Income and Investments How to Get Your Financial Resolutions Back on Track Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by Ginita Wall Published Sep 4, 2018 - [Updated Jan 4, 2019] 2 min read Did you ever try to lose weight this year? Maybe some of you succeeded, but for most of us, what seems like a good idea at the beginning falls off our list of priorities. New Year’s resolutions are much the same. Do you remember those resolutions you made 9 months ago? If you are like many people, you may have trouble even remembering what you resolved to do. If so, here’s a hint: The top three financial resolutions that Americans made last year were to save more, pay down debt, and spend less. If your resolutions centered on finances, chances are one or all of those rings a bell. And if you haven’t followed through on those resolutions, take heart – there’s almost half a year still remaining in which to get your finances on track. Here are five tips for turbocharging your resolutions, starting right now. Visualize your future with that resolution fulfilled. If you successfully saved more, or spent less, or paid down your debt, what effect would that have on your life? What would be possible that isn’t possible now? What would your life be like if you were actively creating a strong financial future for yourself? Really think about what life would be like with that future fulfilled. Create an affirmation. I am actively saving for my future, I am making smart decisions about spending to create financial stability, or I am creating freedom every day by paying down my debt, whatever will keep your resolution top of mind. Then post your affirmation somewhere that you will see and read it several times a day, such as your bathroom mirror or the refrigerator. Create a budget. A budget is like a roadmap, it tells you where you are going and documents where you’ve been. If you never created a budget, you are not alone. Surveys say that only 41% of Americans use a budget. Add your name to that statistic. A good place to start is with Mint, where you can create a budget that reflects your financial life and what’s important to you. Keep track of your progress. Don’t expect to reach the finish line overnight, but do revel in your progress week by week. Set your goal for the future, and an app such as Turbo can show you where you truly stand by giving you a big picture view of your finances. You’ll see your income, credit score and debt-to-income ratio, as you create a financial future you can be proud of. Put your financial life on automatic. Save more by having money going directly into your savings account from your paycheck. Save for retirement through payroll deductions so you don’t have to decide to contribute to your retirement each payday. Schedule your bills to be paid automatically each month so you’ll never incur a late fee or a ding on your credit report. Make your finances as automatic as breathing. Previous Post What is an Estate Tax? Next Post 3 Ways to Save on Staying in Shape This Fall Written by Ginita Wall More from Ginita Wall Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax News Intuit TurboTax April Report: A Look at Refunds and S… Tax Planning April 15 is the Tax Deadline: 6 Things You Need to Know… Tax Planning Unable to Pay Your Tax Bill? Here’s What To Do Tax Tips Tax Credits 101: What They Are & How They Work Business How to Know if You Should Invest in Business Insurance Tax Deductions and Credits What Is the Standard Tax Deduction for 2023 – 202… 401K, IRA, Stocks Should You Use Your 401(k) or Retirement to Pay Off Deb… Tax Planning What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes? Understanding Pe… Tax Deductions and Credits Family Taxes: Take Advantage of Tax Savings Taxes 101 How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes? Demystifyin…