How to Build a Financially Healthy Household

If you want to achieve financial goals, you'll need to make sure that your finances are healthy.  Since getting out of debt is essential to being financially healthy, start by obtaining copies of your credit report from these bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Look over your debts and contact your creditors to work out a flexible payment plan.  Write dispute letters to the credit bureaus if you believe there are errors in your reports. Here are more ways to create a more financially healthy household.

Start an Emergency Fund

You want to have emergency savings because unexpected situations happen, and you want to be prepared for them.  Every pay period, add part of your check to the emergency fund. Examples of real emergencies are job losses, medical emergencies, a sudden need to travel because of a relative's death, or relocation expenses.  When you have emergency savings, it keeps you from having to take out a loan or use a credit card for unexpected expenses.

Plan For Your Retirement

It is also vital to plan for your retirement, and there are several ways to do this.  One of the best retirement accounts is a Roth IRA.  With this account, your contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so this makes them tax-free.  And when you can take funds out of this account, they're also tax-free. There is also the traditional IRA but once you start taking out contributions, you'll pay taxes on them.  In addition, you're required to take out funds at age 72 although you can start taking out funds once you turn 59 and a half.  Finally, you can open a regular investment account and use your dividend income during retirement.

Don't Go Into More Debt

If you paid off a significant amount of debt, don't apply for new loans or credit cards. You have a fresh start now, and you can put more of your money towards investing, saving for your vacation, or starting a new home-based business.  When you reduce your debts, you have more freedom and more options with your money.  Pay cash for your household items instead of using credit cards.

Review and Adjust Your Budget

You want to know where your money goes each month, so you should review and adjust your budget throughout the year.  If you lost your job recently and receive unemployment benefits, cut unnecessary expenses from your budget so you can stretch those benefits for the week.  Focus mainly on your most important expenses.

Bring in More Income

If your current salary isn't enough to cover your expenses and you're frugal for the most part, it might be time to seek out extra sources of income.  You can drive for Uber or Lyft, or you can work as an online virtual assistant.  Many retailers and fast-food establishments are currently hiring so this is another option for you.  Maybe you'll need to switch industries and choose a career that will pay you a higher salary.  If this is your situation, get additional training for the new career so you can be prepared.

These tips will help you in building a financially healthy household.