Outcomes have traditionally measured people’s financial success: whether they can pay their bills on time each month or whether they have a good income or are drowning in debt. It all comes down to results. However, there is a clear link between how someone thinks about money and their ultimate financial results. One of the best predictors of overall financial wellness is financial confidence.
Financial confidence is the understanding that you have control over your finances. Put another way: When you’re financially confident, you have faith in your ability to manage your money successfully.
Financial confidence does not stem from how much you earn, save, or invest. Instead, small wins and smart money moves build financial confidence over time. Here are some simple methods to get you out of a financial rut and boost your confidence.
1. Use a monthly budget to take control of your finances.
A budget can be a very useful tool to help you be more aware of your financial situation. With a budget, you will no longer be standing on the sidelines watching your money getting spent every month.
A budget will help you plan exactly where you want your money to go. You can focus on financial goals that matter to you. And you can also track your progress, which will give you the confidence boost you need.
Start by tracking your spending and making a list of all your expenses. Next, sort this list between “wants” and “needs”; this gives you a clear picture of how much money you can redirect toward better investments.
After cutting out a few luxuries, like the subscriptions you don’t really use, the number of times you order takeout, or overpriced coffee, you can funnel the savings toward your financial goals. Your financial goals include paying off your credit card debt, increasing your emergency fund, or saving for a down payment for a house.
2. Be proactive with your debts.
Debts can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall well-being. Debts can cause a lot of anxiety and stress, especially when it doesn’t seem like you’ll ever be able to pay them off. You must have a reasonable estimate of how long it will take you to pay off your debt. To begin, make a list of all of your debts and monthly payments.
Next, settle on a method of repayment. The debt snowball strategy entails working through debts in reverse order, from smallest to largest balance. You’ll feel more secure in your financial situation as you pay off your debts one by one.
Cutting back on extras for a few months may be enough for some people to regain control of their finances. For others, no amount of cost-cutting will suffice. If your debts are becoming overwhelming and you’re falling behind, it may be time to consider legal options. You can settle your debts, take out a debt consolidation loan, or even file for bankruptcy.
3. Automate your savings.
Paying yourself first is crucial to feeling more confident about your finances, and making yourself a priority will go a long way in getting you out of a financial rut. Without a doubt, automation is the most efficient way to contribute to your savings and investment accounts.
Automatic investment plans allow you to make regular contributions without lifting a finger. The money can be deducted directly from your bank account whenever you are paid. Rather than saving or investing whatever is left over after all other bills are paid, automated payments are part of the budget.
You can use this savings strategy to train yourself to behave responsibly with money. Your financial well-being will improve due to your new saving routine, and you will gradually increase your wealth and financial confidence.
4. Improve your financial literacy.
You can always benefit from learning more about personal finance. Learn more about taxes, real estate, insurance, retirement, Social Security, credit scores, investing, estate planning, credit cards, and more.
Following financial experts and influencers on Twitter or LinkedIn is a great way to stay up-to-date on all things financial. A personal finance influencer is a social media personality who frequently posts helpful advice related to personal finances.
People who are financially literate not only handle their money with more confidence but also have a better chance of dealing with the inevitable ups and downs because they know how to prevent problems and handle them as they come up.
The Bottom Line
Don’t worry if you find yourself in a financial rut. There is always a way out. So, start today by adding one good habit to your life, and you can get into more good money habits. Every time you successfully create a good money habit, take a moment to look back and appreciate how far you’ve come. Celebrating your milestones gives you the confidence to keep going and helps you remember the importance of your goals.
Lastly, ensure you have a strong emergency fund so that something unexpected doesn’t ruin all the progress you’ve made. Your emergency fund’s size depends on your monthly income and expenses. Start small and work your way up to a point where your emergency fund can cover your bills for 3 to 6 months.
Source: Centsai, accessed on 8/15/23
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