Financial literacy: definition, importance, improval tips
Financial literacy is something scary for many people. But in fact, there is a set of simple financial rules that do not require special knowledge but can significantly facilitate the life of each person. Today we will look at financial literacy definition, importance, improval tips and try to boost our financial condition!
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Due to ignorance in the field of economics and money, people are often unable to secure a decent life, even with a good salary. Besides, our financial illiteracy is commonly used by other people, which leads to sad consequences. For these two reasons, the basics of financial literacy are worth studying.
Financial literacy
As you will see, the ability to earn a lot does not mean a comfortable life. If a person makes money only with the help of individual skills (music, medical education), then this is not enough. The ability to manage earned money requires entirely new skills and knowledge — and it is this that can lead you to financial independence.
We are not taught to manage personal money at school and even at the university — and this is the most significant omission. We face monetary issues several times a day, and at the same time, we do not understand at all what money is and how to become a wealthy person.
What is financial literacy?
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It is not a very simple question, because different people understand it differently, and this very concept is more philosophical and purely subjective. Financial literacy definition can be described as a clear understanding of how money works, how to earn and manage them. There are two main features of a financially literate person:
- His/her expenses never exceed revenues;
- Any positive difference between the monthly income and expenses is launched into investments of any form.
Surely you are familiar with many people who have been earning a lot of money for several years now and at the same time barely make ends meet. They correctly do what they do. It can be:
- Programming
- Art
- Science
- Sports etc.
However, some of them even manage to get into debt. And it would be okay if these people bought themselves essential things with the help of which they develop. However, as a rule, these products are entirely meaningless, and their purchase becomes burdensome.
It may seem strange, but in fact, it does not matter how much you earn at the moment. In the history of humanity, there are thousands of stories about how a poor man became a millionaire. There are also reverse stories — people who fell on wealth managed to lose everything in a short time.
Therefore, it is essential to understand that your current income is not a sentence. It shows how, by acquiring certain financial habits, any person can climb out of a financial pit and stand firmly on their feet.
Applying financial literacy in life
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Studying the theory, cultivating a conscious attitude to money and economic thinking. These three things will help anyone to get settled in life.
The most important is economic thinking, but it is vital to learn and supplement knowledge with practical skills continually. Someone thinks that you need to work as much as possible to become financially secure. On the one hand, this is true, but on the other, it is necessary first of all to work reasonably. As soon as you start your financial journey, you have to work as much as possible. But there is one crucial point: the more money you have, the more wisely you should approach the work.
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It makes no sense to become rich and work hard. A financially literate person works less with increasing capital and at the same time does more. For example, when you become an investor, you can work less. The money will work for you. Of course, in this case, no one forbids you to do your favorite thing and continue to work, but now you will decide how and where.
Financial planning
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Remember that you can apply financial literacy and financial education right now. Everything you do with finances today affects your future. When you stop buying unnecessary things, you have new opportunities. You start to form a simple thought — money should make new money. A pure waste of your income gives immediate results and does not move you forward.
Tips to help you get financial literacy
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1. Allocate money depending on costs
Many people, because of their lack of financial education, spend their salaries before they can pay their monthly bills. As a result, you have to take loans and get into debt. To avoid such an outcome, arrange a service in the bank that will automatically make necessary payments in the first days after the salary is calculated.
2. Focus on your income
Perhaps you should discuss the salary with your boss. You can get more money at the expense of individual tasks or with the help of workshops. It is essential to find ways to increase your income.
3. Invest in yourself
When you set a goal to increase the level of profitability, the number one in your plan should be to invest in yourself. That means you need to look for new knowledge and skills.
4. Entrepreneurship is the best way to financial independence
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When you can take control of your career, your job or income, then you can feel financial autonomy. But as long as you are just a hired worker, you are helping to achieve financial independence for someone else.
5. Plan for the future, but do not forget to live today
Financial planning is usually focused on the future. This is undoubtedly true and good, but it is crucial that you do not forget to focus on the present moment, assessing what resources you have in your hands right now.
6. Do not borrow money
It may seem to you that borrowing money from a friend is better than taking a loan from a bank. In fact, in both cases, when you get into debt, you lose your financial freedom. Lack of debt will make your life more joyful and happy.
We hope that you have found the answer to the question of what financial literacy is and now know how important it is, if you want to become a wealthy person, of course. Use our tips and try to put them into action. We have provided you with theory; now it's your turn to act. Remember not only to earn money but to manage them wisely.
READ ALSO: Evolution of money through the history
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