April is Financial Literacy Month.

Feeling overwhelmed by finances is common, with nearly half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. Healthy financial habits can help reduce financial stress, increase financial security, and enhance peace of mind.

To alleviate this stress and secure your future, consider adopting these eight crucial financial habits:

Live Within Your Means

Living within your means is the cornerstone of financial stability. It means spending less than you earn, ensuring that your monthly expenses do not exceed your net monthly income (the income you take home after taxes and deductions). To achieve this, you can try to:

• Track Your Spending: Keep a record of all your expenses over several months to understand your spending habits better.
• Analyze Your Spending: Identify areas where you can cut back and adjust accordingly.

Budget Wisely

Budgeting is essential for managing your finances effectively. The 60-20-20 rule provides a simple guideline for allocating your income:

• Allocate 60 percent to Living Expenses: This includes essentials like housing, transportation, groceries, and utilities.
• Allocate 20 percent to Savings: Save for emergencies, future goals, and retirement.
• Allocate 20 percent to Discretionary Spending: Enjoy some of your income on non-essential items like entertainment and dining out.

Adjust Expenses and Earnings

Sometimes, expenses may exceed income, leading to financial strain. To address this, you might:

• Reduce Expenses: Identify areas where you can cut costs, such as subscription services, dining out, and unnecessary purchases.
• Optimize Earnings: Explore opportunities for increasing your income, such as seeking higher-paying employment, acquiring new skills, or pursuing side gigs.

Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund provides a financial safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. Here’s how you can create one:

• Set Savings Goals: Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
• Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings account to ensure consistent contributions.
• Earn Interest: Look for high-yield savings accounts to maximize the growth of your emergency fund.

Manage Debt

Excessive debt can hinder your financial well-being. It’s crucial to keep your debt levels manageable. Consider these management tips:

• Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income to assess your debt burden.
• Strive for a Healthy Ratio: Aim for a debt-to-income ratio below 36 percent to avoid financial strain.
• Pay Down High-Interest Debt: Prioritize paying off debts with high interest rates to save money on interest charges.

Handle Debt Wisely

If you’re struggling with debt, consider these strategies to ease the burden:

• Downsize: Evaluate your expenses and consider downsizing to reduce financial pressure.
• Negotiate with Lenders: Reach out to creditors to negotiate lower interest rates or more favorable repayment terms.
• Consolidate Debt: Consolidating multiple debts into a single loan can simplify repayment and potentially lower your overall interest costs.

Plan for Retirement

Saving for retirement is essential for long-term financial security. Start early and think about taking advantage of retirement savings options:

• Open a Retirement Account: Consider opening an IRA or 401(k) to save for retirement.
• Maximize Employer Contributions: Contribute enough to your employer-sponsored retirement plan to receive the full employer match, if available.
• Invest Wisely: Allocate your retirement savings to a diversified portfolio of investments to maximize growth potential while managing risk.

Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to manage your finances or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to seek assistance:

• Consult Financial Advisors: Financial professionals can provide tailored guidance based on your financial situation and goals.
• Explore Community Resources: Local organizations may offer financial counseling services or debt management assistance at low or no cost. You can also try government organizations, like the Financial Literacy and Education Commission.
• Exercise Caution with Debt Settlement Companies: Be wary of companies that promise quick debt relief and thoroughly research any organization before seeking assistance.

By adopting these habits and seeking assistance when needed, you can take control of your finances, reduce stress, and build a brighter financial future. Remember that financial wellness is a journey, and small steps taken today can lead to significant rewards tomorrow.

Learn more about managing your finances at First Bank. First Bank is committed to doing its part to help grow the economy and create value for shareholders and stakeholders. With new branches, markets, products, and technology all under consideration, First Bank is equipped to help you reach your financial goals.