New Year, New Beginnings

If last year was a great year financially, keep the momentum going! 

Go ahead, CELEBRATE!

If last year was a terrible year financially, figure out why and if it was something in your control, it’s time to take control!

Money is Tricky!

The holiday season threw me a bit. Now working for a company where holidays require the use of personal time is taking some adjustment. For one, I barely had any leave hours to use for the holidays. So what did that mean? That means I needed to make some budget adjustments as my next few checks were going to be short (from like November to January...ouch!). Hours I did not have were deducted from my paycheck.

>>>>>>>>> 😢😢😭 <<<<<<<<<

Additionally, I was in the process of moving which tends to be a major expense (1st, last month’s rent, security deposit, moving company/truck, utility transfer fees, and more on top of paying the current’s month rent at the old place). It surely was an expensive month. 😱

Living Paycheck to Paycheck Doesn't Cut It

Just because you have it, doesn't mean spend it. The goal is to have something left over every month, and the more, the better. The truth is if I were living paycheck to paycheck, unexpectedly being short some hours on a couple of checks could have taken me down. Fortunately, I’d been saving all year and watching my spending which really helped to make up for those short checks.

Rainy Days are Coming and No One Knows When

The point is, there is always going to be some financial matter that comes up and it's all a matter of when. We usually don't know when, and that's why it is so important to have a safety net. When you're barely making ends meet, it can be challenging to even fathom having a surplus that would act as a safety net. Believe me, I get it, but it is crucial. So that's why budgeting is important. It is like putting your finances under a magnifying glass. It is an opportunity to see how every dollar is being spent which gives you a better vantage point and better control.

Make 2020 a Financially Successful Year

If nothing else set a goal to do better than you did last year. If you did great, financially, don't get comfortable -- commit to doing even better. If you saved $1200 last year, commit to $2400 this year.

If you didn't do so well financially, commit to making an improvement, even if it's minor.  If you were unsuccessful with savings don't give up, adjust your numbers, be realistic and set some goals. The goal could be to save an extra $40 a month (think $10 a week). It does not have to be complicated. You can do it!

In 2020, leave all excuses behind and commit to Managing Your Money Like a Boss!