4 Tips for Financial Peace

‘Tis the season for spending, but not necessarily just that! It can be easy to lose track of all the spending this time of year, so don’t let your goals slip away. Here are four key things you can do right now to set yourself up for financial success in 2015:

• Sell, donate, or purge old belongings: While you can earn decent cash reselling old clothes and home goods, donating or purging items can also help you financially because it minimizes clutter. If you’re donating a high value item, it might even been tax deductible.
• Stay on top of repairs & maintenance: These costs can creep up on you when stuff hits the fan, so now’s a great time to get your favorite winter boots re-heeled and check the tire pressure on your car. 5 minutes here and there can save you hundreds of dollars and a whole lot of headache.
• Reassess your direct deposit: No matter your age, income, or cost of living, there is no better time than the present to take a look at your finances. Take 15 minutes today to reconsider how much of your direct deposit income is going into your checking, savings, and/or 401(k). Do you want to try switching up the ratios for a change?
• Do a security audit: Now’s the perfect time to do a few quick things to take better care of protecting your identity. Change online account passwords for an added layer of security. For those piles of old documents and statements, just shred ’em! We have a shredder at my office and it’s always satisfying to properly discard all the junk mail I’m tired of piling up. Make sure you know where your social security card, driver’s license and passport are at all times, just in case of emergency.

So since it is Black Friday after all, let’s chat about Capital One 360’s Black Friday Sale. They’ve got some excellent promotions that will save you money and help keep you on track with your financial goals. All of Capital One 360’s Black Friday Sale deals were created to encourage consumers to keep their finances top of mind. New customers can enjoy $100 bonuses on checking or savings accounts and up to $1,250 off closing costs on home loans. Already a Capital One 360 customer? You can enjoy $40 referral bonuses for each friend you share the love with.

Be sure to check out Capital One 360’s page for more details on all the deals. Act soon because this all ends Monday, 12/1.

How are you preparing for financial success in 2015? I would love to know!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.