Do you ever feel like your money is going out the door as fast as it’s coming in?
Maybe you’ve tried budgeting, only to slip back into a pattern of unconscious spending.
Or maybe you’ve tried saving, but found that you simply don’t have enough cash at the end of each month.
If you’ve tried to get your finances in order but still struggle to stay afloat, this may be the article for you. Here are three dead-simple things you can do right now to help you manage your money like a pro.
1. Download a budgeting app.
If you’re not a spreadsheet whiz, don’t worry. There are many free budgeting apps available that can help you keep your finances in order without breaking a sweat. Most of these apps make it easy to add transactions and set goals based on your income and expenses.
Best of all, some even sync with your bank account, so you don’t have to tally up your spending each month—the app does it for you!
Here are a few budgeting apps to consider…
Mint is—Good overall budgeting app that syncs with your bank accounts
YNAB (You Need a Budget)—In-depth budgeting tool that’s more hands-on than other options
Mvelopes—Cash envelope budgeting system that syncs with your bank accounts
EveryDollar—Simple budget that requires manual input of expenses
Honeydue—Budgeting app designed specifically for couples
Each of these apps is free to use, but offers additional features for a monthly or annual fee.
2. Dial back subscriptions.
Do you have a gym membership, magazine subscriptions, or streaming services?
Better question—are you using your gym membership, magazine subscriptions, or streaming services?
If you’re like many, you’re shelling out money each month for subscriptions you don’t even use. You may have even forgotten that you’re still signed up for some of them!
But little by little, those subscriptions add up, depleting your cash flow each month.
So take some time to look at your transaction history to discover recurring charges. Then, cancel the ones you’re not using.
Pro-tip: You can also use apps like Truebill and Hiatus to help identify and cancel unwanted subscriptions.
3. Automate your savings.
Do you struggle to save money because of your spending habits? If so, it may be difficult to set aside cash while still having immediate access to it.
The good news is that you can set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a savings account each month.
In fact, with this method, you don’t even have to think about it! It’s like paying a monthly subscription to a future of potential wealth and financial independence.
And it’s not difficult. Simply log in to your savings or retirement account and look for a transactions or transfers tab. Then, schedule a recurring deposit right after you get each paycheck. Just like that, you’ll automate a wealth-building process that requires zero effort on your part.
If you want to manage your money like a pro, simply follow these three easy steps. With these simple moves in place, you’ll be watching your savings grow possibly faster than ever before!