You should start making smart choices about your money now in order to set up a solid financial foundation.
One of the most powerful money moves in time history is spending less money than you earn. When you have an excess of cash each month, you can invest in your future and make purchases without the stress of taking on debt.
A budget is a potent tool. When you create a budget and track your spending, you have insight into where your money is going and where you need to cut back. Living on a budget doesn’t mean you can never have any fun. It means the fun you do have won’t prevent you from paying the bills.
You have a lot of financial goals. You’ll be faced with big purchases in the near future if you haven’t been already. You’ll decide whether or not to buy a house or car, among other things.
Think about your future now and create goals to work toward. Create a down payment fund if you think you’ll be purchasing a home in the next few years. If you are purchasing a car, start saving for that. Try to save as much cash as you can for those big purchases.
Once you hit one goal, work toward the next.
Pick a weekend each month and commit to not spending any money for at least one day. You can eat at home, find free entertainment and spend quality time with your loved ones instead. A commitment to this habit throughout the year will provide the most benefit to improving your financial health.