Building good financial habits is key to long-term stability and success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your money management skills, these four habits can help you stay on track and reach your financial goals.

1. Use a budget that works for you.

A budget is one of the most effective tools for managing your money. It helps you track your income and expenses, ensuring you’re not overspending while keeping you on pace for reaching your savings goals.

Start by choosing a budgeting method that fits your lifestyle. Popular options include the 50/30/20 plan and the zero-based budget. Whichever method you choose, the goal is to stay in control of your finances and make informed spending decisions. Learn how to get started.

2. Review your credit report regularly.

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial health, affecting everything from loan approvals to interest rates. Reviewing your credit report at least once a year can help you catch errors, identify fraud and understand what’s impacting your score. Visit our Credit Education page to learn more.

Check out the My Credit tool in Grow Online and Mobile Banking.¹ This powerful tool gives you better insights into your financial wellness. You can:

• Access your VantageScore^®, powered by TransUnion^® data
• View your credit score details
• Track any changes that could affect your credit
• Analyze your debt, including all open balances, monthly payment amounts and payment statuses
• Protect your personal information with Identity Protection and monitor your bank accounts, cards, emails, passports, Social Security number and more.

Find the My Credit tool now under Financial Planning in the main menu of Grow Online and Mobile Banking.

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3. Consider debt consolidation options.

If you’re juggling multiple debts with high interest rates, consolidating them could be a smart financial move.

• Debt consolidation refinance allows you to use your home’s equity to pay off high-interest debt, potentially lowering your monthly payments and simplifying repayment. Learn more.
• A balance transfer helps you consolidate high-interest credit card debt into one place. Learn more.

By getting debt under control, you’ll be on your way to enjoying increased financial flexibility and freedom.

4. Get preapproved before shopping for a vehicle.

Buying a car is a big financial decision, so knowing your budget ahead of time can save you money. Getting preapproved for an auto loan helps you to:

• Understand how much you can afford before visiting a dealership
• Negotiate better terms and rates
• Avoid unnecessary upsells or unfavorable financing options

With Grow, you can find out if you’re preapproved for an auto loan online in just a few minutes, making the car-buying process smoother and more predictable.²

GET PREAPPROVED

Start building better financial habits today!

Good financial habits take time to build, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Whether it’s budgeting, improving your credit, consolidating debt or planning for major purchases, taking control of your finances now sets you up for future success.

Looking for more financial tips? Explore our educational resources and start making smarter money moves!

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Posted In:

• General Education