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How to Budget

42. Make sure your income exceeds your expenses.

43. Understand the difference between “wants” and “needs” and budget accordingly.

44. Create a realistic budget based on your current income and expenses. Take into account debt repayment, saving and splurging.

45. Add a miscellaneous category with a $100 buffer for the random and unexpected things that may come up during the month. (Parking ticket anyone?)

46. Track your expenses to stay aligned with your budget, as this is the only way you’ll know if you go over budget or not.

47. Use personal finance apps like Mint or Tiller to help you budget.

48. Have a money date with yourself and/or spouse every week to check in on your finances, track progress on your goals and stay accountable.

49. Check your credit report each year at AnnualCreditReport, as any errors on your credit can affect your interest rates.

50. Read one of the best personal finance books on budgeting, “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan” by Elizabeth Warren to understand the 50-30-20 rule.

51. Practice and start saying “no” to things that don’t align with your values or your budget.

52. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for what you already have to help you curb the desire to have more of the things you don’t have.

53. Check out NextDoor or Craigslist first before buying furniture or other items for your home to save money or get items for free.

54. Switch to a bank account with no hidden fees: no minimums, monthly maintenance fees or overdraft charges (Hint: Chime has all that and more)

How to Make Extra Money

55. Check GlassDoor and Payscale to make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth for your job in your area.

56. Negotiate a raise at work and use that extra money to fund your financial goals, without any lifestyle inflation.

57. Use direct deposit so your funds come to you faster (Pro tip: Chime has a get paid early function!)

58. Review your tax withholding to see if you’re saving too much and giving Uncle Sam a loan from your hard-earned dough.

59. Create another stream of income with a side hustle that focuses on your expertise or passion, like pet sitting, graphic design, writing, tutoring, etc.

60. Rent out your car, parking spot, garage, spare room and more using AirBnB, PaveMint, GetAround and more.

61. Sell the items in your home that you no longer use; donate the rest.

How to Build Wealth

62. Play the long game and don’t focus on selling stocks with every little change in the market.

63. Understand your risk tolerance based on your current lifestyle and expenses.

64. Have a grasp on investing terms and understand how they work.

65. Know what you’re investing in and have a strategy to get the returns you want.

66. Find a low-cost brokerage with minimal fees.

67. Contribute to a 401(k) and get a match, if eligible.

68. Invest in either a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA.

69. Set aside and put money in your retirement vehicles every month through automatic transfer.

70. Invest in yourself by taking a class, getting a certificate, etc.

71. Update your investments as your life changes and your risk tolerance changes, such as having kids, getting divorced, etc.

72. Read personal finance books on investing like “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham.

73. Take notes from bonafide investor Warren Buffet and invest in low-cost index funds.

74. Protect your financial future and family by creating a will for free using Tomorrow or Fabric.

75. Find the right asset allocation for you to drive your investing strategy.

The Bottom Line on Money Management

Personal finance can be simple but not easy – at the same time. It’s all about implementing a plan and taking action.

If you want to change your financial life in 2019 (or at any time!), just start where you are with what you have. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Read personal finance blogs, personal finance books, listen to personal finance podcasts and connect with ideas that ignite your passion for finance. Though it can seem like it’s all about the money, it’s really about affording the life you want and buying your freedom and time.