Sticking to a personal budget can prove to be challenging. This is especially true when inflation has impacted the cost of everything - from groceries and dining out, to housing and car payments. Plus, vacations and summer camps can bring additional unanticipated expenses. Now is a great time for account holders to review, update, or even create a personal budget for the first time, to help meet or exceed their personal financial goals.
ECU Credit Union’s NEW Card Management can help you keep track of your spending with a glance and gain total transparency into every transaction. With your new and improved card experience, you can do even more from your mobile app!
- Know where your card is stored online
- Set spending limits based on location, amount, merchant type and transaction type
- Turn your cards on/off at your discretion
- Create travel plan notifications for your financial institution
Creating a personal budget is the cornerstone of financial success. It empowers you to track your income, expenses, and savings goals, ensuring you're in control of your finances. The NEW Card Management within our mobile app makes it easy to see What, When and Where your money goes. Here are a few steps that you can take to help you create and stick to a budget:
Start Simple: Track Your Monthly Expenses
Keep track of all of your expenses for a month. Record everything you spend money on, from rent and groceries to dining out and entertainment. This process helps you understand where your money is going and can help identify areas where you can cut back on your spending.
Calculate Your Monthly Income
Next, determine your monthly income. Include all sources of income, such as wages, freelance earnings, and passive income. Knowing how much money you have coming in allows you to allocate it effectively.
Categorize Your Spending
Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, categorize your spending into fixed expenses (rent and utilities) and variable expenses (groceries and entertainment). Allocate a specific amount to each category based on your priorities and financial goals. You could also have fixed or variable expenses that do not impact your budget on a monthly basis, such as your homeowners’ or car insurance premium, or an annual subscription or membership fee.
Track Your Progress
Use budgeting tools or apps to streamline the process and track your progress. Many apps categorize your spending automatically and provide insights into your financial habits, making it easier to stay on track. Use the NEW Card Management within your ECU Credit Union Mobile app to show your spending breakdown.
Find New Ways to Save
You can also save on regular or unexpected expenses by taking advantage of the benefits included with your ECU Credit Union Preferred or Elite Checking accounts. Our Preferred and Elite Checking accounts provide access to a complete suite of identity protection, including comprehensive monitoring services to help you spot and stop fraud early. Lifestyle benefits included with our Preferred and Elite Checking accounts include a free telehealth plan, with zero copay and no insurance required, providing you with access to 24/7 video or phone visits with U.S.-based board-certified, licensed and credentialed doctors, ready to help with physical and mental health conditions for you and your family. You also have access to mobile phone protection through our Preferred and Elite Checking accounts, which can help offset expenses incurred if your cell phone is damaged, lost or stolen.
Stay Flexible: Review and Adjust Your Budget
Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed. Life changes, such as a job change, moving, or unexpected expenses, may require revisions to your budget. Flexibility is key to long-term budgeting success.
Sticking to a budget isn’t always easy! Remember to cultivate discipline and consistency. You can stick to your budget by avoiding impulse purchases, prioritizing needs over wants, and staying committed to your financial goals. Remember, every dollar you save brings you closer to financial freedom.
