One of the fastest ways to improve your financial situation is to review your list of expenses and look for ways you can eliminate and reduce. This process isn’t about becoming a scrooge, it’s about spending wisely and within your means so you can achieve financial goals faster.

We all have expected expenses that vary from month to month. Groceries, household goods, clothes, dining out, entertainment, etc. What I do when I feel like I’m spending too much in these categories is create a simple, selective budget to get this spending back under control.

According to Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance proper money management is a language you never stop learning. It’s important to regularly consume information to keep you motivated and intentional.

According to Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance knowing your assets will allow you to calculate your personal net worth (assets minus liabilities). It will also give you a sense of what you need to insure, secure, or include in your last will and testament.

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance reminds us that whether it’s debt on a credit card, a car loan, student loans, or your mortgage, making an efficient plan to tackle debt doesn’t happen on it’s own. It takes self-discipline and a game plan!

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance reminds us that no matter the income level, financial success comes from consistently living below one’s means. A review of your monthly expenses will give you a sense of part of the "big picture." It will also give you the information needed to create an emergency fund, a simple budget, and automate your bill paying.

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance explains that it is not uncommon for your credit reports to contain errors, and these issues can pop up at any time. So it’s a good idea to review your credit reports at least annually, of only for this purpose.

Amanda H. Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance explains how it’s important to adjust your 401K each year, both the amount (or percentage of income) you are contributing, and the type of individual funds or investing products to which you are contributing.

According to Amanda H. Christensen, Accredited Financial Counselor and Associate Professor for USU Extension specializing in personal finance, everyone should have at least $1,000 extra saved up. Having that thousand-dollar cushion in your finances can do a lot for your feelings of security. It’s also evidence that you are capable of living within your means, and (possibly more importantly) holding on to your savings.

Jonathan Swinton, Utah State University Extension Health and Wellness faculty, explains risk perception and the new coronavirus.