How to Plan Finances Online

Using the Internet to plan your finances is a great way to have access to a myriad of resources without spending the time or money to hire a specialist. Over the past few years, numerous organizations have created free online resources that anybody can tap into to help them manage their finances easily and accurately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Plan Finances Online

1. Use your investment company's official website to help you plan your finances. If you have investments with a well-known financial company, you probably have access to a series of online tools that allow you to check your savings but also explore options, use budget calculators and learn more about investment in general.
2. Look into AWD Money Extra, a personal finance and financial planning website offering a free tool known as Financial Planner (see Resources below). You will start by answering a series of questions and giving specifics about short- and long-term investment goals, financial commitments, budgeting and retirement plans. The whole process takes about 20 minutes, after which you will receive a detailed financial action plan to help you decide how to go about planning your financial future.
3. Search for a free portfolio management tool, which is offered at many investment companies. Most online outlets allow you to choose whether you want to give specifics or keep your information private (if that makes you feel safer). The AWD Money Extra website offers a portfolio management tool (see Resources below).
4. Use the tools provided by H&R Block or similar financial advising companies (see Resources below). H&R Block offers things like tax tips, investment planning, making the most of your investments and small business advice.
5. Decide if it's worth it to change your credit card as a way to reduce your debt and save more money. The Credit Card Menu website offers you a chance to enter some basic information and compare credit cards, including special offers for student credit cards, cash rebate cards and low-APR credit cards (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• You can use the Internet to simply educate yourself if you have little to no knowledge about finances. By reading articles, looking at market analysis and keeping up with new laws and regulations, you are doing much to change your future.