Happy National Financial Awareness Day!

Smart financial habits that help shape your future start with the awareness that you can take tangible steps to get there.

Give yourself some credit: If you’re thinking about your financial future, you’re already on the right path. Here are few quick tips that can help you formulate a plan and put it into action.

Compare before you purchase

In today’s marketplace, you will often have options when it comes to pricing on an item — whether it is the same item from a different retailer, or a similar or equivalent item such as a generic version.

The more you put the pause into practice, the more savings will stack up. And it might help you avoid some unnecessary impulse buys, too!

Get into a financial flow

For bigger-picture planning, identify times of year that you can take stock of certain aspects of your financial situation. Setting up a cadence for how often you perform various reviews can help.

Let’s say, for example, you do these reviews quarterly:

Quarter 1: Review your various subscriptions to streaming services

Quarter 2: Evaluate any home maintenance issues that may lead to costly repairs down the road

Quarter 3: Perform an overall budget review and note whether your expenses and income streams need adjustments

Quarter 4: Implement an end-of-year financial planning process where you review your insurance policies, tax withholdings and retirement accounts

Harness financial education resources

Building mindful spending habits can help you stay on track financially. And understanding why you buy is key to spending smarter. Even small shifts — like pausing before a purchase or setting clear boundaries — can lead to lasting financial improvements.

To help you build better habits, the FCCU Foundation is excited to introduce a new SmartMoney Online course: Building Smarter Spending Habits. In just 30 minutes, you’ll explore the psychology of spending, complete interactive exercises, and walk away with a personalized action plan!

Knowledge Sharing Disclaimer:

First Commerce Credit Union provides this content to inform and inspire. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee this information is accurate, complete or current.  This information is not professional advice (tax, legal, financial, etc.) and should not replace your individual consultation with qualified advisors. Laws, rules, and personal circumstances can change, so please verify how this information applies (or does not apply) to your situation and location. All decisions remain your responsibility. First Commerce Credit Union and its affiliates and employees assume no liability for outcomes resulting from the use of this material.