According to Western Union Payments MoneyMindset Index survey results, America’s GenY — 87 millions people aged 18-34 — are stressed over their finances. Survey results show that half of Gen Y respondents are feeling more stressed over financial obligations, while 40% feel their financial situation is worsening in the last six month.
However, the survey, conducted quarterly by Javelin Strategy & Research, also has good news.
“In spite of the difficult economy, Gen Y is engaging in smart financial behavior to help build their better future,”David Shapiro is the senior vice president of Western Union “This survey shows Gen Y using tools such as online banking and online bill pay to manage their budget and credit standing.”
These are some tips to help you get started.
Game Plan for Credit and Debt:
* Establish the Base. You can open a bank account and begin saving money and paying off debt. Online banking, bill payment online, automatic deductions, mobile banking and online banking are all useful tools.
* Establish a Budget. For help in setting up your budget, check out these online budget management software. Check out these apps for smart phones.
* Establish Credit. Your bill payment history is responsible for approximately 30 percent of your credit score. Schedule automatic payments through your biller or bank.
* Establish Credit — Part II. Even if only one bill is paid, you can establish credit in your name.
* Check Your Credit Scores. Find out how to access your credit scores, and learn how you can read them. 40% of Gen Y’ers have never seen their credit scores, while 44% have not seen them in the last year. Check sources such as annualcreditreport.com and myfico.com for how-to’s.
* Set up an Emergency Fund. Now is the time to start an automatic savings plan for rainy days.
* Work It Both Ways. There are two routes to financial success. Spend more money and save it. Spend less money to save it. Or do both.
These tips were brought to you by Western Union.
The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.
It’s not enough to simply be insured when nearly two-thirds American households make less than 2002. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.
Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.
* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.
* Increasing employees’ share of premium.
* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.
Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is just one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.
Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.
Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.