With a new year comes new resolutions. Perhaps you’re going to eat healthier, hit the gym more, spend more time with grandma, read one book a month, the list can go on and on. What most people don’t consider are the resolutions to keep their finances in check because…well…it’s not the first thing on their minds. Eating healthier and exercising more tend to be considered as “more important.” While those two resolutions certainly have their merit, we believe having a healthy financial plan is paramount.
In today’s post, we are going to provide 5 tips for starting your year off on the right financial foot!
Financial Resolutions for the New Year - Infographic
Tip #1 – Have a Budget
How many of you reading this actually have a budget, one that you stick to? If you’re one of the few who can’t live without one, good for you! But, for many of us, having and maintaining a budget is quite a task. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be!
Today, many financial institutions offer budgeting tools within their online software. Coastal has partnered with Accel Members Financial Management to offer BudgetSmart’s customizable software tool so that the hard work of creating a budget is already done for you.
There are other tools out there, like Mint and Quicken, or you can just use a simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Excel even offers templates you can customize for your budgeting needs. Either way, make sure you create and keep a budget. That should be your first priority!
Tip #2 – Start and/or Maintain Your Emergency Fund
Many people don't realize the importance of having an emergency fund. The thing is – you need one. We all do. While having an emergency fund is normally thought of as a short-term goal, it has long-term benefits.
If you don’t have an emergency fund, just start by putting as much away as you can per month until you build up the fund. If you don't know where to begin when it comes to bulding an emergency fund, don't worry! Coastal's Save for a Rainy Day Calculator can help you determine just how much you need to save to ensure that you have a secure emergency fund.
Try Our Save For A Rainy Day Calculator
Tip #3 – Re-Assess Your Retirement Plans/Goals
January is a good month to take a look at your current retirement plan and to make changes that could maximize your earnings to achieve your goals. If that means you increase your 401(k) contribution by 1%, convert your existing Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, or something else altogether, the important thing is you’re adjusting or re-adjusting your strategy to increase the likelihood you’ll have more saved for retirement…or better yet, for retiring early!
2020 has turned out to be the year of uncertainty, especially after the market volatility surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic that began in early March. You can count on market swings to challenge your patience as an investor but neither the ups nor the downs last forever, even if they feel as though they will. There are tactics you should consider, such as dollar-cost averaging, to help manage risk, smooth out investment returns, and improve the potential performance of your portfolio over the long run. They can also help reduce your reaction to act emotionally during periods of market volatility.
Whether you are just getting started, or you already have an established retirement plan, Coastal's Retirement Planning Program can help you along your retirement planning journey. Work with one of our CFS* Financial Advisors to develop a personalized retirement plan that aligns with your values and goals for the future.
Learn More About Connecting With An Advisor
Tip #4 – Implement a Plan to Get Out of Debt….Faster
Most of us carry some kind of debt – credit card, mortgage, and car loans, even loans from your parents or grandparents. As you’re creating your budget, include line items that reflect that debt. Perhaps start a savings account specific to paying down debt. Also, whatever “extra” cash you expect to get throughout the year (i.e. bonuses, Birthday money/gifts, etc.), put that money toward paying down your debt.
While it’s more fun to spend, you’ll thank yourself because getting out of debt really is a beautiful thing.
Try Our Meet a Debt Payoff Goal Calculator
Tip #5 – Have a Plan for Rewarding Yourself for Reaching Your Financial Goals for the Year
Seriously, why do all this work without reaping a reward or two? Come up with a rewards plan as a way to celebrate when you meet your financial goals for the year. For instance, say your goal is to pay off your school loan by September. While you are paying it off, put some money in another savings account each week towards whatever your reward is. Whether you choose to reward yourself with a weekend away without the kids, a day at the spa or those shoes you’ve had your eye on, you will have earned it!