Beginner investor couple smiling
Beginner investor couple smiling
Beginner investor couple smiling

4 Ways to Create Better Financial Habits

When it comes to personal finance, there are certain elements outside of your control. You may not be able to change how much you make at your day job or how much your basic expenses cost, at least not in the short term. However, there are plenty of small ways you can improve your finances through good financial habits.

When it comes to personal finance, there are certain elements outside of your control. You may not be able to change how much you make at your day job or how much your basic expenses cost, at least not in the short term. However, there are plenty of small ways you can improve your finances through good financial habits.

How to manage your finances

Successfully managing your finances can seem intimidating if you’re not sure where to start. When it comes to banking, borrowing, and investing, the options can be overwhelming. But good personal financial habits are built on a very simple foundation: spend less money than you make. Increasing your income and decreasing your expenses is at the core of a healthy budget. Beyond that, there are other changes you can make to achieve your investment goals faster.

Don’t overspend on credit cards

Digging into your wallet for your credit card can be tempting, especially when times are tight. However, putting expenses on your credit card now and paying them later should only be considered during an emergency. You should make it a goal to pay off your credit card balances in full each month.

Paying off credit cards on time makes good financial sense. The higher the balance you carry over on your card, the more you’ll pay in interest. This can sap your savings and eventually generate a mountain of debt that’s difficult to pay down. It’s okay to occasionally use credit cards to finance purchases, especially if you’re interested in building credit or reaping the benefits of rewards credit cards. But you should make every effort to pay the balance off as soon as possible.

Decrease your credit utilization

Credit utilization refers to the ratio between your credit card balance and your credit limit. Having high credit utilization is a sign to lenders that you may be a risky investment. If your credit utilization is too high, it can result in a lower credit score, which can, in turn, make it more difficult to qualify for loans, credit cards, and other financial products. Even if you do qualify, you may be subject to higher interest rates and fees.

If possible, try to keep your credit utilization below 30%. You can also request a credit limit increase from your card issuer to lower your credit utilization. To keep your credit utilization at a reasonable rate over the long term, try to keep your credit card balance to a minimum whenever you can.

Always shop around

It doesn’t matter what the financial product is, you should always shop around to ensure you’re getting the best possible rates. Whether you’re taking out a loan, applying for a credit card, purchasing a home or car, or applying for an insurance policy, it always pays to compare different providers.

It can be tempting to go with the path of least resistance when it comes to applying for financial products, but you should resist that temptation! Even if you already have your heart set on a particular lender or company, shopping around can provide you with valuable information about the rates you qualify for. In some cases, you can even share rates you found with the company you’re interested in working with. See if they’ll give you a better deal!

Sites like Bankrate and NerdWallet are great for comparison shopping financial products.

Focus on significant expenses, not small ones

There’s plenty of financial advice suggesting your daily latte or avocado toast is to blame for the state of your finances. However, research shows that’s just not true: income inequality, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of living expenses have a far more significant impact on your finances than your coffee habit.

When it comes to costs and expenses within your control, it makes sense to focus on the ones that will have the most significant impact: rent, car payments, health insurance, and other big expenses that take a significant chunk out of your monthly pay. Significantly reducing these major expenses is much more meaningful for your finances than reducing small, everyday expenses that increase your quality of life.

Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success

Creating good financial habits takes patience and discipline. While small changes to your finances might not seem significant on their own, they can add up over time. Enacting responsible financial strategies can ensure your finances thrive in the future!

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Woman saving money with Kevin O'leary lesson

Next time you’re about to make an impulsive purchase, think about the long-term benefits of investing that money instead. The power to transform your financial future lies in your hands, and Beanstox is here to help you along the way.

Woman saving money with Kevin O'leary lesson

Next time you’re about to make an impulsive purchase, think about the long-term benefits of investing that money instead. The power to transform your financial future lies in your hands, and Beanstox is here to help you along the way.

Woman saving money with Kevin O'leary lesson

Next time you’re about to make an impulsive purchase, think about the long-term benefits of investing that money instead. The power to transform your financial future lies in your hands, and Beanstox is here to help you along the way.

