(Newswire.net — October 15, 2020) — Whether you’re looking to get out of debt, buy your first car, or purchase a new home, it’s important to set yourself up for success. To ensure a better financial future, it’s essential you take the time to save and plan accordingly. The last thing you want is to make a financial decision that sets you back rather than propels you forward.
While the coronavirus pandemic has placed some constraints on millions of Americans’ finances, it doesn’t mean you should lose hope and forget about keeping your finances in order. To help you achieve a better financial future, take a look at these four tips below.
1. Make a debt repayment plan
Being in debt can be holding you back from achieving your dream financial future. Debt, especially debt with late payments, can put a serious ding on your credit report, which can make it difficult to get a loan or credit card with a low-interest rate.
One of the first actions you should take to achieve a brighter financial future is paying off your debts. To get started, follow these steps:
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Make a list of who you owe and how much money you owe
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Contact any lenders to see if you qualify for a lower interest rate
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Try paying off more than the monthly minimum
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Pay off debts with the highest interest rate first
Once you’re debt-free, it’ll feel as if a weight was lifted off of your shoulders. While having debt is normal, such as in the form of a mortgage or student loans, excessive debt is never good. If you’re struggling, consider working with a financial advisor to determine the best way to get out of the red.
2. Start investing
Investing is a great way to achieve a better financial future. For many, a successful financial future is where they can retire with sufficient funds where they don’t have to worry about finances from hindering their golden years. Through investing, you can diversify your portfolio by putting your money into the stock market into companies you believe will succeed.
Investing can be tricky, especially for newcomers. Working with a broker dealer network can give you the resources and information you need to make knowledgeable financial decisions. With a broker-dealer, you can develop investment strategies, which can help you manage your wealth and analyze stock market trends.
3. Start budgeting
Believe it or not, you might be spending more money than you think. A coffee here, a take-out dinner there—small expenses can add up fast and put a serious dent in your finances. If you don’t have a budget, it’s time to get started. Having a set budget will allow you to track your spending to ensure you’re meeting your savings goals.
There are plenty of ways you can budget. One of the most popular budgeting rules is the 50/30/20 rule, where:
- 50 percent of your monthly income goes toward necessary expenses like rent, utilities, and food
- 30 percent of your monthly income goes toward “wants,” such as entertainment, clothes, and subscriptions
- 20 percent of your income goes toward savings
By following a simple budgeting routine like the 50/30/20 rule, you’ll be able to track your spending and put more money toward your savings, when it’s a 401(k), IRA, traditional savings account, or high-yield savings account.
4. Reduce spending
Even with a budget, there may be areas where your spending is too excessive. Once you begin budgeting and looking at different spending areas, such as food, going out with friends, rent, etc., identify areas where you can cut back.
For example, if you’re paying $100 or more a month for a gym membership, consider switching to a more reasonably priced gym around $20 a month. Or, if you’re a socialite who enjoys going out on the weekend, limit yourself to one night out, such as Friday or Saturday only. If this is too much of a challenge, you can consider making your own cocktails at home and drinking one or two before going out to save money on drinks.
A little creativity can go a long way when it comes to reducing spending but still partaking in the activities you love.
The bottom line
Planning for the future can be a daunting task. However, when it comes to your finances, they should always be taken into account so you can have a stress-free future. With these four tips on how to achieve a better financial future, you’ll be on your way to living your life the way you planned.