Most people have put off managing their finances at some time or another–a bill here, a phone call there–but overindulging in the desire to dawdle can lead to a debt disaster. The good news is that you don't have to tackle all of your finances at once. Take it one step at a time and you will be able pull yourself out of financial procrastination.
Shout it out. As with any goal, it can be beneficial to tell someone about your new objective. Whether you tweet it, post it or simply tell your neighbor, when there's someone there to help keep you accountable, you're more likely to make progress improving your finances.
Take everything task by task. If you make taking care of your finances about time, such as "I'll take one hour to balance my checkbook," you're more likely to sit there watching the clock. Instead, make a list of all your financial tasks, and take care of them one by one, regardless of how long they take.
Make finances fun. Make finances fun. OK, so you may not be able to train yourself to look forward to paying the bills, but if you reward yourself after every task–say with a relaxing bath or an evening with that book you've wanted to read–you'll have more incentive to get the job done. Positive reinforcement is key to changing your behavior.
Remember, as with breaking any bad habit, you may have a procrastination slip up every here and there, but the important thing is to not let yourself slip back into your old ways. So put yourself in tomorrow's shoes and take care of yesterday's business today!
Visit www.feedthepig.org for more money-saving tips.
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