April is Financial Literacy Month, and building wealth over time requires simple habits, not complicated strategies. According to Annuity.org, 25% percent of U.S. adults say they don’t have anyone to ask for trusted financial advice. Below are some habits to implement into your lifestyle to make financial strides in the long run.
  • Pay yourself first -- Most people save what’s left after spending. The issue is there’s rarely anything left. Each paycheck, designate a set amount of money to automatically transfer into savings. When you treat your savings like a non-negotiable expense, you are investing in your future.
  • Do regular check-ins on your financials – One of the most overlooked money habits is awareness. By checking your account multiple times per week, if not daily, you can track your spending patterns and adjust where needed. It’s also important to regularly monitor bank accounts for any suspicious activity to quickly report fraud.
  • Reframe your mindset – Spending with intention and future goals in mind makes it easier to avoid impulse purchases. Consider turning off notifications for store deals and unsubscribing to email marketing. Being bombarded with “act now” discounts and deals convince us to engage in unnecessary purchases. Before buying something, ask yourself, “Will I want this in a month? Do I really need it?”
  • Avoid lifestyle creep – Consumers may be tempted to make lifestyle upgrades when income increases. However, this can reduce savings and increase dependence on a higher income. If income goes up, increase the amount you’re saving, then save some for enjoyment.
This information is provided for informational purposes only by the Iowa Bankers Association and Iowa State Bank.