Basic Savings and Financial Planning Tips

Get organized. Gather all important financially-related documents in a central location that is equally accessible to both partners.

Set goals. Decide what you want to do with your money. Do you want to pay off debt/student loans? Buy a house? Save for a new car or additional education?  Write down your goals and your strategy for achieving these goals. Make a budget.

How much should you save and/or invest? Save at least 15% of every dime you earn beginning with your first job. The older you are, the higher the percentage has to go unless you think you can work forever!

Track your spending and pay yourself first. Write down where you are spending your money. Commit to putting a good bit of your hard-earned money into a savings account and re-route some of your spending to a savings account: pay yourself first for a secure financial future.