2015 FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE NOW

If your top financial resolution for 2015 is to save more money, PNC Bank offers the following tips:

1. Create a budget and stick with it all year: Many online banking accounts offer budget-focused tools to help manage and track what your money is going toward daily. Categorize these items with labels, such as “entertainment,” “dining” or “coffee.” Once tallied, choose the areas where you would like to reduce or to eliminate spending and make adjustments to reach your goals. For example, save your lunch money by bring in from home instead of eating out.

2. Make savings automatic: Create savings rules within your account to increase savings around important bank transactions each month. It takes little time to set up and streamlines the savings process. Move $25 into your savings account every pay period or $10 into your savings after you set up monthly bill pay. Regardless of the amount, set up a savings rule that fits your financial needs.

3. Cut out the extras: Many of us are guilty of purchasing items that we really do not need. Make a list of items that you consider necessities or items that you cannot live without, and another list of luxuries defined as those items that we use to indulge ourselves. Eliminate the luxuries one by one until you reach your goal. This will help increase your savings and put yourself on track for financial success.

4. Follow your nose to the best deal: Sniff out bargains whenever you can. Never purchase an item without comparing prices. You may be able to grab those designer shoes for $10 less at the store a few blocks up the road or find that electronic device online 25 percent less than in the big chain store. Regardless the size of the item, the money you save by comparing prices could pay dividends (literally) towards your financial goals.

Along with these tips, visit PNC’s Achievement Sessions site to learn more about getting your financial goals on track.