Getting your finances on track is a smart idea no matter what stage of life you are in. Long-term financial planning isn’t usually the first priority of young adults starting their careers. After paying rent and student and credit card debt alone, you may find yourself with a lack of personal capital. It can be overwhelming to wrap your mind around where to start when it comes to being financially savvy, but the good news is that you can get your budgeting on track one step at a time.
Start by Accepting where your Finances are.
The first step toward getting your finances on track is being aware of your financial situation. Not being in control of your money leads to debt. Millions of adults live with debt, so there is no shame in accepting where you are and taking ownership of your finances. Be informed about your options around dealing with debt and how to get in control of expenses. There are plenty of informative books that will teach you about personal finance, as well as professional financial advisors that can guide you through the best practices for your financial situation.
Create a realistic Budget and Track your Spending.
Create a realistic monthly budget to plan where your money will go. Prioritize your overhead expenses like bills, rent, and groceries, then spread out the remaining discretionary income to other expenses you anticipate. Knowing how much money you need to meet your essential monthly expenses will prevent you from overspending.
Track exactly where you spend your money each month and pay attention to silly spending. Be honest about the unnecessaries and cut them out. Instead of treating yourself to an overpriced coffee every morning, dial it back to once or twice per week and see how much you save.
The money you save from cutting out the unnecessaries can be put toward things you want, like a practical dress jacket from White House Black Market. Jackets are practical layering pieces that can complete any style, from formal wear blazers fit for black-tie events to smart, tailored jackets that turn heads in the office. Explore the casual and formal jacket designs of White House Black Market and get motivated to treat yourself to an elegant piece of clothing. A clothing item like a dress jacket from White House Black Market is a high-quality item that will last for a long time and pairs well with almost everything you own in your wardrobe. A smart staple like this is a good investment to make — and it keeps you looking sharp at work. As they say, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. And you know what that means? More money.
Switch your Current Account and Set up Automatic Savings.
Make your bank work for you and switch your current account into one that’s better suited for your needs. Find an account that doesn’t charge interest on overdraft fees. An account that comes with an automatic savings option is a great way to help you save a little bit of money at a time while you work to get in control of your finances. If you have a personal loan with a high-interest rate, see if you can get a better deal and save on the amount you pay in interest each month.
Set clear Financial Goals.
Set clear financial goals for yourself and keep track of your progress. Create an attainable financial plan that motivates you to stay on track. Think about your short-term and long-term goals and start prioritizing your savings. Review your progress at least once a month to see how well you are staying on track and where you can improve.
Consider delegating a “money buddy” with whom you are comfortable discussing your finances, someone who will help motivate you to achieve your money goals. Having the outside perspective of a close friend or family member who has good financial habits can not only help you make better decisions, but their good habits may rub off on you.
Learn the Power of Investing.
Once you have adopted the above habits with confidence, broaden your horizons to include making investments. Learning how the stock market works and understanding how a share price fluctuates could open a lucrative door for the smart investor.
DIY investors need help from time to time managing an investment portfolio. Passiv is a software tool that helps DIY investors manage their portfolios and maintain a desired target allocation. The portfolio rebalancing tool is perfect for those who want to automate the tedious parts of portfolio management without paying high management fees. Passiv isn’t a robo-advisor, which means you either need to be savvy about asset allocation or work with a financial advisor. The rebalancing tool connects to brokerage partner platforms such as TD Ameritrade using APIs in compliance with your brokerage’s privacy policy. It’s never too late to take charge of your investment strategy.
These are just some tips for getting your finances on track. Staying motivated to take things one step at a time will help you become financially confident in no time.