Money Power

Director's Message: Top 10 ways to clean up your financial act

Oct. 8, 2014
Cleaning up your financial act will help manage your income, which will pay off in the long run.

Almost everyone’s finances can use a little cleaning. So, whether your finances just track a little dirt into the room, or they have you wading hip deep in muck, here are 10 practices that will help clean you up.

1. Know your numbers – These include your income and expenses, credit score, interest rates you pay and earn, and more. When it comes to money, knowledge truly is power.

2. Keep it separate – If you run a business, don’t mix personal and business finances.

3. Know your money type – Taking a money personality assessment will let you know if you tend to be a spender, saver, or avoider, and this helps you steer clear of default behavior.

4. Don’t spend what you don’t have – Sound advice that many people ignore, and then regret they ignored it.

5. Save, no matter what – Even if you save only a few dollars at first, it’s forming the saving habit that counts.

6. Stay organized – Physical clutter contributes to mental clutter, which exacerbates financial avoidance.

7. Create a monthly spending plan – A plan keeps you aware of disparities between income and expenses.

8. Bank/pay bills online – The benefits of having 24/7 access outweigh perceived security risks.

9. Be card-conscious – Pay off purchases every month, or pay off your card before you make a purchase.

10. Find a money tracking system—and stick to it! – Consistent action is more important than the system you choose.

Kristine A. Hodsdon, RDH, MSEC, is an international speaker and executive coach who consults and teaches Dental Wealth Clarity, a five-week virtual training on proven success solutions to master your money, marketing, and mindset. Her company, kristineahodsdon.com, provides customized coaching and training in these areas, and she is also a consultant and trainer with Pride Institute. She can be reached at [email protected].