Manage Your Finances
Do you know how to make good choices with your money? Do you have the skills needed to save or make a budget?
No matter how much money you have, you should keep track of how much money you have coming in and where you spend your money. It is also important to know how much you need to save for the future.
Tips for staying financially healthy while looking for work:
- Create a personal or family budget and stick to it. You can use the worksheet provided in How to Create a Personal Budget or talk to a financial counselor. Doing this will help you plan for today and the future. Use calculators and online tools.
- Learn how to manage your credit and debt.
- Save part of your money for emergencies and long-term goals.
- Think about which of your career choices will pay you enough money. You need to pay for housing, car payments, health care and other bills. Use a budget tool to match your job choices to your budget.
How to create a personal budget
Make plans for your money that fit your needs today and in the future. If you are not working, make a budget anyway.
See how your money plans change when you add or cut expenses. You can also change your income to make a different budget.
Look at your current budget
If you have a partner or children, plan your money together.
- Do you have enough for savings and the things you need?
- Can you spend less on the things that are “nice to have” but not needed?
- Where can you cut costs?
Budgeting Tips & Resources
