Are you dreaming of homeownership? Want to save up for a new car? Do you know you need to start saving for your kid’s education but don’t know where the money’s going to come from? For those with financial goals, it’s important to have a plan of action to go from dream to reality.
If you’re having a difficult time managing your finances, then it can be hard to envision yourself far into the future with your debts paid off. To set yourself on the right track with money, this article will outline some personal finance tips that really help save for the future. Let’s begin.
Make Debt a Priority
While having good credit is essential for getting a good rate on a mortgage or a loan, having an unhealthy relationship with credit and borrowing can set you back significantly in achieving your serious, long-term financial goals.
While payday loans and online short-term lending from a provider like GoDay can meet your cash needs when you are in-between paycheques, this type of resource can’t be your go-to for solving your debt problems.
Use Your Tax Return for Debt
Even if you’re overspent, prioritize paying off your debt as if it were a total necessity like paying the rent. Include debt repayment in your budget and commit to making healthy contributions as often as possible. When your tax return comes around, you might be tempted to use it to take a nice trip or splurge on some new clothes. However, putting your tax return, which is really just your money that’s been out of your hands for a bit, towards your debt is the smart choice to make.
Build an Emergency Fund
Life can come at you pretty fast, especially with something unexpected and difficult like a sudden medical bill or a broken-down car. While payday loans in Ontario can help you get a short-term loan quickly, you should still make it a goal to establish an emergency fund.
Use the 24-Hour Rule
How likely are you to jump at a purchase because it’s at a great rate? How often do you buy something that is part of a two-for-one discount just because you don’t want to pass up the bargain? When you start to think through your purchases with the 24-hour rule, you make a commitment to yourself to think over every nonessential purchase for at least 24 hours. This rule comes in extra handy when you’re shopping online, when it’s extra easy to make a sudden spending decision.
Make a Savings Plan
People who have a plan end up with twice the likelihood of being successful with saving. You can use digital money tracking apps on your phone to track your savings contributions, you can keep a ledger of your spending, and maybe even team up with a friend or family member to keep each other accountable to your savings goals. Don’t go into saving without a plan. With a clear goal in mind and a course of action, you will be able to measure your progress and keep your goals in focus.