For more information, contact:
Eric Skrum, Wisconsin Bankers Association, 608/441-1216, eskrum@wisbank.com,
Twitter: @wisbank
Tips to create a resolution you will stick with all year long
(MADISON) – According to a survey conducted by LA Fitness, the second most common New Year’s resolution for 2013 is “save more money.” It is clear that consumers have placed getting their finances in order high up on the “to-do” list for the year. Following are four steps from the Wisconsin Bankers Association to help consumers set a financial goal they won’t discard by February.
1. Get organized first. In order to set an attainable financial goal, consumers must first organized their financial documents, including bank statements, tax returns and loan agreements. Keep these documents in a safe place, especially tax records.
2. Assess your financial situation. Once all financial documents are in order, consumers will be better able to see a clear picture of their current financial situation. When assessing their finances, consumers should be especially conscious of their income-to-debt ratio. This knowledge is key to setting realistic savings goals.
3. Examine spending habits. Consumers who track their spending habits for a month prior to attempting any changes are better able to identify areas where they can cut back without making a drastic lifestyle change. Avoiding unnecessary budget restructuring makes any financial resolution easier to keep.
4. Be specific when setting goals. Consumers’ financial resolutions should be both specific and realistic. Rather than resolving to “save money,” create an automatic paycheck deduction of $25 each month into a savings account, for example. Consumers should also use the information gathered in the previous steps to create a goal that will fit within their current lifestyle with minimal changes.
For consumers who are committed to improving their finances in 2013, the four steps above will help in setting a goal that will last.
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The Wisconsin Bankers Association is the state’s largest financial industry trade association, representing nearly 280 commercial banks and savings institutions, their nearly 2,300 branch offices and 28,000 employees.
