When you are saving for an emergency fund, aim for at least three to six months worth of living expenses. This is not a large amount, considering the difficulty in finding employment if you ever lose your job. In fact, the larger the emergency fund, the better position you would be in to ride out any unforeseen financial catastrophes.
 
 When you need to borrow money, ensure your personal finance stays safe by never going over 30% of your income. When people borrow more than 30% of their income it can drastically reduce your credit score. So as long as you stay within these safe parameters you can enjoy having good credit.
 
 Pay all of your household bills on time. When you pay a bill late you are usually charged a late fee and these fees can really add up over the course of a year. Late payments can also affect you credit rating making it harder for you to get a mortgage or credit card in the future.
 
 Even in a world of online bank accounts, you should still be balancing your checkbook. It is so easy for things to get lost, or to not really know how much you have spent in any one month. Use your online checking information as a tool to sit down once a month and add up all your debits and credits the old fashioned way. You can catch errors and mistakes that are in your favor, as well as protect yourself from fraudulent charges and identity theft.
 
 Take a look at your investments. If it's been a while since you did any financial shifting of assets, it might be time to do that. With the changes in the economy, what used to be a good safe bet, and what used to earn lots of interest per year, has changed.
 
 Budget, budget, budget - yes, whatever you do, make a budget. The only way to know what is coming in and what is going out is with a budget and a ledger. Whether it's with pen and paper or a computer program, sit down and get it done. Your finances will thank you for it.
 
 Obtain a checking account that does not charge any fees. Check out credit unions, Internet only banks, and community banks in your local area.
 
 When you have to go to the store, try to walk or ride your bike there. It'll save you money two fold. You won't have to pay high gas prices to keep refilling your car, for one. Also, while you're at the store, you'll know you have to carry whatever you buy home and it'll keep you from buying things you don't need.
 
 Offering one's services as a cat groomer and nail clipper can be a good choice for those who already have the means to do so. Many people especially those who have just purchased a cat or kitten do not have nail clippers or the abilities to groom their pet. An individuals personal finances can benefit from something they already have.
 
 Unless it's an actual emergency, stay away from the ER. Make sure and locate urgent care centers in your area that you can go to for after hours issues.  https://www.taxd.co.uk/landlord  visit co-pay is usually double the cost of going to your doctor or to an urgent care clinic. Avoid the higher cost but in a true emergency head straight to the ER.
 
 When you need a loan to finance your real estate buying or selling, try to work with a portfolio lender. A portfolio lender is one that will retain ownership of your loan rather than resell it to third parties. They are superior lenders because they tend to offer more flexible financing and they develop a personal relationship with you.
 
 Now that you have spent some time learning about personal finance, you are ready to take matters into your own hands. Keep this article, and if you ever feel like you are not sure if you are doing the right thing, you can refer to it as much as you need.