Money is a complex topic, with thousands of books, websites, and podcasts dedicated to covering some aspect of the subject. It can also evoke a strong emotional response. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, frustration, anger, and more can keep people from addressing their financial situation.
One solution is to carve up financial strategies into small, simple tasks. The following 25 tasks can all be implemented and completed within an hour, which means they’re non-threatening and easy to do. Crossing a few off your list will help you feel more confident and save some money.
1. Create a Simple Budget
A simple budget can help you identify not only how you currently spend your money but also ways in which you can change those spending habits and practices for better financial results. Budgeting your money and allocating funds to existing expenses helps you keep more of your money in your pocket or account. Adhering to that budget helps ensure you don’t run out of money by the end of the week.
2. Download a Budget App
Given the practicalities of modern daily life, it’s usually more convenient to use an app to create, maintain, check, and adhere to your budget, as opposed to pencil and paper. Some of the top-rated budgeting apps for Android and iOS devices include Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), EveryDollar, and PocketGuard. Still, you should definitely take a look at independent reviews with app screenshots to find the one that best meets your needs and preferences.
3. Review Your Budget
Budgets should be flexible, living documents that change as your life and work evolve. Take some time to review your budget and update it to make sure it still aligns with your goals and to ensure you’re living within your means.
4. Negotiate a Higher Salary
How long has it been since you got a raise at work? Resolve to negotiate for higher pay within the next 30 days. Start by creating a short script you can use to begin negotiations with your current employer. List out your accomplishments and supporting data, and practice delivering that request in a confident, straightforward manner.
5. Create or Update Your Estate Plan
Nobody wants to think about death and dying, but it’s a part of life. Don’t leave your family and loved ones in a precarious financial position. Ensure your wishes are carried out by making sure you’ve got an updated will and estate plan. If you need some help, make an appointment with a local trusts and estates lawyer who can talk you through your options and make sure your documents comply with applicable laws in your state.
6. Learn Something New
Invest in yourself by taking a class or reading a book on a personal finance topic. What don’t you know? What are you curious about? If you’re not sure what the stock market is, or if you want to learn more about cryptocurrency and blockchain, find a great resource to teach you.
7. Start an Emergency Fund
Ideally, we should all have anywhere from three to six months’ worth of living expenses, but you can start more simply. Open a new account and put a few dollars in, then make a plan to add to it over time to cover unexpected costs. Resolve not to touch it outside a true emergency, such as an unanticipated medical expense or car repair bill that would take more money than you currently have on hand.
8. Automate Your Finances
You may have already enrolled in direct deposit. If not, contact your employer’s finance or HR department to make that change. Then talk to your bank about ways you can automate a contribution to your savings account from each paycheck. You can also look for bills that will let you sign up for automatic monthly payments. That way, you’ll know your financial situation well and won’t have to wonder if you’re late with a bill.
9. Save on Your Credit Card Payments
Making credit card adjustments can be an easy way to improve your financial situation. Credit cards are notorious for high-interest rates, but even if you think you’re getting a good deal, it pays to double-check. Call your card issuer and ask for a lower interest rate on your account, or shop around for better deals. That way, you’ll be paying less each month for your purchases.
10. Create a Savings Plan
If you’re not already regularly putting some money aside on a regular basis, give some thought to doing this now. Look at your budget and figure out how much you can afford to put aside. Then open up a savings account at your bank and pledge to put aside a certain percentage of every paycheck (or client payment, if you’re a freelancer) into that account.
11. Review Your Insurance Policies
It’s easy over the years to get talked into buying too much insurance, but it’s also equally simple to not carry enough insurance. For home, auto, health, and other policies check your coverage and usage and make sure they’re appropriate for your circumstances. Read the
fine print. You might also want to look for less expensive alternatives.
12. Cancel Subscriptions
A quick and easy way to improve your financial situation is to eliminate subscriptions. Netflix, Hulu, subscription boxes, personal care membership programs, and more can easily put a sizable dent in your disposable income. The individual payments seem so inconsequential and small, but together they can really add up. Look through your subscriptions and memberships, then cancel any that you no longer use or that you can live without.
13. Look for Better Loans
Whether it’s a mortgage, car loan, personal loan, or another type of loan, maybe you can do better. Take some time to research your options and shop around for lower rates. If you have a solid credit rating and payment history, you might be able to qualify for a much better deal.
14. Renegotiate Your Cell Plan
Cell phone plans can quickly become bloated with unanticipated fees and extras. Call your mobile carrier and attempt to negotiate a better deal on your cell phone plan. If that doesn’t work, shop for a better deal from a different carrier, then port your existing number over to the new account.
15. Sell Your Stuff
Almost everyone has unused clothing, toys, books, and more, taking up space. Why not list these items for sale on an auction site? Alternatively, set them aside and pick a date for a garage sale.
16. Place an Ad for a Roommate
Whether you’re renting or purchasing your home, housing expenses likely take up a large percentage of your monthly income.
