In today’s fast-paced world, we face many financial challenges as we juggle multiple responsibilities. The constant pressure to earn enough for day-to-day expenses, while remembering to put away money for your financial goals never lets up. To make it even more difficult, life only gets more expensive as time goes on. However, despite the inherent hurdles, overcoming financial stress and living a financially fit life is very doable. Let’s look at key strategies for building financial resilience…
1. Manage Debt – Debt can be a big source of financial stress. To effectively manage debt and gain control of your finances, take a proactive approach:
- Assess your debts and choose which to prioritize.
- Create a repayment plan, like the snowball or avalanche method.
- Maximize debt payment until you’ve paid it all off.
2. Build an Emergency Fund – Building an emergency fund is important for creating financial resilience:
- Start small. Gradually increase the amount you regularly save over time.
- Automate your savings. Make saving automatic by setting up regular transfers from your checking account to a separate savings account.
- Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses. While this can take time, make this amount your goal so you can weather any surprise and keep your finances intact.
3. Set Financial Goals – Setting clear goals will empower you to take control of your financial well-being and build your resilience. Follow these steps to successfully set financial goals:
- Identify your short-term and long-term goals.
- Make your goals specific and measurable.
- Break goals into actionable steps.
4. Practice Self-Care – Taking care of yourself is a vital part of reducing financial stress. Find time to pursue your interests and to take frequent breaks from the daily grind. And it doesn’t have to put you into debt, either. You can go for a walk alongside a beautiful lakefront, learn a new language, visit free galleries showcasing your favorite art or develop a hobby by watching free DIY videos.
Managing money responsibly in current times is challenging, but financial resilience is within reach. Use the tips outlined here to achieve and maintain financial resilience.
Questions? Want more information on Freedom? Contact your personal Freedom Federal Credit Union representative, Brian Peller at [email protected] or call
410-612-2138!
About Freedom Federal Credit Union
Freedom Federal Credit Union is proud to be your financial partner. Freedom serves and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, volunteers, or has family in Harford or Baltimore County, MD. As a credit union, we are committed to putting you first, not shareholders, and helping you achieve your financial goals.
Learn more at freedomfcu.org or call 410-612-2138 to see how we can help.
