Plan for a Great 2025!

Most people know they should create and manage monthly budgets, but what about setting financial benchmarks for the whole year? This year, get ahead of the game by thinking in broad strokes about your upcoming 2025.

No need to overthink it – it’s actually pretty easy! Just break out your calendar and write a few key things on it so you’ll pay attention when the time comes.

• Predict big expenses – Taxes due a certain month? Annual insurance payments coming up? Holiday or birthday spending around the corner? Write yourself a note on the calendar to remind you they’re coming so you can be prepared.

• Note expected boosts in income – Maybe a tax refund or a raise is in your future. Possibly a bonus or a big deal you’ve been working on is expected to close. Note those on your budget calendar and look forward to the extra funds coming your way.

• Set savings goals – How much do you need for that August vacation? How big do you want your emergency fund to be by June? Turn to those months and write down a goal to remind yourself to save.

Planning is managing, so manage your money proactively this year rather than just relying on New Year’s resolutions!

Check out our “Creating a Budget” online course and start today!

This is the year! Turn Debt Repayment Resolutions into Reality.

Did you add more to your credit card balances this holiday season? Not to fear! With some active focus and a little sacrifice, you can start to pay down those obligations and get closer to being free from the costs of carrying too much debt. These tips can help:

• Make the commitment – Make a promise to yourself and keep it! Sometimes the first step is to decide.

• Stop the spending – A good second step for paying down debt is to stop adding more. Don’t use that card to charge more if your goal is to pay back an existing balance.

• Use the snowball or the avalanche – Are you familiar with these two debt repayment methods? If not, go online to learn about them and then apply them to your 2025 plan.

Remember, learn and take action. Visit the link here to learn more about paying down debt in the new year!