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1. Make a Goal and Write It Down 

Make it a habit to look at your monthly finances and jot down one or two goals. The goal could be taking a bite out of your credit card balances or setting aside a small amount each month for a large purchase, like a house or new car. 

2. Set it and Forget It 

You likely have many of your outgoing bills set to “automatic payment” which is a positive money habit. Setting up “auto pay” on monthly utilities, cable, and other bills lets you ensure bills are paid on time. Consider setting up “auto save” as well. If you set a goal to save for a big purchase, like the down payment for a car, automate monthly savings to help you achieve your goal. Set up automatic transfers or use direct deposit from your paycheck to automatically place funds in your account.  

3. Spend with Care 

Mindful spending is a powerful financial habit to build. If you don’t already have one, build the habit of using a monthly spending or budgeting plan. You’ll learn how much money you have to work with, the amount that is going out each month for bills and expenses, what you need to set aside for other bills and living expenses, and how much you can devote to your goal from each paycheck.  

4. Deal with Debt 

Listing out all your monthly debt payments helps you stay aware and act if needed. If you are in the habit of only making minimum payments on your credit card balances or experiencing collection calls, consider learning how a debt management plan can help you develop healthy money habits.  

5. Celebrate Your Progress  

You likely have many positive habits already. That’s something to be proud of, as you can apply those lessons to building new money habits. Make it simple. Tackle one habit at a time and celebrate your wins. The year is sure to be a success when you implement these money habits.