The holidays leave many people financially strapped, but now is the best time to get back
on track. No matter what your big goals are for 2014 - buying a house, taking a vacation.
or just fattening your savings account - the key is planning. Here are some tips for success:
1) DO AN INVENTORY - The first step is sitting down and understanding you spending
habits. Figure out how much you're making after taxes and what you are spending.
2) START SAVING MORE MONEY - Figure out where you can cut down on expenses.
3) SET UP AUTOMATIC DEDUCTIONS AND LEARN HOW TO BUDGET
4) KEEP YOUR DEBT MANAGEABLE - A lot of people want to pay off their student
loans, before their credit cards, but it make make more sense to pay the credit cards first
given the interest rates. Learn how to prioritize your expenses and your debt.
5) PLAN FOR RETIREMENT - Even if you are just starting our you need to save for your
retirement and factor that savings into your money/budget plans. The easiest way is
through your company's 401K.
6) GET PROFESSIONAL HELP - There isn't a one size fits all approach to a finance or
an investing plan. Sit down with a financial advisor and create one that works for you.
GOOD LUCK AND REMEMBER IT IS YOUR MONEY MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU!!!!
Sheila McKinney
