Becoming an adult isn’t an easy process for some of us, especially in the financial department. It takes time to learn what is going to work for you and making mistakes along the way is just part of the journey.
With that in mind, I wanted to share some easy tips to help you simplify your finances and get things in order:
- Use direct deposit. You’ll never have to stand in to line to cash or deposit your paycheck again. Let your credit union automatically put your paycheck in your account so that it’ll be in your account waiting for you on payday.
- Set up automatic withdrawals to your savings account. You don’t even have to remember to save money anymore! The credit union can remember for you. It’s the easiest way to build up a solid savings without having to remember to pay yourself each month.
- Keep track of your money. Whether you check your Online Banking account or the check register in the back of your checkbook, you’ll need to know what’s exactly in your account to avoid overdraft fees. And checking your balance online pretty regularly will allow you know if fraud ever occurs on your account sooner rather than later.
- Create a payment calendar. We all know that late bills can cause big problems, so create an easy-to-read calendar that reminds you when bills and payments are due. Using Online Bill Pay can help since you can set up bills to be paid automatically each month if you’d like. You can also rearrange dates that certain bills are due each month to allow for a more balance payment schedule.
- Cut back on credit cards. Having lots of credit cards can be handy, but paring it down to two or three can keep things simple. Choose cards with a great rate, few fees, rewards, and excellent customer service. And, of course, I would be talking about the CVCU Visa card. I really do think we have the best card around, but whichever ones you choose, just be sure they are easy.
Simple is key when you’re dealing with finances.