LONGVIEW/GREGG COUNTY (KYTX) - There's nothing quite like the start of a new year to give you a renewed sense of motivation to accomplish just about anything. Some like to use the power of this season by getting their family budget in shape for the new year. A little effort now could really pay off by the time we're saying hello to 2014.
"We need to be honest with ourselves on how we're spending our money, having a clear picture of that we can better set goals for ourselves."
Karen Partee is the Senior Vice President of Financial Literacy at Longview's Texas Bank & Trust. She said the easiest way to make changes involving your money is to create a spending plan, and stick to it.
"You take out on an adventure you always have a plan, so have a plan on what you want to use that money for in the future."
21-year-old Holly Newman says she's created a budget and follows it closely.
"What I'm going to spend for college, what I'm going to spend on bills and what I have left to spend."
That budget should include saving money too.
"The idea is that you just start, you start small and then you build on that."
Texas Bank & Trust says there are a few things you can do to help with budgeting:
- Identify your goals
- Find places to save
- Search for big savings
"You'll have that money and even a little will help.
Texas Bank & Trust says it's never too late to take a seat, pull out that sheet of paper and start calculating what's important financially to you and your family's future.
