Here are three resolutions you can set today and some follow-up goals for the rest of the year:
Today: Save money automatically. By this time next year, do you want to improve your net worth? Build financial security? Make a big purchase? The easiest way to do so is simply to automate your savings. You can set up an automatic transfer to savings so you won’t be tempted to spend it. With many savings products, you can even access the money if an emergency arises.
Later: Set up an emergency fund. How much do you have set aside for a rainy day or to cover the unexpected? If an emergency came up, would you have to sell investments, cash in your retirement or borrow from family? Make this the year for setting up your emergency fund. You’ll eventually want to have at least six months of income put aside where you can get to it. For now, start with $1,000, a month’s income or whatever feels realistic. It might be difficult to get in the habit of saving money. However, this is a resolution you’ll be really happy you kept if something unexpected happens.
You can open a savings account with McCoy Federal Credit Union today.
Today: Pay down your debt. Are you struggling with debt? There are three basic solutions for paying it down, getting your payments under control and getting ahead of debt. You can make more frequent payments, pay more each month or lower your interest rates.
Paying more frequently makes sense if you get paid every two weeks. You might already know about the advantage of bi-weekly payments. They let you make the equivalent of an extra monthly payment every year. If you’re already doing that or don’t get paid on a weekly schedule, you can increase your monthly payment amount. Even an extra $25 per month is $300 per year, and you can set up those payments automatically. Make sure you increase payments on bills with the highest interest rates first, even if their balances aren't the largest.
Finally, you can get ahead of your debt by lowering your interest rates. Call the creditors charging the highest interest rates and transfer the balance to a lower-rate credit card or loan. You can also see if they’ll offer you a lower rate due to improved credit. One way to make this work is to arrange a home equity loan at a lower fixed rate. Then move your balances with the highest interest rates to the loan. You can apply for a loan here.
Later: Get control of your spending. It’s time to make a budget and stick to it. Build rewards into the budget so you’ll actually be happy to follow it. Review what you use your credit cards to buy, then budget at least some money for those items or activities. You’ll never keep a resolution like, “Stop eating out.” However, you have a good chance of keeping a resolution like, “Don’t go over the eating out budget.” This also gives you 12 chances to succeed. Every month you can do better than the month before.
Today: Make a drawer. Organize your debts, insurance policies and other financial documents now so your loved ones don't have to do it later. Empty a drawer in your kitchen or study and put as many relevant documents in it as you can find. Make a list of everything in the drawer and everything that’s missing. Put a copy in the drawer and another with your will so it’s easier for the grieving individual in charge. Like any sensitive, personal data, store it where only you and the executor(s) of your estate will know about it.
Later: Fill the drawer. What’s missing from the drawer? Do you have a will? How much life insurance do you have? Do you have enough savings to take care of your children? What about a plan for how they will receive that money?
Talk to a financial planner and insurance specialist to make sure you’re set. With any luck, 2019 won’t be the year you need it. But if it is, it’ll be better for everyone involved if there’s a plan.
And that’s it! Three things to do today and three projects to complete during the year.
None of them are out of reach, so you’re setting yourself up for success by making resolutions you can keep.
