Financially fit in 2014

I hope that 2013 was kind to you. I hope that you accomplished all that you intended to and more. I really hope that 2014 will be your best year ever. It can happen if we all will make good choices each and every day.

It is 2014, and it is time to set goals and look ahead with great anticipation and excitement. Year 2014 is going to be your year. You intend to eat correctly, hydrate properly, get plenty of rest and take much better care of your body. You have great intentions. However, you did not get specific and say that you were going to lose 20 pounds, drink the daily-required water, sleep eight hours a night or exercise daily. If you were setting goals, all of this would be a PHYSICAL goal. My advice would be to do all of the above and do it the best that you can. It’s all about good choices made daily.

I want to discuss with you today about FISCAL goals for 2014. It is re- ally a matter of Personal Finance, and it is as much Personal as it is about Finance. It goes back to making those good choices each and every day. So to do your Personal Finance correctly, you must get personal with it; you must be aware. Unconscious and un- tracked spending can cause you more than a little trouble.

·      So here are a few steps that may help you get and stay “financially fit” in 2014:

·      Know your net income, that income that is available to cover expenses.

·      Know all your expenses. Emphasis is on all.

·      Establish and implement a budget that is based on your net income and all your expenses.

·      Commit to living within your budget. Commit to spending your time comparing actual income and expenses. Make revisions in your budget as needed.

·      Commit to your plan or program (it is called discipline), and this will assist you in making good choices every day.

Well, what happens if you do all this? Maybe you will be able to pay some of your debt off at a faster pace. Maybe you will be able to save more money for a car, a trip, a down payment on a mortgage, or maybe you will get so involved that you begin to see how you can take control of your own financial destiny. You make your own choices each and every day. Choose to manage your money and not let it manage you.

If you will be good to 2014, it’s a safe bet that it will be good to you. While this little writing has emphasized FISCAL, you need to make good choices in all facets of your life. You can do it, if you choose to.

I want to hear from some of you in 2015. I want to hear from you, and I hope you tell me that you have placed emphasis on your financial well-being and that it paid off for you. I want to know that you have accomplished something in 2014 and that you feel dog gone good about it! I have way over simplified this process, but you can make it as detailed as you want. If you want 2014 to be better than 2013, to be your best year ever, then, you need a plan like this. Make it a game, have fun with it and play to win.

By: David Farris 

PriorityOne Bank Vice President - Pelahatchie Branch