Taking control of your personal finances and cash balances has never been easier. Gone are the days when we had to transfer money between checking accounts by completing paperwork at a bank. Before banks moved to digital record keeping even paying cash into an account required forms and signatures.

Times have changed for the better; technology now provides fast, secure and easy ways to move money. Monitoring, moving and accessing money from and to multiple locations is the key to good money management. Modern technology is also helping people to budget better; we no longer need to keep every paper receipt to be able to manage our expenses.

Money management systems

There are many money management systems on the market today and each serves a specific purpose. Some solutions are designed to work on desktop computers, some operate on secure websites and there are now apps for smartphones.

The type of solution you choose really depends on your needs. If you are managing your household budget a web-based service will allow you to quickly update your records. If you are rarely near a computer you should invest in a good app for your smartphone.

As demand continues to grow we are seeing more all-in-one-services, such as Mint.com, which records your spending for you. It automatically categorizes your spending and creates visual representations of your spending patterns. If you start spending more in coffee shops or on alcohol the software will alert you; this acts as a prompt to reduce spending.

Quicken is a desktop solution that has been a popular choice since 1983. They have also acquired Mint, which widens their offering. Quicken provides people with access to loans and mortgages too. This is a premium service, but the main advantage is that it links into your bank and credit card accounts so that you do not have to manually input your income and outgoings.

Of course, you do not have to use dedicated software. A spreadsheet can be utilized to manage all your income and expenses from month to month. Software and apps just make it easier.

Managing money whilst travelling

An advancement of smartphone technology coupled with an almost universal availability of wireless Internet has led to a boom in mobile money management. These solutions are ideal for travelling businesspersons and people on vacation.

If you have ever encountered a money problem while on vacation, with no access to your bank, you will appreciate how useful the latest money management solutions are for travelers. New services provide a very easy and secure way to transfer money to anywhere in the world at a very competitive rate.

Until this new age of mobile technology the only ways to transfer money overseas was to either ask your bank to arrange a bank-to-bank transfer or to use a street money transfer company. Both options involve exchange rate fees and handling charges.

However, mobile technology has allowed for huge cost savings in the money transfer industry. This is one of TransFast.com’s benefits; they provide fast and efficient ways to transfer money from any currency at rates much lower than banks charge.

Are we better with our money?

Money management is certainly easier than ever. Income and expenses can be automatically tracked and money can be transferred quickly and securely. This is certainly saving us time, but are we becoming better at managing our money?

You just got a new credit card, and you’re excited about using it. But, before you go out and blow up your shiny new plastic, take some time to think about how to manage this debt responsibly. That bill will come due in 30 days. So, the “free” money isn’t really free.

Be Careful About Which Cards You Apply For

There are many aspects to choosing a card. If you have a card already, put it down and pick up the terms and conditions you got with it. What is the interest rate? What does the card company charge for cash advances? What other charges does the company assess? Is there an annual fee?

What is the grace period on payments? What is the penalty for late payments? You want to know all of this before you charge up the card. If the terms seem unfair, don’t shrug your shoulders and go on a spending spree. Don’t be afraid to apply for credit card terms with other companies. Not all companies offer the same terms.

Make Smart Buying Decisions

Try not to buy disposable items on the card. This is a difficult temptation to resist, but it’s important that you resist it nonetheless. For example, groceries are already expensive. You don’t need to add interest to that and make it an ongoing monthly debt.

Try to charge large, productive, expenses to the card. For example, if you’re going to carry a balance, use the card to pay for educational expenses or car expenses – something where whatever you spend the money on will help you make more money or maintain your current income so that you can pay off your bill.

Alternatively, save the credit limit for emergency expenses.

Pay Off Your Debt Every Month

If you pay off your balance every month, and this should be one of your goals, it’s OK to make “everyday” purchases. You will not accumulate interest on those purchases so it becomes a way for you to “smooth out” your income and expenses. This might help if your income is somewhat variable during the month.

Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate

Credit card companies are open to negotiation. Call them up. Negotiate your rate. This works particularly well if you’ve been a customer of theirs for years, and have accounts in good standing. But, even if you’re new, you may be able to negotiate a better rate based on your excellent credit rating.

Opt Out Of Card Rate Increases

You might not realize it, but you can opt out of rate hikes. How? By calling your credit card company and telling them that you don’t want to accept the terms of the rate hike. Your card issuer will suspend your card privileges (you can’t use your card anymore), and you’ll have to pay off the balance in 5 years. But, at the end of it, you may be able to reinstate your card, though it will be at the higher rate. Of course, you could just leave the card dormant and inactive. The card issuer will likely cancel it when you’re finished paying it off.

Michael Cobb has always had a knack for numbers. As a personal finance counselor, he often writes about foundational principles of managing budgets and other smart money decisions.

Most entrepreneurs will attest that starting a business can be highly exciting. There is something very satisfying about building a successful venture and not being answerable to anyone. While most first time business owners are aware of the responsibility they have taken on, some seem unable to handle the new demands on their time.

The zeal to succeed can drive first time entrepreneurs to spend more time buried in their work; however, long working hours coupled with inexperience often contribute to inefficiency. Business owners who put themselves under immense pressure usually find that they become stressed and overworked.

It is therefore important for entrepreneurs to learn how to work smart as opposed to working hard. The following simple tips can help first time business owners to increase their efficiency and boost their productivity.

• Efficient time management.

Learning how to manage available time is an essential but tricky skill for any entrepreneur to grasp. Beginner entrepreneurs should learn to start working early in the day to make the most of the time they have. Smaller tasks such as answering emails, returning calls or dealing with paperwork should be done in batches at an appointed time later in the day to avoid interrupting any important work.

• Prioritizing tasks

In order to increase their efficiency, individuals who run their own businesses should learn how to prioritize their daily activities. Tasks that are deemed most important or urgent should always be carried out first before doing anything else.

• Outsourcing.

Novice entrepreneurs usually err by attempting to do everything on their own, leading to frustration. Outsourcing is a cost-effective solution that can help such business owners to increase their productivity while allowing them to stick to their core functions. Contractors or freelancers can be hired to deal with time-consuming or repetitive tasks. Accepting payroll help and administration aid from Atlantic Umbrella or any other umbrella company is also sure to make work easier for the business owner.

• Hiring a passionate team.

When looking to hire employees to join their team, new entrepreneurs are advised to select individuals who share their vision and passion. Such employees are usually highly motivated and are more productive in their work. Business owners should also endeavor to build, retain and grow their team of employees for greater and sustained efficiency in their businesses.

• Embracing technology.

With all the tablets and smartphones around, novice businessmen have a plethora of apps to choose from to help streamline their business functions. Entrepreneurs should take advantage of technology to stay in touch with their clients or suppliers or to learn more on how to make their ventures more successful

• Scheduling personal time.

Business owners need to set aside some personal time each week. They should use this time to indulge in their hobbies, travel or hang out with their friends and families. This downtime is important as it helps them unwind, de-stress and recharge in readiness for another hectic working week. A relaxed and inspired entrepreneur is likely to be more efficient and productive at work.

Due in part to the recession and a decline in general standards of living, people are much more cynical about big business than they used to be, and it can be hard for business owners to explain how what they do helps wider society. One answer to this is philanthropy, through which business people can show directly that accumulating profits isn’t necessarily about greed—that money like this can be used to benefit others. Philanthropic activity is a great way for business owners to boost their reputations, win loyal customers and give something back at the same time.

Engaging with customers

In today’s connected world, philanthropy can have a bigger effect on a business reputation than ever. Just as companies fear the speed with which boycotts and bad word of mouth can spread if they make a socially ill-considered move, they can celebrate the speed with which positive news travels if they are perceived as doing something good. This has led an increasing number of businesses to develop high profile partnerships with charities. Even before funds are donated, an arrangement like this can benefit both parties by assuring them of good PR and increased media visibility. A highly effective approach can be donation matching, where a company offers to donate an equal amount to that given by members of the public (which can be estimated based on past fundraising drives), thereby encouraging people more generally to get into the habit of giving to good causes.

