Smart Basic Money Moves for Financial Success

— Written by Marlana Baker | April 14, 2025 (Updated: Aug. 4, 2025, 9:59 a.m.)

Take charge of your financial future with these must-know tips for budgeting, saving, credit/debt, and financial knowledge.

Give every dollar a job – Create a budget that works for you. Start by calculating your monthly income and expenses. The goal is to keep expenses less than income.
Track your spending – Know where your money goes! Keep track of the dollars you spend to stick to your budget.
Live within your means – Cut unnecessary expenses & spend wisely.

Build an emergency fund – Save a little each month for the unexpected. To start, you can save a dollar a day.
Plan for big purchases – Save up instead of relying on debt.
Invest in your future – Start saving for retirement as early as possible to give your money time to grow.

Be wise with debt – Avoid it if you can; if not, keep payments manageable. Make sure the payments fit within your budget.
Be mindful of credit – Avoid high balances & unnecessary interest.

Keep learning – Financial knowledge = financial power!
Ask for help – A financial advisor can offer guidance through your bank or credit union.

Resources for Financial Literacy:

Create a Budget

The information found within this article was sourced from: Patrice G. Dollar, M.S., CFP®, Family Resource Management Extension Associate