Take these small steps now with your finances and reap the benefits at a later date!
16 May 2016
| Last updated on 23 May 2017
You may not know everything there is to know about money, but this doesn't mean you have to accept your situation at the moment. Bringing your finances in line with your goals is easier than you may think, and while your money isn't going to improve overnight, with these steps, we're sure that everything else will fall into place.
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1. Check your credit report and score, whether online or with a pro. It's the first step in the right direction as you'll know what you're starting with.

2. Set an appointment with a financial planner who can share advice to help you meet your long-term financial goals.

3. Identify your financial goals... What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months, 12 months or 5 years?

4. Start an emergency fund, it will protect you against any unexpected emergencies.

5. Open an individual retirement account... Speak with your employer to see if you're eligible, or call your bank to discuss individual retirement options.

6. Sign up for online bill payments... Make sure you never miss a payment!

7. Shop for a life insurance policy, even if you're single with no kids. It provides funds to cover your funeral and burial, and any remaining debt you may leave.

8. Read a personal finance blog and educate yourself on money topics to help improve your personal finances.

9. Watch a financial webinar. When you have a 30 minute break, increase your financial knowledge, which will help your money decisions.
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10. Eat your packed lunch. Yes, bring it... But you have to actually eat it! Forget what your colleagues are doing for lunch.

11. Have a side hustle? Good, take half an hour in your lunch break or on an evening to make money from that, be it writing, selling online etc.

12. Work on your CV/resume, if your job sucks, start searching for something new.

13. Cancel an unnecessary service you may have, like housekeeping or the gardener. Reduce your TV provider plan.

14. Sell something online, it gives you extra cash in your pocket. Use sites like eBay or Craigslist. It only takes a few minutes.
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15. Determine your net worth by listing all of your assets, minus your liabilities and see where you stand.