We may all have a different understanding of what it means to be financially savvy.  But if there’s one thing that’s common among people who are financially savvy, it’s their ability to manage their money well and set long term financial goals without having to make huge sacrifices.

A financially savvy person is one who is well-versed when it comes to tackling money-related matters. They make sure their finances are in order while enjoying a quality standard of living. Who doesn’t want to enjoy life without worrying about money?

If you have always wanted to have peace of mind because your financial health is in good standing, it’s  time to examine your behavior and attitude towards money. Read on and learn about some habits that are crucial in order to be financially savvy!

Create a budget

Creating a realistic budget is one of the most vital steps when it comes to being financially savvy, and ultimately achieving financial freedom. If you’re trying to make ends meet so that you have adequate funds for your needs and wants, you must be aware of how every single cent is spent. Mindlessly spending money without budgeting will inevitably catch up with you.

Maintaining a budget helps you keep track of your expenses on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. It gives you visibility of your income versus expenses. By creating a budget, you’ll have a clear vision regarding which areas require higher priority and expenses that can wait. You can make smarter choices so that you don’t end up spending more than you need to.

Live within your means

Now that a budget has been created, you should already know how much money is coming in and how much is going out. This will give you the insight you need in order to stay within your spending limits, as well as those items can and can’t afford.

For instance, perhaps you’ve had your eye on a particular laptop computer you’d like for work. However, it’s a bit pricey. Based on your budget, you can weigh whether or not you can afford the laptop without making a dent in your finances. Otherwise, you may need to look at more cost-effective alternatives.

Consider looking for a “side hustle”

If you’re looking at your budget and can’t seem to make your income cover all important expenses, you may want to consider looking for an additional source of income. Look for a “side hustle” you can do during your spare time to help generate additional money each month. If you don’t know where to start, start with your interests and hobbies. Are you fond of photography? Maybe you can offer your services to friends and family members who have upcoming events. Or perhaps you can look online for companies who  would benefit from your skills and expertise, and do some freelance work. There are plenty of opportunities, if you look around.

Prioritize saving money

Being financially savvy means being disciplined when it comes to saving money. Put saving at the top of your priority list. Try to save a fixed percentage of your income. It’s even if you can pay yourself first and put away a certain amount of funds before budgeting the remainder of your salary for the rest of your expenses.

If you have accrued a good amount of savings, you may also want to consider investing your money so that it continues to grow.

Be mindful when using credit

Using credit can be helpful in several ways especially when it comes to things like mortgages and car loans. Credit can help you acquire both short-term and long term items much quicker. However, if you’re not careful, relying on credit can also cause you to get yourself deep in debt, which can put you in even worse financial standing. Be mindful of using credit that generates high interest, such as credit cards. Make an effort to live within your means, because credit isn’t an extension of your wallet.

Have you finally decided to become more financially savvy and improve your overall financial health? These are some of the important habits you should adopt. If you’re looking for the right place to start growing your savings, Calcite Credit Union is the place to go. Visit us for more information.