Updating the family budget, planning, paying attention to contracts or interest rates, thinking about telecommunications… It all counts.
Many of the famous “New Year’s resolutions” involve money. And we can almost guess that most involve saving, not spending.
In this context, Sérgio Cardoso, director of Academia Doutor Finances, sent ZAP a statement with a set of savings tips. They are the “10 commandments of savings”according to himself.
The first commandment is: create and update a family budget for this year. Income, essential and non-essential expenses, everything; then, review all non-essential expenses, especially those that you can reduce or even eliminate – examples: more lunch boxes, more free leisure time, canceling services you rarely use.
The second: good planning Brings tranquility. Plan ahead when you go on vacation, how much you’re going to spend, what your insurance is like, take a good look at your expenses, any savings…
Look for the best conditions for your contracts of electricity and natural gas. The ERSE – Energy Services Regulatory Entity website helps. Understand the market, update yourself, see what is best suited for you.
Fourth: you need to spend as much on telecommunications? Offers on the market are frequently updated.
Try to save on credit housing. Each bank has its plans, its proposals; There is probably someone else who has a better solution for you. Regarding interest rates, apparently the best proposal for the next two years will be a mixed rate.
If you can, amortize the credits consumption that have the highest interest rate. Pay now. Pay off the loan with the highest interest rate (normally the one with the shortest term) as soon as possible; or partial amortization. Debt falls, interest on credit too. Of course, all of this is not feasible in every family; do the math well.
If you have several credits, this year you can save up to 60% on your installments: In cases of two or more credits, opt for consolidated credit – you can pay a single lower installment with an interest rate that is also lower than the average interest rates for all credits.
Review your portfolio insurance, Don’t get stuck with old policies. Your current needs may not match your current coverage. Prefer annual payments and direct debit; are usually cheaper.
Invest. If you have never invested, this is the right time. There are solutions for all investor profiles and all portfolios.
Tenth and final commandment: strengthen your knowledge. The famous financial literacy allows us to make better decisions.
