Back in 2019, I decided to take control of my finances as a Virgo. I started by setting clear goals. I wanted to save more, pay off debts, and make smart investments.
First Strategy: Budgeting
I sat down and listed all my income sources. I got my paycheck from work, some side – gig money from freelancing on weekends. Then I wrote down every single expense. Rent, groceries, utility bills, and those little coffee runs. I used a simple spreadsheet to track all this. I set limits for each category. For example, I decided to cut down on eating out and set a monthly budget of $200 for restaurants. It was tough at first, especially when my friends invited me to fancy dinners, but I stuck to it.
Second Strategy: Saving Automatically
I went to my bank and set up an automatic transfer. Every month, right after I got paid, 20% of my income would go straight into a savings account. I didn’t even see that money, so I didn’t miss it. It was like a magic trick where my money grew without me really doing much. This way, I was building up my emergency fund bit by bit.
Third Strategy: Debt Repayment
I had a credit card debt that was bugging me. I made a plan to pay it off. I started by paying more than the minimum payment every month. First, I listed all my debts and their interest rates. I focused on paying off the one with the highest interest rate first. It was like taking out the big, mean monster in a game. Once I paid off that credit card, I felt so relieved and then moved on to the next debt.
Fourth Strategy: Smart Shopping
I became a bargain hunter. Before I bought anything, I would check different stores. I used apps to compare prices. For example, when I needed a new pair of shoes, I checked Amazon, Zappos, and some local stores. I also waited for sales. I didn’t buy things on impulse anymore. I made a shopping list and stuck to it. This saved me a lot of money in the long run.
Fifth Strategy: Investing
I talked to a friend who knew a bit about investing. He told me about low – cost index funds. I started putting a small amount of money into these funds every month. It was like planting a money tree that would grow over time. I didn’t expect to get rich overnight, but I knew it was a smart way to make my money work for me.
By the end of 2019, I could see the results. I had paid off my credit card debt, my savings had grown, and my investments were starting to show some returns. These five strategies really worked for me, and I’m still using them today to keep my finances in good shape.
