If you don’t have any specific objectives, there are a few easy habits to adopt that will help you achieve healthier finances in the coming year.
As the last few days of 2012 slip away, we’re ready to make that (either dreaded or much-anticipated) annual list of resolutions for the New Year.
So along with losing the ‘last 10’, don’t forget to make your list of financial goals for 2013. If you don’t have any specific objectives, there are a few easy habits to adopt that will help you achieve healthier finances in the coming year.
1. Review your budget
Sit down and take a close look at your household budget. Are there any corners you could cut to help you spend less and save more? If you commit to squirreling more away, you’re likely to think twice whenever you’re tempted to splurge on something unnecessary.
2. Pay yourself first
As part of your resolution to save more, commit to paying yourself first. Go to your bank or financial institution and set up automated contributions to a long-term savings program such as an RRSP. Look at your long-term goals and set a reasonable amount to contribute on a monthly basis. If you’re still below your annual contribution limit at the end of the year, you can always top it up before the RRSP deadline in February.
3. Keep a spending journal
Not sure where your paycheque goes every month? One way to find out is by keeping a journal of your spending. Record everything you buy and the amount, right down to the penny (yes, even those Starbucks runs). Knowing exactly where your money is going makes it easier to budget accordingly.
Even if you only keep this up for a month, it’s often easier to diagnose bad spending habits and identify trends when you have a written record on hand.
4. Build an emergency fund
It’s always a good idea to save a little money for a rainy day, but what if those nasty rain clouds stick around? If you or your spouse were to lose your job, would you have enough in savings to sustain your household for three to six months?
Look at what you would need in any given month to get all your bills paid, and then set a financial goal to save up to six month’s worth of funds to cover those expenses. It’s difficult to plan for the unexpected, but you can breathe a little easier knowing you have a fund specifically set up for emergencies or a run of unemployment.
5. Check your credit
The holiday season is one of the worst times of year for identity fraud. Many of us are running all over town making holiday purchases on our credit cards, and we often don’t get the chance to check our statements very closely. In the New Year, complete a full credit check to ensure you don’t have any charges unaccounted for.