The Fourth of July is a time for Americans to reflect on the ideals of freedom. It is also a good time to embrace financial independence as an essential part of your journey toward a brighter future.
At Regions Bank, we believe financial wellness begins with financial education. By taking proactive steps, you can build a solid foundation for a secure future. Here are some key tips, followed by incredible resources available to you.
Understanding Your Financial Situation: One of the biggest obstacles to financial independence is truly understanding all your financial obligations. Take the time to review your finances thoroughly. Make a list of assets and income, monthly expenses, and long-term responsibilities. Prepare a basic budget if you don’t have one. Look over your financial documents and credit card statements from the past year to build a more accurate picture of your financial standing.
Revise money management: If you already have a budget, give it a fresh look. Does it still meet your needs, or have your spending patterns changed? A budget review, plus automating bills and paychecks and establishing long-term goals are all crucial ways to take charge of your finances.
Track spending: Closely keep watch on where your money’s going on a daily or weekly basis to help ensure budget goals are on track. Then, review spending trends to find any areas for improvement.
Consider credit: Establishing and maintaining good credit is crucial. Prioritize on-time payments, and work to keep balances under 30% of the available credit amount. Make credit card purchases that fit into a budget and repay purchases in full each month to avoid paying interest while building a good payment history.
You’re not alone: Financial professionals from banks like Regions are ready to help. A Regions Greenprint® conversation, for example, focuses on listening to your needs and building you a customized plan, including next steps to make progress toward your goals. Local bankers here in Metro Jackson are ready to deliver this service at branches across the area.
Regions also offers the Next Step program, a comprehensive and free resource for individuals, households, and business owners. Through webinars, podcasts, articles, and more, Next Step provides valuable insights on savings, budgeting, credit building, and more.
We welcome you to stop by any branch to talk further. Or visit www.regions.com/-nextstep to find our wealth of free resources that can help you reach the financial freedom you can truly celebrate.
Robert LeardHerring said the vision for TrustCare Health’s clinics began in 2012 with the recognition that most Mississippians were not able to receive prompt medical care seven days a week, forcing families to waste time and money in the emergency room for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. For more information, visit trustcarehealth.com.
