3 Tools to Help You Take Control of Your Finances

If you have decided that this is the year when you will take control of your finances, we are here to help. Taking control of your money rather than allowing it to control you is an important step and we are here for it! Whether you are paying down debt, saving for a new home, or setting any type of financial goal, these tools will be helpful along your journey. 

1. Financial Spreadsheets

 For the spreadsheet savvy, whip up a spreadsheet to track your debt snowballs, savings goals, and budgets. For the rest of us, there are several pre-made, free spreadsheets that are available online. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Debt Reduction Spreadsheet. Squawkfox did a great job of creating an illuminating debt spreadsheet complete with balance due, interest rates, and even pie charts. Get a clear picture of what you owe and how to tackle your debt to bring down those balances.
• Budget Spreadsheet. Budget spreadsheets help you to track and visualize your money. Understanding where you spend will help you to create a budget that you can stick to. Use budget worksheets to set realistic goals and views graphs to physically see what is going on with your money.
• Savings Goal Tracker. Are you saving for a few big purchases or maybe a vacation and want to visualize your path? We recommend this spreadsheet to track your savings goals and determine how long it will take to reach your goals. 

Creating a spreadsheet system and relying on data to guide your financial decisions will have you looking like a financial wizard in no time.

2. Cash Envelopes

If you frequently make cash transactions, a cash envelope system may be your new secret to financial saving success. Print out as many of these beautiful cash envelopes as you need and start saving. We recommend using them to save for:

• Gift giving
• Eating out at restaurants
• Groceries
• Medical expenses
• Vacations
• Any big purchase requiring saving

Label the cash envelope and track every dollar added. You will be surprised how quickly our cash envelopes grow even when we add a few bucks here and there.

3. Coloring Budget Printables

You may have heard the old adage, "What you measure, you can manage." We think this is why Coloring Budget Printables are so effective for most people. There is something intensely satisfying about coloring in a box each time you pay down your debt. Paying bills and holding yourself accountable isn't usually fun, but when you get to color and creatively express yourself during your debt-free journey, it becomes fun. Grab some markers or crayons, set some goals, and get coloring.

Reset your relationship with money and put a positive spin on every financial transaction with these three creative and inspiring money management tools.

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