Happy New Year! Are you as shocked as the CGS Team to see another year upon us? Time is flying and there’s no better time than now to start doing the right things for yourself, and especially your finances! The New Year is always a great time to start fresh and form positive habits for the year ahead. Today, we’re sharing 17 things that you should be doing for your finances this year. If you are doing some of these things already, keep it up and see where you can improve! If you aren’t doing some or any of the items on this list, start immediately (like, today)!
#1: Set a Budget
If you don’t have a budget, or have an off-on plan, create a budget you can stick to.
#2: Track Your Spending
#3: Contribute to a 401k
#4: Open an IRA
Whether you are already doing number 3 or not, make 2017 a year where you set your future-self up for the best retirement possible. Even if it’s as little as $25 a month, open an IRA or Target Date Fund and start an additional (or initial) retirement savings.
#5: Switch to a High-Yield Savings Account
#6: Save $25 each week (at least)
#7: Set Financial Goals
#8: Start Your Emergency Fund
In addition to #6, finally start your emergency savings. Open a savings account (we recommend a high-yield account like those at online banks such as Ally, American Express Bank and Synchrony) that will only be used in case of emergency. Start putting a consistent amount of money away each paycheck into this emergency account.
#9: Pay More than the Minimum on Your Debts
#10: Seek Help
If you can’t pay more than the minimum on your debts, can’t seem to stop shopping or using credit, or don’t know how to budget, seek help! City Girl Savings offers personal finance coaching and consulting for women to help them build the positive money habits they need to be successful in life. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. You won’t get better until you know better! Schedule a free call with Raya today!.
#11: Learn about Finance
#12: Start Investing
#13: Make More Money
Easier said than done right? Regardless of how you do it (selling clothes, taking on a second job, or starting a business), make it a point to make more money this year than simply what your job offers. Put yourself in a position to start making more money so that you can save for everything you need and want.
#14: Cut Costs
#15: Save for Your Wants
Make 2017 the year of control! Take control of your impulse spending and resist the urge to just drop cash on something you want in that instant. If you truly want something, save for it! Plan your purchases ahead of time so that you aren’t strapped for cash or hurting your budget.
#16: Stop Using Credit
#17: Don’t Compare Your Financial Situation to Others
Unless you have secret insight into another person’s bank and credit card statements, you never really know what a person does or doesn’t have. In 2017, avoid (at all costs) comparing your financial situation to someone else’s. Not only does this distract you from what you need to be doing, it’s really a waste of time. You will never know what a person’s account looks like, no matter what their social media may say!
Alright ladies, 2017 should be an amazing financial year for all of us! The 17 changes listed above are not as hard as they sound! While it does take some effort on your part, you can have an amazing financial year if you put your mind to it! Set yourself up for greatness today. What are some of the changes you plan on making to your finances in 2017? Leave a comment below to share!
1 thought on “17 Things to Do for Your Finances in 2017”
If you are running out of space in your home and closet. It’s time to stop purchasing more items that you don’t need. Learn to use and enjoy all the things you already have. More doesn’t mean Happy its just More!!!