Most of us pepper our bucket list with out-there ideas about experiences we want to have — from visiting the Galápagos Islands to starting a charity for foster kids. But no matter what’s on your list, almost every item has one thing in common: You need some cash to make it happen.
That’s why we propose you consider adding another category to your list this year — the “money bucket list.” Here are 19 items to check off throughout the year that can help make all those other dreams come true.
1. Open a savings plan dedicated exclusively to one item.
Are you hoping to take a summer rafting trip, buy an upgraded washer and dryer set or go through 2019 holiday season debt-free? Having a specific savings goal in mind can make it far easier to forgo the happy hour drinks.
2. Save $1,000 for your emergency fund.
Does that amount sound daunting? Breaking it down: It’s only $20 a week. Set aside that amount for unexpected expenses, like a car repair or medical bill.
3. Have a “buy nothing” weekend.
See how creative you can get and still have fun. Look online for free festivals (bring your own snacks!) or ride your bike to a park and have a picnic.
4. Downsize your splurges.
It’s not healthy to give up every treat but see how you can maintain the idea while spending less money. If you usually get a monthly manicure and pedicure, skip the toes until it’s sandal weather. If live entertainment is your thing, check out local community productions and enjoy their more affordable admission.
5. Start a side hustle.
Get paid for doing something you love anyway, whether it’s shopping for gifts or taking pictures. Advertise your services on your local Facebook or NextDoor page and on your own social media profiles.
6. Negotiate your salary.
Come to the salary meeting prepared with a summary of your most recent accomplishments, as well as with background on what others are making. To find out, consult sites like Glassdoor and Payscale.
7. Sell unused items.
Get a clutter-free closet and some cash. Hold an old-fashioned garage sale or use resale sites like thredUP or Poshmark.
8. Use apps to make money.
Believe it or not, someone will pay you to do their errands. Look into apps like Instacart or Roadie and bring home someone else’s groceries or bags from the airport while you’re there anyway.
9. Pay off at least one outstanding balance.
Pick a small bill and vow to pay it off in full or allocate a certain percentage to a larger debt and watch it dwindle.
10. Make an extra payment on a student loan or mortgage.
Just for fun, find out how much you’ll be saving in interest over the life of the loan if you make an extra payment.
11. Check your credit report to make sure there are no errors.
The site Credit Karma offers free credit scores so you can see what creditors are seeing and dispute any errors.
12. Set up automatic payments.
Filling out the eforms can be onerous, but it will be worth it every month when you don’t have to write a check, make a bank transfer or worry that your payment will be late.
13. Research and buy one stock.
Dabble in the stock market. Pick a company in a category that interests you — whether that’s fashion, ecofriendly products or restaurants — and track its trajectory for a year.
14. Increase your investment in your 401(k).
One painless way to save more is to ask your human resources department to increase your investment in your 401(k) plan by an automatic 1% a month (you’ll never notice it!).
15. Research a new investment opportunity.
If you’re already maxing out your 401(k), find out more about another type of investment such as an IRA or HSA, and see if it’s right for you.
16. Donate to a cause you care about.
Investing in people can be the best kind of investment. Before you choose a charity, check out a site like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch to find out more about it.
17. Start a budget notebook.
Tracking your money means never again wondering where it has gone. Some people swear by the bullet journal trend that allows them to be creative while tracking goals and plans.
18. Set aside “fun” money.
Cut back on costly impromptu ATM visits by deciding how much cash you’re going to spend and keeping it in your wallet. When it’s gone, it’s gone!
19. Find one area you where you want to cut back.
Lots of our spending is due to habit. Whether it’s that afternoon cookie or music subscription you don’t need, identify one small area and put the money you save in a jar. Use it for something more meaningful.
If you want to track your progress on your 2019 money bucket list, print out the PDF here and check it off as you accomplish each task. You can even add a few of your own bucket list items for the year.
The post 19 Things to Check Off on Your 2019 Money Bucket List appeared first on ZING Blog by Quicken Loans.
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