Article

5 Tips for Tackling Bad Spending Habits

Improving spending habits helps you achieve financial stability and security. These 5 simple strategies can help you take effective steps towards improving your spending habits and developing long-run habits that can help you be more intentional with your goals to build a better financial future.

September 3, 2024
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

All of us have bad spending habits that we would like to change in order to take better control of our finances. Let’s explore five specific strategies for improving spending habits and achieving real financial stability.

Create A Budget

The first step in improving your spending habits is to create a budget. This involves tracking your income and expenses to determine where your money is going each month. Once you have a clear understanding of your spending habits, you can identify areas where you may be overspending and make adjustments accordingly.

Cut Back on Discretionary Spending

One of the most effective ways to improve your spending habits is to cut back on discretionary spending. This includes things like eating out, entertainment, and impulse purchases. By setting limits on these types of expenses, you can free up money to put towards more important financial goals, such as paying off debt or saving for retirement.

Use Cash

Another strategy for improving your spending habits is to use cash for discretionary purchases. This can help you avoid overspending and keep better track of your expenses. When you have a limited amount of cash on hand, you are forced to make more intentional and thoughtful purchases.

Avoid High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can be a major obstacle to achieving financial stability. If you have outstanding balances on credit cards or other high-interest loans, make paying them off a top priority. This may involve making sacrifices in the short term, but it will pay off in the long run by reducing your overall debt burden and freeing up money for other financial goals.

Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling with bad spending habits or other financial challenges, don't be afraid to seek professional help. Financial advisors, credit counselors, and other financial experts can provide guidance and support to help you improve your finances and achieve your goals.

Improving spending habits is an important step towards achieving financial stability and security – so you can take control of your finances and build a better financial future.

Other content you may like

  • Podcast Highlight - International Investing Amid Conflict

    November 28, 2023
    The Team gets David’s insight on international investing from his role in JP Morgan Global Assets Management.
    Read this Article
  • Market Performance in Mid-Term Election Years

    Market Performance in Mid-Term Election Years

    July 19, 2022
    History shows that mid-term election years have an effect on market performance. What does that look like during the kind of market volatility already encountered in 2022? This month’s Student of the Market takes a quick look at stats showing market performance across the election cycle. There is also a quick study of stats showing the trends for Bull and Bear Markets, and recession asset class performance.
    Read this Article
  • Restore Your Confidence in Retirement

    Help Restore Your Confidence in Retirement

    June 28, 2022
    Some use the term "nest egg" when talking about a retirement plan but the obvious metaphor of an egg reminds us of the fragility of planning for an uncertain future. An annuity might help with retirement confidence. It’s an actuarial-designed product with distribution amounts, in large part, calculated based on your age and life expectancy. The older you are, the more you get paid. Here are some examples of how annuities work.
    Read this Article
  • 10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families

    10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families

    June 30, 2021
    Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don't encounter. However they also have access to many financial benefits that can help. Here are the top ten available and how to use them to improve your family's financial future.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset