Financial Priorities Change? Here's How to Adjust Your Lifestyle

Have you recently purchased a home, started a new job, or had another significant life change? If your priorities have changed, your financial plan should too. Here are some tips to consider.

ORGANGIZE AND SET YOUR BUDGET

First, you'll want to set a plan. You'll need a budget that accounts for all your financial activity, so you know what and when you can spend and what your savings and investments should look like based on your new goals. Having a plan provides security and a way to account for where all of your money is going.

Depending on your financial priorities, you want to understand what it will require from your budget on a weekly and monthly basis to get you where you want to go. Not enough money coming in to meet your goals? Determine what changes need to be made to your budget and shift your funds accordingly.

Your budget must be attainable and allow you to stay on track with your goals. Ask yourself what you're working towards. Where do you want to be in the next 1-5 years? Once you have a clear vision of where you're going, it is easier to stick to the plan you've put in place.

CREATE AN EMERGENCY FUND

It's always important to prepare for the unpredictable. Like creating a budget, you'll want to set aside special savings for emergencies. It's essential to keep this separate from your regular savings, however, so you don't spend it. Having a dedicated account on hand can be a source of relief if needed and take a lot of worry off your mind.

So, where do you start? It's always best to begin by saving up to one month of expenses, but eventually, you want to goal yourself to have up to 3-6 months' worth of living expenses or more.

REMEMBER, CHANGE CAN BE GOOD!

Whether you planned your transition adjustment or it was unexpected, you mustn't take your eyes off the long-term prize. By staying focused, you can proceed cautiously but without fear. By implementing some of these strategies, change can be positive!