We all have some bad habits we’d like to change. And while a few impulsive purchases here and there might not be a problem, sometimes bad financial habits can be a real burden on your finances. Here are some practical tips for identifying and overcoming bad financial habits to help you achieve financial stability and security.

Identify your bad financial habits

The first step to overcoming bad financial habits is to identify them. This can be difficult, as many of our financial habits are deeply ingrained and can be difficult to recognize. To start, take a close look at your spending and saving habits over the past few months or even years. Look for patterns, such as overspending on certain categories like dining out or clothing, or consistently failing to save for emergencies or retirement.

Determine the root cause

Once you have identified your bad financial habits, it's important to determine the root cause. Are you overspending because of a lack of self-control, or because you're using shopping as a way to cope with stress or boredom? Are you failing to save because you don't have a clear understanding of your financial goals, or because you're living paycheck to paycheck?

Create a budget

Creating a budget is one of the most effective ways to overcome bad financial habits. A budget helps you to track your income and expenses, and can help you to identify areas where you can cut back or save more. Start by listing all of your sources of income, and then list all of your expenses. Be sure to include both fixed expenses like rent and utilities, as well as variable expenses like groceries and entertainment. Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, you can start to make adjustments to your spending habits.

Learn More: How to Start A Budget (And Stick To It)

Cut back on unnecessary expenses

One of the easiest ways to improve your financial situation is to cut back on unnecessary expenses. Look for areas where you can trim your spending, such as dining out or subscription services. Consider packing your lunch instead of eating out, or canceling subscriptions that you don't use regularly. Even small changes can add up over time, and can help you to free up more money for saving.

Set financial goals

Setting financial goals can be a powerful motivator for overcoming bad financial habits. Identify your short-term and long-term financial goals, and then create a plan for achieving them. Your goals might include paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a home, or saving for retirement. Be sure to set realistic goals that are achievable, and track your progress along the way.

If that sounds daunting, we can help! Our Goals program lets you identify a saving target and set aside money regularly to meet it. Adjust when you want to achieve your goal, the amount you want to set aside, and how often you want to do so – Goals will calculate the rest. It’s a great way to take the guesswork out of reaching your financial goals.

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Practice mindful spending

Practicing mindful spending can help you to overcome bad financial habits and develop better spending habits. Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it aligns with your financial goals and values. Ask yourself if the purchase is truly necessary, or if you're buying something out of habit or impulse. By being more mindful about your spending, you can make better choices and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Get professional help

If you're struggling to overcome bad financial habits, it can be helpful to seek professional help. Consider working with a financial planner or advisor who can help you to develop a personalized plan for achieving your financial goals. A financial professional can also help you to identify areas where you can improve your financial habits and provide guidance on how to make lasting changes. Our bankers are happy to help you with guidance on achieving your financial goals. Simply get in touch with us via the chat button below or stop by any of our offices! We look forward to serving you.