Managing your finances can be stressful. There are always moving parts, unknown factors and risks involved. Even though we all know we should be “staying on top of our finances,” sometimes, it can seem easiest to simply avoid creating a money management strategy at all—especially when you aren’t even sure where to begin.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed (or if you just want a refresher on best practices), we’ve put together several tips to help you succeed (and get started!) in 2020.
Get acquainted with your budget
Check in on how your earning and spending went last year. Did a recent job promotion allow you to save more? Were you surprised by an unexpected or costly car repair? Are there big ticket purchases coming up soon that you need to account for? Once you get a handle on how much is coming in and going out each month (and on where you’re spending your money), it will be much easier to determine where you can realistically spend less and save or invest more.
Don’t let debt creep up on you
An easy way to gain more control over your expenses is to evaluate how much you owe in debt, determine what you’re paying in interest, and work to keep paying it off. Some people choose to pay down loans with the highest interest rate first, and others try to get rid of smaller debt first. Whatever your payment strategy, it’s important to stay on track and even get ahead when you can.
Automatic bill pay is your friend
There’s nothing worse than realizing you missed a bill payment, and now you’ve incurred a fee or a hit to your credit score. With automatic bill pay, you don’t have to remember—you can set your account to pay your bills for you on the same day each month. As long as you have enough money in your account, the payment will be made successfully, and you can rest easy. Paying your bills on time is good for your credit score as well.
eStatements make life easier
Some people need a paper filing system to keep their bills and bank statements in order, but for many of us, extra paper statements only bring chaos and confusion. When you sign up for digital services like eStatements, your financial information is kept safe and filed away for you so you can reference it any time.
The tools are at your fingertips
Mobile and online banking help take the hassle out of everyday transactions like checking your balance, setting up text or email alerts, transferring funds, sending money to friends, and depositing checks. When you’re on the go, and you want a faster, easier option, look no further than your phone or computer to get the task done.
When in doubt, ask!
If you ever need assistance or advice, we’re here for you 24/7: 800-860-8821 and in person at our 61 banking centers.
