Personal finance is not just something to think about now and then, such as when you review your bank statement – it affects your life on a daily basis. Ask yourself how well prepared you are in each of the 5 personal finance items below, and how you might be able to do better.

1. Credit and Debt

If you have significant credit card debt, you should pay it down as quickly as you can. Fortunately, it can be done. One good strategy is tackling your highest-interest-rate debt first. Switching to paying for most things with cash instead of credit cards can also help by reining in spending.

Beyond that, you need to strive for a spotless credit report and strong credit score. Check your credit report regularly, have errors fixed, and build a high score. Healthy credit is a key aspect of personal finance.

2. Insurance

Yes, you might have home insurance, car insurance, and health insurance, but how about life insurance if anyone relies on your income? How about renter’s insurance if you rent your home or apartment? This personal finance category also includes umbrella insurance that offers excess liability protection, which insures you against lawsuits. Disability insurance can protect your income stream in case you become unable to work. Long-term care insurance can support you if you need to be cared for at home or in an assisted-living facility for a while. It’s well worth exploring, as you’re more likely to need it than you might expect, and buying it while you’re relatively young can save you money in the long run.

3. Real Estate

This personal finance category includes buying a home, owning and maintaining one, and selling it at some point. To do well in this category, you need to maintain a strong credit rating and qualify for a low-interest-rate mortgage. You might opt for a 15-year mortgage to build equity faster. It’s important to take good care of your home but you should also think twice before embarking on expensive remodelings that might not let you recoup most of their cost.

It’s also smart to consider refinancing your mortgage at some point. Conventional wisdom suggests that it’s smart to do so when you can snag an interest rate about 1 percentage point lower than your current one. That’s not enough of a reason though, be sure that you plan to stay in the home long enough for the savings to outweigh the closing costs.

If you’re looking to purchase or refinance a home, First Financial has a variety of options available to you, including 10, 15, and 30 year mortgages. We offer great low rates, no pre-payment penalties, easy application process, financing on your primary residence, vacation home or investment property, plus so much more! For rates and more information, call us at 732.312.1500, Option 4 for the Lending Department.*

4. Taxes

Smart taxpayers make smart tax decisions all year long. Here’s a tip that not enough people take advantage of: Set up and use a flexible spending account throughout the year. It lets you put aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified health care expenses.

5. Estate Planning

This is another critical area of personal finance. Your estate plan might include a will, a durable power of attorney, a living will, advance medical directives, beneficiary designations on financial accounts, and possibly a trust. Don’t assume you have everything covered with just a will, as you might be able to save your loved ones a lot of headaches, heartache, and money with some more planning and preparation. A living, or revocable trust, for example, can let you avoid the sometimes long and costly (and public) process by directing how your property is to be handled before and after your death.

There’s a lot more to learn about each of these personal finance topics. Spend a little time on them, and you may find that they’re not so boring, and the prospect of saving a lot of money (and being able to spend it now or in retirement) is exciting. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to consult a financial professional.

Questions about retirement savings, estate planning, or investments?  If you would like to set up a no-cost consultation with the Investment & Retirement Center located at First Financial Federal Credit Union to discuss your savings goals, contact us at 732.312.1500 or stop in to see us!**

*A First Financial membership is required to obtain a mortgage and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. Subject to credit approval. Credit worthiness determines your APR.

**Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862. Non-deposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.

Article Source:  http://www.fool.com/how-to-invest/personal-finance/2014/08/10/personal-finance-5-areas-you-cant-ignore.aspx by Selena Maranjian.