Are you smart about money? If you’re struggling and are having a hard time with your money you’re not alone. Many people don’t understand what it takes to be financially savvy. Just like any bad habit, there are steps that must be taken to pave the way to financial success. Instead of feeling discouraged that your situation can’t get better come up with a plan to reach your financial goals.
Why do you Make Certain Financial Decisions
If you tend to spend a lot of money on frivolous items that you don’t need, why is that? The key to fixing your negative spending habits is to figure out why you are making these types of decisions. Ask yourself what you value the most and if you are an emotional spender figure out ways to manage your stress other than spending money. Once you discover the reason behind your negative financial decisions you’ll be one step closer to reaching your goals.
Start Getting Organized
One of the first steps you can take to achieving a financial fit lifestyle is by getting organized. Not only does this require managing your financial documents, but your time. Dedicate the weeks ahead to learning more about money management and how to do smart banking. Implement financial planning into your daily routine by talking to people who are great with their finances. Be candid while talking to these people because they will help you stay accountable. Make time to have a healthy financial life and the rest will follow.
Learn Where Your Money is Going
Where is your money going? You can learn exactly where your money is going by evaluating your habits. Write down everything you spend during the next month. This means writing down where you go each day and what you are buying. Of course also write down how much everything costs. This includes the small purchases such as coffee and treats. Don’t forget your monthly rent, gas, car insurance, and groceries.
Once you have a steady log of everything you’ve spend over a month identify where you can improve. If you’re spending thirty dollars a week on sushi that means you just spend one hundred and twenty dollars in one month’s time on something you can definitely just treat yourself to occasionally instead of once a week. This is the type of money you should be applying to your retirement fund or your child’s education. Cut back and you will have more money in the process.
Turn Your Dreams into a Reality
Now that you know where your money is disappearing to you can use this money for things that you actually need. You can also continue to make smart spending decisions by creating financial boundaries. For example, make a shopping list and only get what is on the list. If impulse shopping is what gets you into trouble a list is a great way to conquer this bad habit, but only if you stick to buying only what you need. Also, only shop at places where sales are taking place and if you don’t need to buy new clothing, for example, don’t head to the sale. Over time your plans will become habits and you’ll learn how to be a savvy financial person who is saving money for your future.
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