Do you ever wish that you’d had classes on personal finances when you were in school? For many of us, learning to manage our money and finances is something we only start to do once we enter the world of work. Learning to read our wage slips, how to save and pay our bills are all vital skills that often as not are things we have to figure out as we go.
From learning about savings and the advantages of a cash advance when it comes to your finances, this article will explore 5 finance tips most people wish they'd know when they were younger.

1.    Savings
Many of us had piggy banks when we were children and some may even have been fortunate enough to have parents open them a savings account. But what most children are not taught when they are youngsters is the value of not spending all of their pocket money and birthday cheques as soon as they get them.
When you mention saving money to a child more likely as not they will only think about the deprivation of not being able to spend that money on toys or sweeties. But by explaining that even a small amount invested in a saving account can yield interest and what that means, can inspire children to put aside a small amount of the money they receive for their future.

This principle goes for adults too. We don’t have to save hundreds of pounds each month nor feel guilty for spending some of our rare spare cash. Instead by learning to use even just a small percentage of any disposable income in savings, you can start to set yourself up for the future.
2.    Cash Advance
Responsible borrowing is a vital lesson we must all learn, but rarely do we think about the benefits of being able to open up some cash flow with a credit cash advance.
A cash advance is where you can withdraw money from your credit card for a slightly elevated or increased interest rate from your regular credit card standard.
A cash advance can be a lifeline when you require a small cash amount before payday. It's also a way of keeping your credit score in good stead provided you pay back your amount and interest before the due date.

3.    Spend less than you earn
This one may sound obvious but it is something the majority of adults will struggle with at some point in their lives. Whilst is cannot always be a help in times of financial struggle, it is an important habit to develop - spending within your means.
Learning to budget so that your basic needs and responsibilities are met whilst not making you completely broke is the first set to getting a handle on your finances. This can be done easily with just a simple pad and paper, by making a list of all the monthly incoming and outgoings, and subtracting the outgoings from the incomings. The goal is to make sure that there is at least some money left over (preferably to save).

4.    Check your bills
With an increase in direct debit and automated payments, it is easy to ignore the amounts coming out of your account each month for the ease of paying your bills the paperless way. However, if you don't look over your bills, how will you know if you are being overcharged for anything?

Things like checking your bank statements and making sure you are not paying late fees or for unnecessary overdrafts are a key way of making sure that you are only paying what you owe.
5.    Think before you spend
Whilst this might not sound like the most fun tip, it is a good practice for anyone looking to have a stable financial future. Thinking before you spend any money on treats and non-essentials can give you that moments breathing space to avoid impromptu purchases that you might regret later.