Valentine's Day is a great time to consider your relationship with money. Here are some ideas for how you can love your money this year:
- Track your money with a budget or spending plan. This allows you to get the most out of your money and ensure your bills are paid on time, which stops you from wasting money on late fees.
- Make a list of goals. Then you can adjust your spending plan to help you meet them. A good first goal is building your emergency savings, while long-term goals include saving for a home and for retirement.
- Start saving now. Any time is a good time to start, and any amount is enough – you don't need to wait for seed money or a special occasion.
- Pay yourself first. When you receive your paycheck, put money in your savings accounts before paying bills and going shopping.
- Evaluate your purchases to understand your buying habits. If you tend to go over budget after browsing bargain bins, for instance, you can change your routine to avoid them or only go there when you have a specific need.
- Make a plan to pay off your debt. While borrowing money can be a good choice, every dollar of interest you pay is one less you can spend on something else. Paying your debt off faster or moving it to loans with better rates can reduce the interest you pay.
For more tips on how to save and budget your expenses or to talk about your individual financial situation, fill out the form below.