons as inspiration, Cathy shares the following money management tips in his new book.

Earn money honestly - There is no substitute for hard work. Cathy worked behind the counter of his mom-and-pop restaurant for 21 years before he opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant at the age of 46 in 1967.

Find balance - Find work-life balance by remembering, "What's Important Now - WIN." Cathy says there were times when his family had to suffer due to his absence for work, and other times when his business had to suffer because his family needed him.

Save reasonably and spend wisely - Everyone needs a budget. Create a plan for spending and saving that allows you to buy the things you need and put enough aside for long-term requirements.

Shop smart - Buy the things you need on sale. Even now, Cathy likes to buy his clothes on sale and his cars used. When shopping with his grandchildren, he takes the opportunity to teach them to only buy what they need.

Manage risk - Avoid unnecessary risks. While we can't avoid all risks, Cathy says too many people take on too much risk in their desire to generate more wealth. He notes instead of saving money to create wealth, people borrow money to create the appearance of wealth. Likewise, companies, in an attempt to grow bigger faster, borrow more money than they can manage.

Think long term - Set long-term personal and financial goals. Cathy, who interviewed former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy about the definition of success, points out that according to Sports Illustrated magazine, 78 percent of professional football players are bankrupt two years after they retire. Poor investments and poor spending decisions too often cost them everything. Cathy says to stay focused on your long-term goals rather than compare your progress to others, referring to Chick-fil-A as the "tortoise" in a race with a "hare" competitor in the '90s.

Give generously - Don't wait to start giving. In the book, Cathy also interviewed billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who says giving to others is a philosophy he and his wife decided on back in their 20s. Cathy says the happiest people he knows are those who give away their money and the saddest are those who hold their possessions in their hearts instead of their hands, or who hoard because they fear what the future may bring.

"Money and possessions for their own sake are a hollow victory," Cathy says. "Real victory is what you do with the money, not the fact that you have it."

Living credit smart in tough financial times

Living credit smart in tough financial times
(ARA) - Amid uncertain economic times, the state of consumers' credit and debt management is often referenced as an indication of Americans' overall financial well-being. Credit scores enable lenders to evaluate the level of risk involved in extending credit to a consumer and they can affect everything from your ability to open a credit card to determining your rates when buying a home or car. As our nation struggles to regain its footing in a recession, establishing good credit has never been more important than it is today.

Experian, the leading global services information company, conducted a second annual assessment of credit scores in cities across the country and found that many cities have improved their scores since last year - albeit by small margins. With the average U.S. credit score at 749, or a "C" rating based on the VantageScore 501-990 scoring range, many consumers are taking small steps toward improving their economic situation, but there is still a great deal of room for improvement.

Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education at Experian, the leading global services information company, offers some tips to help consumers take proactive steps to help improve their credit and make smarter financial choices.

Check your credit score and report so you have a benchmark for improvement.
Credit scores translate the information in your credit report into a simple number. Check your credit report and purchase a credit score so you understand the baseline of where you stand and how your credit may have been affected by recent life events.

Understand the financial behaviors that influence the information contained in your credit report.
While it is important to know where your credit scores fall in the range of risk for lenders, the most important things to understand are the factors in your credit report that determine that risk. Once you understand the way your credit report is affected by your financial behaviors, you will be able to take the necessary steps to improve your credit history and subsequently improve your scores.

Pay your bills on time.
Paying your bills on time is the single most important contributor to good credit. Late payments negatively affect your ability to get credit since they indicate a stronger likelihood that you will make late payments again or will be unable to pay your debts in the future. Even if the debt you owe is a small amount, it is crucial that you make payments on time.

Keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving credit.
If you max out your credit card or charge balances that are very close to your limit, you will increase your "balance to limit ratio," or utilization ratio. A high utilization ratio may indicate that you are tempted to charge more than you can pay and therefore, negatively affect your credit score.

Remember there is no overnight fix for a low credit score.
A credit score reflects credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information. The fastest way to see an improvement in your score is to catch up on late payments and pay down your debts. If you have negative information on your credit report, time is your ally in improving your credit score.

Understanding how your financial behaviors influence your credit score will allow you to make more informed financial decisions and, ultimately, improve your financial future. To learn more about building and maintaining a strong credit history visit LiveCreditSmart.com.