Want one-on-one advising on money management?
Texas A&M University offers advising through the Money Education Center. Advisors are willing to meet on a variety of topics, including financial goal setting, banking, budgeting, building credit, debt repayment, and more.
Personal finances can be tricky. They are a continuous task, and the transition into adulthood can be very confusing. Having a solid financial plan can help diminish financial problems, and even making the slightest change can have a big impact.
Set a goal
Before starting anything, it is important to set your goals. Whether it is to save up for a trip, a car or just to improve your personal finances in general, you must set a goal to work toward. This can have a big influence on how you plan your finances, for each goal is unique in its own way and requires a different approach.
Make a plan
Building a financial plan is what guides you toward achieving your goal. Short or long term, the more detailed it is, the easier it will be to follow. A good way to start is to create a budget and an emergency fund. Although a monthly budget is more common, I recommend doing a weekly one, since it is easier to follow and to control. An emergency fund can be helpful for those unexpected expenses. So, setting aside a certain part of your salary can help get you through whatever financial hardships may arise.
Cut toxic triggers
It is important to keep your purchases in check and not get out of budget. In order to do this, identify what triggers your impulse purchases and avoid them. A good way to do this is to go through your purchase history and review any unnecessary purchases and reflect on what caused them.
Do not hesitate to ask for advice
Finances can be confusing for everyone, so do not hesitate to reach out to friends or family for advice. And if you grow your savings and are considering investing, you may want to consider speaking to a financial planner. They will help you further adapt your budget and foresee risks so you can achieve your main goal.