Maybe you’re not the type that makes New Year’s resolutions, but we can all agree that you don’t necessarily need a resolution to push you toward better financial practices. 2016 is a great time to further improve your money habits, and perhaps reach some money goals that you’ve set.
Even if you already feel that you’re in a good place financially there are always ways that you can ensure you’re on the right track and even make some changes to your spending habits that will save money this year. You may even find that some changes to your financial practices are in order.
If you want to reduce your debt and increase your savings in 2016, try these five tips that will have you on top of your money game by the end of the year.
1. Track Your Spending Habits
It’s always a good idea to keep track of your spending but some people aren’t in the habit of doing so. Small, everyday purchases can add up to big money, and you may not even be aware that you’re spending large amounts of money on items like coffee or snacks.
Take advantage of your bank’s mobile apps to track your spending over the course of a month. Identify expenditures that you can do without and put that money toward other expenses or bills where it will truly make a difference.
2. Identify the Bills That Need to Be Paid First
Not all bills are created equal, and it’s important to know which ones should always be paid and which ones can wait if you’re in a financial jam. Any bill with interest charges absolutely must be paid on time, and payments for rent or your mortgage should always be paid when they’re due, as well.
In addition, you should always pay yourself first too. Even if it’s just a small amount, transferring money into a savings account each time you’re paid is a great way to begin to build a nest egg, as well as to get in the habit of saving money.
3. Create a Realistic Budget
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