Getting your financial life on track can be a challenge if you are prone to distraction, disorganization and impulsive decision-making, and if these issues have affected your spending, saving and record-keeping practices up until now, you should quickly begin working toward a more organized and secure financial future.
Like Personal Growth on Facebook
Try these nine efficient and easy-to-implement tips for establishing a consistent budgeting routine, and within a month or two, you will be on your way to managing your money successfully in your personal and professional life.
1. Routinely Review And Adjust Your Budget
For many people, the first step toward improving financial organization skills is to create a household budget that lists all income and expenditures for the week or month. Be diligent about listing every relevant item on your budget, and take the initiative to update and review it periodically to ensure that your information is accurate.
2. Set Up Automatic Bill Paying Online
Banks, credit card companies, utility companies and other institutions offer the option of automatic online bill payments for people who worry about falling behind on sending paper checks.
Inquire about setting up this type of payment system with companies with whom you routinely do business and your money will be withdrawn electronically on a set schedule.
3. Make Bill Payments On A Consistent Basis
Consistency and routine are crucial when it comes to making certain that you pay bills without incurring any late fees. Figure out which type of schedule works best for you; you may be efficient paying bills as they arrive or you may prefer to pick one day out of the month to pay them in a group.
4. Utilize Online Bookkeeping Software
Modern technology makes it simpler than ever to organize all of your financial information. Consider using online bookkeeping and money management tools when updating your accounts, recording transactions and planning budgets. Ensure any online option you choose offers security, accessibility and ease of use for its members.
5. Open Separate Accounts For Specific Purposes
If multiple people in your household contribute to withdrawing or depositing money into bank accounts, then you may wish to keep this process more organized by designating a few separate accounts for individual types of transactions. For example, open one account for household expenditures, one for tuition expenses and one for vacation savings.
6. Keep Receipts And Records In One Place
Paper-based receipts, bills and other financial records may not only contribute to household clutter but are also at risk for being lost or forgotten. Remedy this problem by allocating a single file cabinet, file folder or drawer for the safekeeping of this paper trail. You will be grateful when the time comes to pay bills and file taxes.
7. Create Electronic Files For Financial Transactions
Use the file space on your computer to keep an electronic record of your financial obligations. Create a separate file for as many categories as you wish, such as “utilities,” “groceries” and “entertainment,” for organizational purposes. Update the appropriate file whenever you make a transaction and be sure to save your work as you go along.
8. Streamline Credit Cards
Keeping numerous credit cards open and failing to keep track of your purchases can rapidly lead to disorganized finances, late payments and debt. Consolidate your credit to as few cards a possible, preferably one low-interest card, so that all of your transactions are streamlined and easy to review. Simplify your credit statement and you are more apt to pay your bill on time.
9. Establish Goals And Monitor Your Progress
If you have short-term or long-term financial goals, such as saving money to purchase a house or car, then write out each goal and create a timeline for milestones that you would like to reach. Record any progress that you make as it occurs and monitor your results according to each milestone set.
