For most people January 1st marks a fresh start and time to resolve for a better year ahead. According to the U.S. government, most resolutions involve improving physical health and financial health and every year some of the most popular resolutions are to save money, get out of debt, and get a better job.
It just so happens that January 1st also kicks off National Financial Wellness Month. Whether or not you made a financially related new year’s resolution, in the spirit of National Financial Wellness Month, January is a good time to take a close look at your income, expenses, and overall debt (including credit card debt, student loans, mortgages, auto loans, etc.) and assess your overall situation and financial future.
Looking at your finances objectively can be a challenge for most people. It can be difficult to figure out what you can do or where you can cut back to improve your individual situation. The first step in improving your financial health is to pledge to change how you feel about money. Examine your attitude about money. Are you ready to accept responsibility for changing your financial situation? Do you believe that you can and will change the way you make financial decisions? Can you identify at least one benefit you hope to gain by changing your money management behavior?
If you are willing to take the pledge, you are ready to start the path toward financial wellness. Changing how you feel about money is the first step in American Consumer Credit Counseling’s 20 Steps to Financial Health guide. The guide provides a realistic financial plan that is easy to understand and implement, making the journey to financial health manageable and attainable whether you are a recent college graduate bogged down with student loans or a professional looking to solidify and improve your financial habits.
Happy National Financial Wellness Month!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.