- Create a budget and stick to it
- Build an emergency fund
- Improve my credit score
- Save more, spend less
- Increase my income
- Pay down debt
- Save more for retirement
- Have more spending freedom
- Make a large purchase (home, car, etc.)
The majority of respondents, nearly 23 percent, are committing to save more and spend less this year, a worthy goal given the results of GOBankingRates’ 2016 Savings survey, which revealed that 69 percent of Americans report having less than $1,000 in their savings account.
The second most popular financial resolution for 2017 is paying down debt, chosen by 19 percent of respondents. This is also an important goal considering the burden of debt, such as the $1.3 trillion student loan debt (source: StudentLoanHero.com) and the $747 billion consumer credit card debt (NerdWallet).
So, how can you save more and spend less and start paying down debt? Here are some suggestions from Forbes:
- Bundle your car, home and life insurance. Many companies offer steep discounts for package deals.
- Evaluate your cable and internet needs. Do you really need 500 channels and the highest speed internet? Perhaps not.
- Consider refurbished electronics, which work just as well as brand-new models and are generally offered at a reduced price.
- Join retailer mailing lists (selectively!). While you don’t want your inbox inundated with junk mail, signing up with your favorite retail outlets allows you to take advantage of sales and discount coupons.
- Don’t forget to negotiate. Don’t assume the sticker price is set in stone, especially when it comes to large furniture or electronic purchases, so try bargaining before buying.
Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com
