Financial goals can often be daunting. Save for a new car. Save for a down payment on a house. Save to pay off credit card debt. These are all goals that most consumers will strive for, and they are all significant expenses. On the surface, these are all huge undertakings. So how do you even begin to work towards achieving any of your big financial goals? Take small steps.
Our credit counseling belief is that small changes can help with goals.
Any worthwhile goal is going to take commitment on your part. However, there is no commitment you can make that will instantly give you the ability to pay off credit card debt or buy a home. That’s why you need to smart with small steps. You can start with any or several of these habits to make it part of your routine to save money for your goal.
- Minimize takeout food: Limit yourself to one lunch and one dinner each week. If you can do it, eliminate takeout altogether.
- Quit an expensive habit: Overindulgence of tobacco and alcohol is not only bad for your health, but also for your budget. Other habits like gambling and excessive shopping will also hurt your future goals. This may be a difficult step for some consumers, but if you can drop these habits, then you’ll see your savings grow. You can even use our Saving For a Goal calculator to calculate how much and how long it will take to reach any particular goal.
- Try DIY: If you can learn to fix and maintain things around your home, then you’ll probably be able to save some money as well. The next time you need an oil change or something needs a fix in the house, take to the internet and see if you can do it yourself.
- Switch brands: Have you gotten used to expensive brands of clothes, and even groceries? Try the less expensive options to save some money. You may even find that you like it better.
- Automatic savings: Set up a direct deposit so that a portion of your paycheck goes directly into a savings account for your goal.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
