Life seems to move faster with each passing day. With more and more stuff being added to your plate, how can you keep track of everything that may impact your financial future? Whether you’re paying the mortgage, having children or saving for retirement, it’s vital to declutter your finances so you can focus on what’s important. Here are nine tips to start you off right.

(1) Create a Dedicated Space

Set aside a space where you focus on budgeting and financial planning.  It can be an entire room, just a desk or a dedicated drawer.  It's important to keep monthly bills and known upcoming expences in this location.  

(2) Decide What to Keep and What to Shred

Throughout your life, you'll acquire many financial and legal documents.  It's important to know what you should keep and what you should shred.  Always keep the following legal documents in a safe place:

• Social security cards
• Marriage license
• Wills, living wills and powers of attorney
• Any business licenses
• Vehicle titles and loan documents
• House deeds and mortgage documents
• Any insurance policy in case of claims or issues
• Birth certificates
• Any valid or invalid passports
• ID cards
• Pension plan documents 

Once you've paid a bill, there is no reason to keep it.  Shred anything that has personal information on it like your name, address, phone number or any banking details.  

(3) Create a Budget Binder

Housing your budget in a dedicated folder is a great way to track all your expenses. Tracking all your deposits and  eductions will show you where you’re spending money. We recommend using a binder that can hold additional documents for unplanned bills or invoices like vet bills, kids’ sports registration documents or warranty information for electronics and furniture.

(4) Use a Bill Payment Organizer

Determine which bills are due first to help you budget, and then use a binder or bill payment organizer to physically arrange the order of your bills, even if they are atomatically deducted. 

(5) Keep a Calendar

Create a dedicated calendar to help you budget for upcoming bills. Plot out paydays to determine which funds you should use from which paychecks to allow yourself wiggle room between checks.

(6) Develop a Paydown Order

Knowing which bills are most important to pay off first is a key part of the budgeting process. Ensuring you have a roof over
your head and utilities to live comfortably is a crucial part of budgeting.

(7) Review and Plan Ahead

Set time aside each pay period (or every two weeks) to review your finances and upcoming expenses and bills. Developing a routine will help you prepare for what’s ahead and ensure there are no surprises in your financial future.

(8) Consider Automatic Deductions

Automatic deductions and deposits can relieve a lot of stress by making sure your bills get paid on time, but it also means  you need to have the necessary funds in your account each month. Going paperless can be very convenient, but it’s important to make sure it’s right for you.

(9) Get Support

If you’re committed to investing in your financial future, take a weekend to declutter your finances. Following these tips will  repare you for the future and lessen the uneasiness we all feel when our finances aren’t in order. The best part is, you don’t have to do it alone. For more financial planning tips, speak with your local Farm Bureau Agent about ways to plan for and  protect your future.