Set Yourself Up For Success This New Year!
1/8/2019
Set Yourself Up For Success This New Year!
Don't let another year pass by without taking control of your finances.
There is no time like the present to begin making changes that will help improve your financial situation. Begin by assessing your position and identifying areas in need of improvement. Focus on developing new habits that will help you stay on track.
Here are some steps you can take to set yourself up for success this year:
Get Organized
Develop a system for paying your bills and tracking your expenses, income and savings. Organizing your finances will reduce stress and help keep you to stick to your budget. You are less likely to miss paying a bill or overspend when you are organized.
Read More: Get Organized This New Year!
Set Goals
Setting financial goals is the key to making good financial decisions. Consider what it is you want to achieve this year. Perhaps you would like to increase your income, save money, or make a major purchase. Before making any financial decision, you will have to consider if it will bring you closer to your financial goal(s), motivating you to make the best decision for your personal situation.
Prioritize your Debt
If you entered the New Year with credit card debt, make one of your top priorities to pay it off. If you have multiple credit cards, target to pay off those with the highest interest rates first. Getting out of debt and staying out of debt will serve to save you money and ensure you are living within your means.
Practice Mindful Spending
Avoid making impulse purchases. Before you buy something, consider if the purchase is a need or a want. You do not have to deny yourself things 100 percent of the time, but if you are more thoughtful when making purchases, you will likely find you have more flexibility in your budget. The less money you spend, the more money you can save for your needs and the things you really want.
Stay Positive
Unexpected events and expenses happen to everyone. It is easy to get angry and frustrated when these things occur, but avoid letting yourself feel defeated. A negative outlook on your financial situation can lead to poor financial decisions, serving to make matters worse. When the unexpected occurs, you must reevaluate, re-plan and stay positive.
Lauren Lovett has been with Navicore Solutions for seven years serving as a Certified Credit Counselor and Grant Writer. While in these roles, she has witnessed the positive impact that the organization's counseling services has on improving the money management skills and economic security of individuals and families in need.
