7 easy ways to help you improve your finances
It can be hard to plan for the future, especially when it comes to your finances. Your financial health can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health, so it’s important to give it the proper attention.1 That doesn’t mean that you have to buy a bunch of books or take a load of seminars to gain knowledge. It’s ok to start small. This easy-to-follow plan takes just one week and seven simple steps, one per day, to help you improve your finances.
Monday: Know your numbers
Download a budget app to keep track of your income and expenses; bonus points if the app allows you to categorize the expenses. Every time you make a purchase, log the amount in the app. Do the same when you get paid. Or see if your credit card app offers a budgeting feature. Then, as you look back on your monthly bills, you can more easily identify where to cut back.
Tuesday: Add 1%
If you haven’t yet, make sure you’re taking advantage of your company’s 401(k) plan. Already are? Consider upping your contribution by just 1% to your retirement account. If your company is matching your annual retirement contribution, confirm that you’re taking advantage of it to the fullest extent allowed. You can do the same with your savings account and try to add another percent each quarter. You likely won’t miss this amount now, but you’ll be very happy to see it grow over time.
Wednesday: Check your credit score
Speaking of numbers to know, your credit score is the main factor that lenders use in establishing your credit worthiness.2 This can have a huge impact on your finances, from credit card limits to mortgage loans. What you might not realize is that you typically may have more than one credit score. Don’t worry, you can easily check all your scores for free through your bank, credit card issuer, or an online service. Note that checking your own credit score won’t negatively affect it.3 The sooner you get started, the sooner you can work on improving your score.
Thursday: Ask the tough questions
Take some time to assess if you’re making enough money. You can find an online salary estimator on some job sites or do research on public salary forums to find out. Once you’ve entered your location, the number of years of experience you have, and other relevant information, the estimator will share comparable salary ranges for your profile. Estimators found on public forums may also show you how much others are earning in roles like yours. With these numbers in hand, you can create a plan to ask for a higher salary or start looking for a job that will pay you fairly.
Friday: End the unnecessary
Did you travel abroad last year and add an international data plan to your phone bill? That was a good idea at the time, but did you remember to cancel it when you got home? What about subscription services, such as monthly streaming sites or cable? Maybe you signed up for several sites but only regularly watch one or are being charged for cable channels you never access. Are there memberships you’re not using, such as a gym or food delivery? Look at all your recurring expenses and cancel any you’re not using.
Saturday: Get your goals front and center
You made it to the weekend! Time to think about your goals. Write down your dreams for the future and when you’re finished, put your list somewhere you’ll see it regularly — in your wallet, on the fridge, or on your dresser. The list will remind you of your long-term plans, so you can make sure your spending and saving habits align with them. If you have a partner, make a date to talk about your joint and individual financial goalsso you can help keep each other honest.
Sunday: Make the call
Hopefully through everything you’ve done this week, you’ve gained clarity on your financial picture. Now take the next step and reach out to me for help crafting a savings plan and long-term strategy. You now know your goals for the future, and I can help you outline the steps it’ll take to get there.
Disclaimer:
Brought to you by The Guardian Network © 2025. The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America®, New York, NY.
Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. This material is intended for general use. By providing this content The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and your financial representative are not undertaking to provide advice or make a recommendation for a specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity.
1Mind, Body, and Wallet® 2024: Addressing well-being during life’s pivotal moments, Guardian, 2024
2What Is a Credit Score? Definition, Factors, and Ways to Raise It, Investopedia, 2024
3Checking Your Credit Report Won't Hurt Your Score – Experian, 2023
7616322.1 Exp. 2/27 *pre-approved content*
