Pandemic Lessons for Your Personal Finances: Healthy Financial Habits Can Make the Difference Between Struggling & Surviving Finances

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic unleashes its devastating impact on the nation’s economy, now is the time to take stock of your current financial situation and establish healthy habits that will put you on a stronger financial footing once the pandemic ends and the economy recovers – or for when the next emergency hits. The Illinois CPA Society offers these tips to help you better manage your personal finances now and in the future:

1. Set a Budget

Start by taking stock of your pre- and post-COVID spending to identify areas of savings and expenses that will return, and then use that information to build a realistic budget that you can stick to. Don’t eliminate all “wants” from your spending but consider ways to cut back spending where you can. For example, if you like stopping for a cup of coffee each morning, budget for it and limit the budget by purchasing gift cards each month. Once the card runs out, you stop buying coffee. This allows you to indulge your “wants” within a budget.

Don’t let budgeting fall to the wayside after the economy improves, either. Following the 2008-09 recession, many Americans focused more on budgeting and spending, but as time passed, those habits faded. A 2018 AICPA survey found that only 39 percent of respondents were following a budget, down from 58 percent in 2015 – showing that many of the good habits learned from tough economic times fade over time. It’s best to revisit your budget quarterly or annually and adjust as needed. The AICPA’s 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy website offers a free calculator to help you create and maintain a budget.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

The sudden onset of the pandemic, unexpected job losses and investment declines have highlighted the importance of having liquid savings to cover necessary expenses in case of emergencies. Tapping retirement savings for living expenses in an emergency is not a wise financial move. Instead, focus on building a cash emergency fund that can sustain your monthly budget of necessities for anywhere between three to 12 months. Once the fund is established – preferably in an interest-earning savings account – redirect the cash you were using to build the emergency fund to pay off debt or save for retirement.

3. Cut Debt

With interest rates trending lower, now is a great time to put your extra cash from reduced spending toward refinancing and paying down high interest credit card debt, mortgages and other loans. And if interest or payments on any loans have been deferred temporarily – like federal student loans, keep paying them and use this as an opportunity to get ahead. Making payments now reduces the total amount you will pay in interest and the time it will take to pay it off.

4. Remain Committed

If you have trouble sticking to a plan going forward, find an accountability buddy, such as your CPA, spouse, family member or friend, to keep you in check. The coronavirus pandemic is the third major financial calamity to hit the country in the past 20 years, starting with the dot-com bubble bursting in 2001, followed by the housing-fueled Great Recession of 2008. It is likely you will see another major economic downturn in the future. Implementing and maintaining good financial habits will better position you to weather those stormy times.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered financial advice. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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