This article was originally posted on the PayPal Forward blog. Written by Steve Allocca, Vice President and General Manager, Global Credit, PayPal
Between filing your taxes and figuring out how you’re going to spend your tax return, money is always top of mind come April. What most people don’t know is that it is also Financial Literacy Month.
Designed by the nonprofit, full-service credit counseling organization Money Management International, Financial Literacy Month provides a path to financial wellness.
Financial Literacy Month is a great time to create a strategy for a more positive financial position. Unfortunately, for many people, the path to better finances can be overwhelming. Here at PayPal, our mission is to make your money work better and safer for our customers in the easiest ways possible.
We encourage you to start today with the following four tips inspired by Financial Literacy Month (and our own money know-how) for an improved financial life:
Find the best deals for your dollar:
Consumers are always looking for deals (eMarketer predicts 118.3 adult internet users will redeem a digital coupon in 20151). Help spread your dollar further and join the couponing movement. Even 5% off, especially on big-ticket items, can put thousands back into your wallet throughout the year.
If you’re not sure where to find the best deals, try looking on PayPal Offers or any online coupon site - they do all the legwork for you so that you don’t have to spend hours researching online.
Keep your money secure:
As a modern shopper, you’re likely providing payment information to several online sites and apps throughout the year. Don’t let yourself fall victim to identity theft by remembering to look for the PayPal logo at checkout. Using PayPal is the secure option when paying for all the items your need online.
Study your spending habits:
Make sure to regularly take a look at last month’s account transaction activities (e.g. credit cards, PayPal, bank statements, etc.) to see exactly where your money went. Were you spending too much on eating out or was your electric bill higher than usual? This helpful process can help you identify spending trends and opportunities where you can potentially save more cash.
Utilize smarter credit options:
Whether it’s next semester’s schoolbooks, new brakes for your car or a washer and dryer, sometimes life’s necessities don’t come at convenient times. When paying all at once isn’t preferred, having smart alternative options come in handy.
When choosing the best credit option, determine if you can pay in installments and even more importantly, if you can afford the payment plan. Your credit choices can range from credit cards, loans or PayPal Credit. Just make sure whichever credit you choose is right for you.
Aren’t familiar with PayPal Credit? Incorporating the world-class PayPal security and flexible spending options is a great alternative.
[1] Majority of US Internet Users Will Redeem Digital Coupons in 2013 – eMarketer (2013, October 21)