You don’t need to be a money whiz to get your financial life under control. A bit of common sense and money management will let you make the most of your income and make more money as well.

When using a broker, it is very important that you choose someone that you can really trust. Check a broker’s references and find someone else if you feel they are not being open with you. Your level of financial knowledge plays a role in your selection, too.

Most products come with some kind of factory warranty. Sometimes it is only 90 days, other times it is up to year, and most problems creep up within the manufacturer’s warranty. Extended warranties only serve to profit the company you bought them from.

File your taxes as soon as possible to abide by the IRS’s regulations. This will allow you to get the refund that you earned as soon as possible. It’s better to file closer to the due date of April 15 if you owe money to the government.

To maintain a good credit score, use more than one credit card. Remember, however, not to go overboard; do not have more than four credit cards. Credit scores build slower if you only have a single card, but having more than four is a sign of possible credit problems. If you want to build credit, keep two cards and don’t add others unless necessary.

Be mindful of your finances by creating financial plans for your future. Doing this sort of planning motivates you to follow through with your plan and reduces the chance that you’ll spend frivolously.

It is possible to live within your means, increase your worth and live a happy, healthy financial life. By using some common sense and applying the useful tips mentioned in this article, you can create a budget, preserve capital, pay down debt, and, finally, take charge of your personal finances.