Creating new habits isn’t just for New Year’s resolutions. Now is as good of a time as any to start changing your financial habits and behaviors. Your future self will thank you!
Need some encouragement to get started? Here’s what INB employees have to say about good financial habits. Their tips fall into two categories: Budgeting and Saving.
Budgeting
Cayla Keyes
VP, Retail Sales Manager
“I was taught from a young age to budget and that bills come first. Everything left over after your bills is what you have for everything else until your next pay day rolls around.
Don’t stop there – check registers are EVERYTHING. Be sure to keep an up-to-date balance in your check register so that you know what you have to spend from day to day. Digital banking balances don’t know what you have outstanding, so keeping a check register will help avoid any accidental overdrafts.
This advice has served me well over the years and allowed me to build savings, as well as giving, into our budget.”
Max Mitts
VP, Commercial Lending – INB Chesterfield, MO
My daughter is a senior in high school and one of the key financial habits I taught her was about budgeting. For students who are working part-time, work with your parents on the expenses that are critical such as gas for your vehicle, insurance for your vehicle, cell phone charges, monthly subscription services, and emergency cash needed because you forgot to bring your lunch to school.
Knowing how much these expenses are and how much money you are making from your part-time job can really help a young adult mature with financial responsibilities.”
Saving
“Saving is the second habit that I taught to my daughter as a high school senior,” Max continues. My advice for young adults who are students or just starting out is to have a separate savings account that is ‘untouchable’ by debit card and accessible only by your parents. This way, you can avoid impulsive spending and save at the same time.”
Natalie Dodson
AVP, Mortgage Lender
“I think the biggest habit that has paid off for me is Pay Yourself First. I consider myself a bill, and putting money in savings, investments, 401K, and other savings vehicles is in my monthly budget – no exceptions. This started out small when I was young and increased as I got older.”
Heather McArty
VP, Branch Manager – INB Fairmount
“I suggest increasing the amount deducted from your paycheck for retirement every time you get a pay increase. If you get a 3% raise, increase your 401k contribution by 1%. You will never miss the money and overtime your investment will be more plentiful.”
Zach Ponder
VP, Commercial Lending – INB Peoria
“Regarding saving, I tell people even if they can only save $5 or $10 per week, it’s still better than saving nothing. Start small and increase when you can – it all adds up!”
Kelly Raison
VP, Retail Operations and Process Improvement Manager
“The best advice I can give is to always save a percentage of your paycheck. Get in the habit of putting money in your savings account each pay don’t break the habit! I also would say that credit cards are a great financial tool when used properly; however, carrying a balance on a credit card will cost you, so use wisely.”