Tag Archives: finances

6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to be about your house – sometimes your finances need a good dusting, too! We’ve put together some great and simple ways to clean up your finances and start fresh with your spending habits!

1. Clear Out the Paperwork

Paperwork from your finances can pile up quickly. Now’s a great time to file through those old papers, make digital copies in a safe place and put them in the shredder. Not only will this declutter your office space, but it will help declutter your mind.

2. Take a Look at That Credit Report

We understand that checking your credit report probably isn’t high on the list of your priorities. With a new season underway, take a minute to sit down and look it over. It’s important to make sure there aren’t any mistakes, so your credit score isn’t taking a hit.

3. Bring the Budget Back

Maybe you started budgeting but lost hold of it over the holidays when things got busy. No worries! There’s no better time than now to get back on track and start following a budget again. If you’re still following a budget, now is a great opportunity to dust off the papers and make some changes!

4. Throw Out Old Accounts

You might have some unnecessary things, like unused credit card accounts or an old 401(k) form, to get rid of this spring season. Carefully filter through the accounts you have and throw out the ones you no longer need.

5. Clear Some Space For a Financial Advisor

Talking with a financial advisor is a great way to set you on a path for financial success. This is a great way to hold yourself accountable for your spending.

6. Get Your Savings On Track

Automating your savings account is a great way to stay on track financially. After figuring out your budget, spend some time thinking about some of your saving goals. What are some short-term things you could save for? How about long-term investments?

Utilizing these financial spring-cleaning tips is a mood booster and stress reducer all in one. Give them a try this spring season, and open a savings account to store your cash!

4 Ways to Make Adulting Less Difficult Financially

Even if you don’t want to admit it, you’re an adult. Some parts of adulthood are fun and exciting, while others are not. Part of being an adult is to become financially independent and embrace some of the less adventurous tasks. We’re here today to help give you four simple ways you can make adulting less difficult when it comes to finances.

Create a Budget

You’ve heard this before and you’ll hear it again, but it really is important. Nowadays, there are so many apps out there to make budgeting a breeze. Mint, Acorns, Pocket Guard, Albert and Wally are all great options.

Pick a Meal Plan

Going to the grocery store randomly and not having a set budget and list can hurt you financially. It’s really easy to miss that money slipping away as you walk down the aisles throwing items in your cart. A meal plan helps you decide what you’re going to eat to keep things healthy, as well as figuring out exactly how much you need for the week so you don’t spend too much on extra food or snacks.

Tackle Debt

Having debt is no joke as an adult. Start chipping away right now at your credit card debt. By having missed payments or too much debt, your credit can start to slip. This will impact you immensely when it comes to getting a home loan or a higher limit on your card. Figuring out a plan of action for each month’s payment is your first order of action. Take note of all debt and start finding the perfect plan to pay it all off.

Start Saving

You need to save for a wedding, house, car, kids, retirement and so on. That’s a lot to think of all at once and how will you ever do that AND pay the bills each month? Take it step-by-step to know what’s most important. Start by saving a little for your retirement and finding accounts that help add money to the pile.

We offer different accounts to help you store your savings and continue to grow your finances to be the responsible adult you are. Check them out!

4 Ways to Spring Clean Your Finances

As you begin to write your to-do list of cleaning your home this spring, it’s time to add another section to your list: finances. You wouldn’t believe how helpful it is to do a deep cleaning of your finances every spring. It can contribute to increased feelings of determination and confidence in all areas of your life. Here are the 4 best cleaning moves to add to your list!

Review Your Debt

Unfortunately, too many people try to turn away from realizing their total amount of debt. If you have gotten into a bad habit of spending more money than you can truly afford, it’s time to come to terms with the reality of what you owe. Going through the numbers of credit card and student loan debt can be a shock. However, it’s important to know your numbers so that you know what you have to work with. You can’t conquer your debt if you never face it!

Dust Off Your Budget

It’s normal to drift away from your budget. This may mean your budget just wasn’t working for you. Review what your original budget contained and think about what worked and how you can improve upon it now. Can you do better with your savings? A great trick that can help is to automate your savings. Decide on a percentage and have that portion automatically transferred to your savings account.

Go Green

This one can hit two birds with one stone. Are you still saving your paper bank statements? Clean out your home by shredding these important documents and set up an online banking account. Another option would be to simply make copies of your papers and upload them to a cloud drive. You should save your tax documents for no more than seven years. Most everything you’ve received by paper you can get with an online banking account. This will keep your information secure and your house clean.

Spot Check Your Credit

Your credit score can be checked without penalty one time from each of the three credit reporting agencies for free. This is important to not only know what you owe but to go through the report with a fine-tooth comb. Mistakes can happen on your credit report and why let that hold you back financially when all it would take is a quick check?

With these simple cleaning tips, you can go into this spring feeling refreshed and responsible. Spring clean your finances by seeing what products we can offer to help!

6 Steps To Improve Your Finances

Staying on top of your finances can prove challenging, especially when bills, debt, daily expenses and saving come into play. Finding your way to financial freedom takes time which is why Heartland Bank has compiled a few steps you can take to improve your finances.

Coupon Like Crazy

Some people always pay full price for items. Nowadays, there should be no reason to empty your wallet to that extreme. You can go old school and buy extra newspapers when the coupons are good. We also recommend that you utilize the clearance rack, sign up for free trials and collect rewards cards. Technology also gives you the capability to search coupon sites and download coupon apps, which gives you a plethora of options to save!

Increase Your 401(k)

Even if it is just by 1%, increasing the amount of money you are putting into your 401(k) can change the end results dramatically. It’s always important to think about your future, as you’ll need those funds to support you and your family. Employers may also match your 401(k) to a certain amount, so be sure to know what your company offers and use that to its fullest.

Add To Your Emergency Fund

Now that you are a little more established, a few hundred to a thousand dollars won’t cut it anymore. Your house may need reroofing, you might have to buy a new car or your deductible won’t cover a certain emergency or procedure. These unexpected events will cost a pretty penny, so upping your emergency fund will protect you.

Make An Extra Payment Towards A Debt

If you were able to cut expenses this month, put that saved money towards a debt. Pay off a little extra of your car payment or student loans. The Snowball Method teaches you to start by paying off the smallest debts first while paying the minimum on larger debts. Then keep snowballing to the biggest one as time goes on. Always utilize this tip when extra money comes your way, as becoming debt free is the ultimate goal!

Create A Will

According to AARP, “78 percent of millennials (ages 18-36) and 64 percent of Generation Xers (ages 37-52) do not have a will.” This is a crucial step in your financial life to not have planned out. No matter what age, you have finances, dependents and property that will be left unattended if something were to happen to you. Be sure to get a will put into place, so your assets can be handled correctly.

Get on track with your finances and tame your budget with these simple tips! If you need any assistance with a savings account or future planning, give us a call or stop in. Aiding you through your financial journey is what we’re here for.