Easy, Everyday Ways to Stay on Top of Your Money

Money is a cause of stress for many people. Often, you will find that the best solution to this problem (outside of winning the lottery) is smart money management. Stress surrounding money often comes through feeling a lack of control over your finances so taking a few steps to manage your money can make a huge difference. Here are a few easy, everyday ways to stay on top of your finances.

Creating a Budget

First, it is a smart idea to draw up a budget which details all of your regular expenses along with how much money you have coming in each month. This will give you a clear overview of your financial situation and allow you to identify areas in which you could make savings.

Jam-Jar Budgeting

One of the best ways to get complete control over your finances is through jam-jar budgeting. This involves splitting up your income into different “jars” so that you know exactly where your money is going. As an example, this might include 50% to essential spending (mortgage payments, food etc.), 30% to savings/debt clearance and the remaining 20% on non-essential spending (clothes, entertainment, nights out etc.)

Mobile Banking

It is much easier to stay on top of your finances when you have easy access to your bank. Mobile account solutions can make it quick and easy to view your balance, make payments, view statements, set up direct debits and much more all from your smartphone.

Set Goals

You will find it much easier to be stricter with your spending and be smarter with your money when you set yourself financial goals. This will keep you focused at all times and help you to avoid any slip-ups so that you can improve your financial situation and avoid spending money which you should be saving.

Immerse Yourself in Personal Finance

Immersing yourself in personal finance will help to make this an important part of your life as well as give you new ideas on how you can improve your financial situation. Read blogs, sign up to newsletters, listen to podcasts, join online communities and follow relevant people/organisations on social media and you will soon become an expert on personal finance. It is amazing how you can change your financial situation without the need to earn more money when you simply know how to be intelligent with your personal finances.

These are just a few everyday habits to adopt which could make a huge difference to your financial situation and alleviate stress. Many people have money concerns and it is important that you are sensible with your finances - adopting a few simple habits can help you to achieve your financial goals and build towards a brighter future while feeling in complete control of your money.