When the stock market drops by 10% or more, it's natural to feel worried. However, instead of selling your investments, there are good reasons to consider buying more.

When the stock market drops by 10% or more, it's natural to feel worried. However, instead of selling your investments, there are good reasons to consider buying more.

When the stock market drops by 10% or more, it's natural to feel worried. However, instead of selling your investments, there are good reasons to consider buying more.

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 06/30/2024.


*Disclosures

1. Pricing: Free with Beanstox Simple. Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of June 30, 2024, traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.45% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 5.20% (YCharts); 5% based on the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF’s expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. T-Bill yield as of 06/30/2024 is 5.20%. Source YCharts.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of June 30, 2024, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 11% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 7% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of June 30, 2024, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2024 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2024 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 06/30/2024.


*Disclosures

1. Pricing: Free with Beanstox Simple. Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of June 30, 2024, traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.45% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 5.20% (YCharts); 5% based on the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF’s expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. T-Bill yield as of 06/30/2024 is 5.20%. Source YCharts.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of June 30, 2024, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 11% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 7% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of June 30, 2024, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2024 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2024 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved

Unless indicated differently, data is as of 06/30/2024.


*Disclosures

1. Pricing: Free with Beanstox Simple. Learn About Pricing.

2. Power Savings: As of June 30, 2024, traditional US Savings Account Rate: 0.45% (YCharts); T-Bill yield: 5.20% (YCharts); 5% based on the 30-day SEC yield of the Beanstox short-duration bond portfolio ETF constituents; the 30-day SEC yield is a standard metric defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and reflects the dividends and interest earned during the period after the deduction of the ETF’s expenses. There are no assurances that this yield will be sustainable in the future. This product invests in one or more ETFs. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. T-Bill yield as of 06/30/2024 is 5.20%. Source YCharts.

3. Stocks 500: Where applicable, as of June 30, 2024, S&P 500 return assumes an initial $1,000 investment, 40-year annualized return of 11% (Source: Bloomberg Finance LP). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This product invests in an ETF aiming to track the S&P 500’s performance. Results may vary due to expenses and other factors. Returns before ETF fees. Diversification is not a guarantee of profit or protection against loss.

4. Wealth Builder: Saving $400/month over 40 years, but not investing and assuming no interest accrual, would accumulate $192,000; however, investing the same $400/month, could add up to over $1million over the same period of time. This projection illustrates a hypothetical example of compounding over time, based on an investment of $400 per month for 40 years with an assumed annualized returns of 7% or more, compounded monthly, assuming the funds stay invested throughout the investment period.

5. All corporate logos are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

6. App store rating is as of June 30, 2024, and is based upon all ratings and reviews received by Apple App Store and Google Play Store (collectively, the “App Stores”) submitted since the Beanstox app was available on each App Store. Current rating can be found on Beanstox’s app preview in each App Store and is subject to change. App Store rating is generally calculated and generated by each App Stores based on the average of all total Beanstox app ratings. No compensation was exchanged for reviews or ratings. Rating may not be representative of the Beanstox client experience, advisory services, or investment performance. For more information, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store

Beanstox Inc. (“Beanstox”) is an SEC registered investment adviser and has arranged for brokerage services to be provided by DriveWealth LLC., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. DriveWealth is not affiliated with Beanstox.

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance levels and Beanstox’s charges and expenses. The information provided herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice, recommendations or solicitations to hold, buy or sell any investment or security of any kind. Beanstox’s internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving investment goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client’s financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form ADV Part 2A and Part 3 CRS and other disclosures.

All images and return figures shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual customer or model returns. Actual returns will vary greatly and depend on personal and market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S.

Our site uses cookies and other similar technologies so that we can remember you and understand how you and other visitors use our site. Please see Beanstox Privacy Policy for more information.

© 2024 Beanstox Inc.


Copyright © 2024 Beanstox. All Rights Reserved