First comes ... Then comes ...

"PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES!" ...If you had a mother like mine, I'm sure that saying is very familiar to you! And yes - I must admit, Mom gets another point for being 'right'!

When looking at your finances, it is very important to identify your goals, set your priorities, and make a plan! No matter what vehicles you use to save, budget, and spend your money ... be sure you can track it!

Saving: Saving money can be very easy in the world of home banking and direct deposit! There are so many products developed for the consumer looking for convenience in their financial institution. Take AmeriChoice, for example, with our Christmas Club and Vacation Club accounts. Many families take advantage of using these accounts to save money for holiday trips, gifts, and fun! Being able to set aside money in a separate account can be easier for those who find it difficult to save money. Also, be sure for each paycheck you earn, you should always set a portion of that into a separate account! Depending on what you can afford to set aside, even 5% of each pay can add up quickly.

Budgeting: I love the idea of having debit cards. It is so easy to lose track of cash that was once a $20.00 bill in your back pocket...and now is either missing or suddenly replaced by a few pennies and a bag of items you might not have really NEEDED. With debit cards, each month you'll get a statement of where and how you spent your money that month. It is very easy to keep track of expenses in your budget that way. Be careful not to overspend however, as it is very easy to swipe that card at the mall, grocery store, and gas station before you've spent quite a bit of money!

Unfortunately, there is not a secret formula to become a millionaire ... at least that I am aware of! :) For those who haven't entered the workforce and are still living under their parents roof, now is a great time to start saving for your future - whether it is educational costs or entertainment costs ... you are going to need money! Now is the time to learn to distinguish between your needs and wants. Keep that in mind as you are beginning to manage your money. Remember, you might not really NEED another pair of fancy new shoes ...and just because it is "on sale" doesn't mean you have to buy it!