6 Steps to Get Your Finances in Order

The statistics are clear: almost half of Americans worry about their savings in US banks. Democrats are the least worried at 36%, while Republicans express more concern at 55%. The rich, on the other hand, worry less at 40%, while the poor are more worried at 50%.

However, regardless of your political views or income level, taking care of your finances is an important aspect of living a healthy and fulfilling life. By managing your money effectively, you can achieve financial stability, reduce stress and anxiety, and create opportunities for yourself and your loved ones. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your financial situation, know you're not alone. 

We have asked a finance enthusiast Organized Finance for tips on how to start. She’s been helping more than 50,000 readers to take control of their finance so here’s a list of 

6 Steps to Get Your Finances in Order

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1. Track your money: In order to determine where changes need to be made, you need to understand your current financial situation. Start tracking your income and expenses to see how much you're spending and what your biggest expense categories are. There are various personal finance apps and tools available to help you do this.

2. Create a budget: Once you know where your money is going, you should create a budget. Budgeting can be useful for you no matter what your income level or spending habits are. Start by listing all your income sources and expenses, and then allocate a specific amount of money to each category. Be sure to include your savings goals in your budget as well.

3. Make a plan for paying down debt: If you have debt, it's essential to create a plan for paying it off. Start by paying off your highest-interest debt first, such as credit card debt. Once you've paid off your high-interest debt, focus on paying off other debts.

4. Build an emergency fund: Having an emergency fund can provide you with financial security and peace of mind. Aim to save a minimum of three months of living expenses, but save more if you have dependents or highly variable month-to-month expenses. This fund should be easily accessible in case of an emergency.

5. Plan for your future: It's never too early to start planning for your future. Consider contributing to a retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA. If your employer offers an employer match, make sure to take advantage of it as that's free money. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow.

6. Review your insurance coverage: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your home, car, health, and life. Review your policies regularly to make sure they still meet your needs and make adjustments as necessary. Don't forget to consider disability and long-term care insurance as well.

Getting your finances in order can seem daunting! Feel free to DM her at @organized.finance on Instagram or check out her blog if you have any questions or want to chat about personal finance.