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Step 10 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Plan for Retirement

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Whether you’re a high school student, a college graduate just stepping into the world of adulthood, or someone who’s been navigating adult life for years, it’s crucial to start thinking about retirement. The reality is, it’s never too early or too late to begin saving for your future. Taking action now can set you up for financial success down the road. Here’s how you can get started: Contribute to a 401K If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, take advantage of it! Contributing to a 401(k) is one of the most effective ways to save for retirement. Many employers provide matching contributions, which is essentially free money for your future! If you’re already contributing, consider increasing your contribution rate to maximize your savings potential. If a 401(k) isn’t available through your employer, look into opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other investment options through your credit union.  Create an Emergency Savings Establishing an emergency savings accou
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Step 9 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Build and Maintain and Excellent Credit Score

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Achieving an excellent credit score may seem like a daunting challenge, but with the right strategies, it’s more attainable than you might think! By actively managing your debt and using your credit cards responsibly, you can pave the way to a healthier credit profile. Here are some effective tips to help you reach your credit score goals: Have Several Credit Cards and Keep Them Active Having 1-3 credit cards and using them responsibly can significantly boost your credit score. By regularly using a couple of cards for recurring expenses—like subscriptions on one and gas on another—and paying them off in full and on time each month, you demonstrate your ability to handle multiple accounts effectively. Just remember, the goal is not to max out your cards, but to manage them wisely. Work on Paying Down Debt Actively paying down debt is a key factor in improving your credit score. Whether you choose to tackle your smallest debts first (the Snowball method) or go after the largest o
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Step 8 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Know When and How to Indulge

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Achieving financial stability means understanding when and how to indulge responsibly. If your bank account only covers next week's bills and payday is still weeks away, it might be wise to hold off on that impulse purchase. However, once you establish a solid financial foundation, you'll have the tools—like budgets and savings accounts—to set aside money for those well-deserved treats! Here are some tips to help get you started: Budget, Budget, Budget! Before you splurge, ensure you have a robust budget in place. Take the time to calculate your monthly expenses and income to guarantee you’re covering your bills on time while also setting aside funds for emergencies and savings. Create a "Just for Fun" Budget Allocate a portion of your paycheck for fun expenses, such as vacations and little splurges. This dedicated "Just for Fun" budget can help you indulge guilt-free! Consider opening a Vacation Savings Account with NHCU to streamline your savings
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Step 7 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Pay Yourself First

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Paying yourself first is a crucial financial strategy that emphasizes prioritizing your savings and retirement without neglecting your necessary bills and debts. This approach helps you develop the habit of ensuring your future self is financially secure. Here are some practical tips to help you cultivate this habit: Asses Your Spending Start by evaluating your current expenses. Calculate whether your paycheck can cover both your necessary bills and your savings goals. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments as needed; flexibility is key. Determine How Much to Save Once you’ve assessed your spending, it’s time to decide how much to set aside for yourself. A popular guideline is the 50/30/20 rule: allocate 50% of your income to essential expenses, 30% to savings, and 20% to discretionary spending. If you receive a raise, be sure to revisit and adjust your savings contributions accordingly. Identify Your Savings Goals Create a list of short- and long-term savings goals to clarify
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Step 6 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Pay it Forward

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In our fast-paced lives, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to have jobs that enable us to pay our bills, build up our savings, and plan for the future. Often, we overlook the importance of gratitude and the opportunity to pay our blessings forward. Step 6 in our journey to financial wellness encourages us to recognize our good fortune and extend a helping hand to those in need. Here are some impactful ways you can pay it forward this year: Make a Donation One of the most direct ways to give back is by making a donation to a charity that resonates with you. This could be a small local charity struggling to make ends meet or a larger organization aligned with your values. Always ensure that you’re donating to a reputable organization to avoid falling victim to charity scams. Your contributions can make a significant difference in your community and beyond! Random Act of Kindness Paying it forward doesn’t always require a grand gesture; sometimes,
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Step 5 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Practice Mindful Spending

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In today’s fast-paced consumer world, mindful spending is essential for cultivating a healthier relationship with money. It’s also about making intentional purchasing decisions that resonate with your values and long-term financial objectives. By being conscious of how you spend, you can create a more fulfilling and sustainable financial life. Here are some ways to enhance your mindful spending habits: Find Other Ways to De-Stress Many turn to retail therapy to cope with stress, but this can lead to overspending and financial strain. Instead, consider healthier alternatives like going for a walk, listening to calming music, or spending quality time with friends or family. These activities can help alleviate stress without the financial burden, allowing you to focus on paying off debts or saving for future goals. Disable the "One-Click" Feature Make your online shopping experience less impulsive by disabling features like “one-click” purchasing or saved payment methods
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Step 4 of 12 to Financial Wellness: Talk Money with Your Partner

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Discussing finances with your partner is a crucial step in building a strong and lasting relationship. Whether you're planning to marry or are already married, it’s essential to have open conversations about money to understand each other's perspectives and habits. For instance, one of you might be a spontaneous spender, while the other feels their savings account is never sufficient. Understanding these differences can help you establish a shared approach to managing finances. Share Your Money Story To foster a healthy financial relationship, start by discussing your "money story." Reflect on how finances were managed in your respective households. Understanding each other's backgrounds can shed light on your financial habits and beliefs, enabling you to navigate discussions with empathy and insight. Share Your Fears Fear can be a powerful motivator, prompting healthy behaviors like saving for emergencies and retirement. However, if you find yourself cons
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