Philanthropy and new markets

Philanthropy can also open doors into new markets.  It is no accident that tech companies have recently been investing heavily in countries like India, specifically with a view to supporting economic development and boosting literacy rates.  With Western markets now close to saturation point when it comes to mobile technologies, these countries offer a huge new marketplace, but potential customers need to have the disposable income to purchase with and the skills to be able to use those purchases. Once they have access to such technology, they benefit again, because it becomes much easier for them to start up or expand businesses of their own, bringing employment to their communities. Done right, this approach to business philanthropy means that everybody wins.

Philanthropy today

Among famous philanthropists, Bill Gates has recently been in the news for extending his work to help children from disease control into education, using peer evaluators to establish the most effective ways of teaching in challenging environments.

Warren Buffet’s son has taken up his father’s mission and pledged $24m to help combat rhino poaching.

Francesco Corallo has shown his support for a children’s charity in Guatemala, taking the opportunity to circulate an old court judgment, which says that, for a certain police department, it is forbidden to link Francesco Corallo to the Mafia—illustrating how philanthropy can be used to repair a damaged reputation.

Chuck Feeney, meanwhile, has funded impressive new research facilities at the University of Queensland, helping to drive forward the development of technology that will, in turn, help others.

You’re ready to buy a home, and you’re considering using a real estate agent, but you’re not too sure whether you need one or not. After all, you don’t relish the idea of paying 3 to 6 percent commission on a home. There would have to be a really good reason to hire one – and there is. In fact, there are five good reasons to hire one.

Ethical Advice

When you go with the best realtors, you’re getting ethical advice on your home purchase. Who are the best realtors? They’re the ones that are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Not every real estate agent is a member of this organization. So, specifically ask if your agent is.

Agents that are part of the NAR must abide by a specific code of ethics. That code requires that all realtors deal with all parties to a transaction honestly and with integrity.

The code of ethics requires that realtors put the interests of clients ahead of their own. They must also make full disclosure about the problems with a property and be truthful and honest when advertising homes.

Unlike many self-governing boards, this one has teeth. Code violations can include $5,000 penalties per violation, a one-year suspension from the association, and three-year expulsion from the NAR entirely.

You’re Working With An Expert

When you work with a professional, you’re working with an expert. That has serious advantages. You can’t be a real estate expert unless you’re a professional real estate agent yourself or an investor. It’s like any other job. It requires practice, knowledge, and experience to be good.

Real estate agents that have years of experience in the industry can often uncover trouble homes long before you notice anything is out of place. They can steer you towards homes that are a good fit for you now and into the future. They are also pretty well-versed when it comes to understanding the intricacies of local ordinances and regulations that may prevent you from making certain modifications to you home – modifications that you may want to make.

Expert Negotiations

You also get an expert negotiator in your corner when you hire a professional. Because real estate agents spend all day writing up deals, they’re familiar with what will likely be accepted and what has no chance of making it to the closing table.

There’s also an element of emotionality that’s stripped from the negotiations when you go with a real estate agent. They’re somewhat disconnected from the house in the sense that it’s not their home. They’re not emotionally attached like you might be. This can actually help to temper your own enthusiasm about a home that may not be good for you over the long-term.

Many home buyers, especially first-time buyers, get rose-colored glasses when shopping. They fall in love with the first thing they see. Often, this isn’t the best home. Real estate agents can help you look past the “puppy love” to find the best home for you.

You’ll Find Better Homes

Do you need a swimming pool? What about the back yard? You want kids someday right? You’ll need space. But, do you know how to guestimate your future needs? A real estate professional does.

Real Estate Agents Speak The Language

There’s lots of industry lingo in those contracts you sign. A real estate agent in your corner can demystify all that, break it down into plain English, and make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Annette Goree is a real estate researcher. She tracks market trends and enjoys blogging about how to navigate the buying and selling of real estate.