The pandemic has changed the way people see money. Many have experienced unemployment during this time. But for a selected few, the pandemic has offered opportunities to expand their wealth. Regardless of where you are in your finances, it is crucial to plan for what’s to come.
Everything is uncertain, and the effects of the pandemic can affect your plans in the long run. However, you can still be financially secure despite these turbulent financial times. Here are strategies that can help you navigate your finances.
Adjust your budget
Your priority is to cover your essential expenses. As this situation is not usual, no one knows what will happen to businesses in the coming months or years.
Review your budget so you can find ways to save cash. As working from home is the norm these days, much can be saved from car expenses. Using this extra money into a financial cushion can help you recover from your losses.
Build your emergency savings
Many people who have experienced COVID-19 were not prepared financially. Hospitalization is expensive, and it is hard to navigate through unwanted debt. While keeping three to six months’ worth of money for expenses is normal, you can add more to your fund.
No one knows what will happen tomorrow. Your emergency savings is like a financial blanket for rainy days. Cut down on nonessential expenses and put extra money into your emergency fund. You can also talk to a retirement consultant to help you if you are planning to retire in the coming years.
Take a side job if you can
It is hard to just have one source of income these days. A side job can help you sustain your expenses, especially if you do not earn much with your full-time job. It helps you boost your finances and build your emergency fund.
There are many available side jobs online. Most of these opportunities will allow you to still work at your full-time job. Others take surveys and tests for a certain fee, while some do extra data entry work.
You can also turn your hobby into something productive by selling what you make online. If you are into baking, schedule a weekend for orders. You can also commission your artwork for extra cash.
Sell things you no longer need
Aside from financial health, we also need to think about sustainability. You may have items in your home that you no longer need that still take up space. Why not sell them so you can earn more? Hobbyists think of their collections as great investments. This is the perfect time to gain financially from these. You can easily sell your hard-to-find collections to interested buyers online. What you earn from these can go straight to your emergency fund.
Rethink your existing debts
Having credit card debt will not help you find financial security. This can hurt your standing, especially if your debt has high-interest. You may also have loans that are not helping you recover financially.
Rethink your debt strategy by asking to refinance your loans at a much lower rate. The government has also suspended federal student loan payments for debt relief. You can use this time to put your money for other bills.
You can also look for a balance transfer credit card with lower interest rates. This will help you pay off your credit card debt easier.
Consider refinancing your mortgage
Your home is a lifelong investment. Your ability to pay on time can help you build healthier financial habits. Yet, there are ways you can save on your mortgage payments.
With the Federal Reserve cutting down interest rates, you can consider refinancing. You can save thousands on your payments. If you can pay, you can shorten your loan terms. Refinancing your mortgage can help you pay off your loans faster while you save money for the future.
Invest as much as you can
While the stock market is volatile, selling your investments can be harmful in the long run. Stocks may be low in value now, but cashing them out is not a good idea. You can invest more as the markets are low. You will surely reap its benefits when the market is back to its normal state. You can also invest in your retirement fund or put money on your healthcare budget.
Financial stability can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. It pays to be smart with money, especially during these uncertain times. You can thank yourself later for your smart money decisions.
