USAA - Spring 2014 - (Page 14)

least once a year and any time you experience a major life event, such as marriage, buying a home or having a baby. "I don't think you have to budget 24/7, but it is uber-important to sit down at those times and look at what's going on with your finances," he says. "If you don't have a clue, it's like going on a family vacation and not having a map. You may get there eventually, but it's going to take a whole lot longer." BONUS TIP: Try building a rainy day fund equal to three to six months of living expenses. This reserve can reduce the need to rely on credit cards or home equity lines of credit when financial emergencies occur. USAA's Goals Planning Tool can help you save for short- and long-term financial goals. Go to usaa.com/goals. Zero in on your spending habits with the help of USAA® 3.GET A Money Manager, an online budgeting tool. "Really get a handle on your money this year by recording everything you spend, every day," Halliwell says. "After a couple of months, scrutinize each category for places to cut back or cut out altogether. Finally, save what you've cut each month." Such tools "can help you stick to a budget and realize your financial goals," says Ellie Kay, a USAA member and an author who writes about families and finances. "If you're spending $30 a week on coffee and not putting $30 a week into savings, you've got a problem," Kay adds. "A tracker can help you realize that." 4. NEGOTIATE YOUR WAY TO SAVINGS. Permanently change your spending habits by reviewing your monthly outlays. "It's one thing to save money here or there," Kay says. "It's another to become proactive in saving money on a regular basis." Start by calling your cable television, pest control or other service providers and asking for a discount. They will try to keep your business, Kay adds. 5.SLASH YOUR 14 USAA Magazine SPRING 2014 TECHNOLOGY BILLS. Consumer advocate and USAA member Clark Howard recommends replacing traditional cellphone plans with low-cost smartphone service and dumping cable for on-demand streaming 800-531-USAA (8722) TECHNOLOGYBOOST. MAKE THE RIGHT CALL Request a discount from your service providers. Often, the company would rather comply than risk losing your business. http://usaa.com/goals?wa_ref=USAAmag

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of USAA - Spring 2014

Contents

USAA - Spring 2014