Getting organized financially can seem like an intimidating task. But if you want to save up, have some money to fall back on, buy property, or even take a fabulous vacation, you must take charge of your finances. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you or until you’re stuck in a bad situation to have to deal with your money (or lack thereof!). I definitely recommend talking to a financial advisor. But in the meantime, here are a few quick tips to get you started.
6 Quick Tips for Getting Organized Financially
- Set a budget: And stick with it. If you’re curious to see what you’re spending your money on, or want to learn how to stick to a budget, get help. Apps like BudgetSimple will create a budget for you and help you stick with it to stay on track with your goals.
- Save a little from each paycheck: Even if you can’t set aside a large amount of money, putting a little bit aside from each paycheck is better than not saving at all. Try a small amount and work your way up as you get comfortable with saving.
- Keep track of your accounts: Use an app on your smartphone to track your spending and help you stay on budget. iReconcile and Mint are two great options to view all your accounts at once.
- Know your credit score: Check your credit report each year to make sure there are no fraudulent entries or mistakes. Keep tabs on your credit score to get the best credit rates. Try myfico.com or freecreditreport.com.
- Spend less: Use discounts and coupons whenever possible. Save money on groceries by using apps like Coupon Sherpa, which will send coupons to your phone for scanning at checkout.
- See what you spend your money on: Check your credit cards for budget reports at the end of the year or on a quarterly basis. Most credit cards now offer a view of your spending by category so you can see where all your money is really going.
