The pandemic has caused worldwide financial stress and uncertainty, but as we move closer to normalcy, the crises has led to the adoption of some new financial habits. Many people saw a dip in their personal finances, thanks to the online shopping boom, the furlough scheme, and redundancies, but by taking on these new financial habits, you should be able to bolster your finances again and prepare for the economy opening up again.
- Continue To Build Emergency Savings
There has been no time like the pandemic to show us how important emergency savings are. For many people, spending less and saving more to soften the blow of lockdown became second nature. For others, their emergency funds were eaten up by unemployment or overspending. No matter which camp you fall into, you should continue to build your emergency savings as the pandemic winds down. Use your budget to see how much you could put away each month and try to stick to it as much as possible.
- Reduce Stress By Consolidating Debts
If your debts have mounted up over the pandemic, it could be worth considering consolidation. With this type of loan, you are able to merge your existing debts into a single figure. This will be loaned to you by the provider, so you can pay off the debts a lot quicker and easier. These debts can include credit or store card payments, and other loan repayments, so if you are struggling, this could be an option. There may also be consolidation loans for poor credit to help those in difficult circumstances, so take a look online to find a solution that works for you.
- Budget For Needs Over Wants
Over the past year, the coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses to close or operate under limited capacity. This means that many of us have spent less on entertainment, restaurants, and travel. While many of us have altered our financial habits, people are also eager to get back out and live life again. After calculating the amount you need each month to pay for your necessities, ask yourself how much you would be comfortable spending each month on activities that make you happy and try to stick to it. You should always prioritise the needs over the wants, so avoid big splurges that you can’t afford and keep within the boundaries you set.
- Plan Ahead
We know it’s been difficult to plan ahead over this past year with so much uncertainty surrounding lockdowns and unemployment. However, now the road is a little clearer, we should all start to plan ahead as much as we can. Think about your pension, future business opportunities, and family plans to help you build robust savings with purpose. By keeping these things in mind and building your savings as you go, you should be able to future proof your finances and look forward to brighter days.
If you need any more help with saving or boosting your finances after the pandemic, please speak to the Money Advice Service.
