Hey!
So I've been budgeting. I have an emergency fund, a savings account, a college fund, and a retirement fund.
I am struggling on how much I should put in from every paycheck.
Do you guys do any specific budgeting/savings? What do you do? Have any suggestions for a new-timer?
The emergency fund? What's that? Here's a thought. Eliminate your emergency fund. If it's an emergency, you will have funds. May have to dip into another fund, the savings. Just a thought. Think about it. EMERGENCY. Suppose the emergency fund has to be depleted to meet your emergency needs. You will have to either get a loan or dip into another fund. So just take the emergency funds and apply them to another one.
Also, is the college fund for you? Save enough for two semesters. A student loan is better than any other loan. If you have to get a loan for something, try to get it for student loan. They have lowest interest rates. But continue with the college fund, keep saving for it.
Retirement. DO NOT PAY A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION that asks for $500 up front. Then they charge you percentage.
At your age, buy stock. Go through Charles Schwab.
Go online and do search of what type of funds are doing well. Also open your food cabinets. Look at the makers. Nabisco, Procter and Gamble, etc. Go to your medicine cabinet do the same. I suspect if you went to your neighbors, they would have many of the same products.
Talk to a most trustworthy accountant about an retirement investment.
Some stock you can buy directly from the corporation, won't have to pay fees.
Go slow at this. Learn what you can. Don't rush. Save until you get retirement account.
Also, if you are with a bank, you might be paying fees right and left. Get into credit union. They are much more friendlier. No fees. More services. Low rates. Call several credit unions in your area.
PM if you have detail questions. Okay.
And continue to lay up for yourself treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor dust doth corrupt, nor where thieves break in and steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.