Almost everything costs something. We work and get paid so we can purchase essential products and, if we’re lucky, some extras that make life easier, more fun, or technologically advanced. Money – the good and the bad – are just part of our lives.

Is everyone comfortable working with budgets and organizing their funds? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a happy medium where we feel organized and knowledgeable about our own money while we manage our busy lives. Perfection is not the goal, clarity and self-confidence are!

Check in on Your Checkbook

Okay, most people aren’t sporting a plastic covered checkbook anymore - I might be, I call it vintage – but you likely have your phone near you during the day. If you haven’t already, download your lending and banking apps for ease of use.

Then, take 20 minutes to review what money is coming in and what payments are going out. This isn’t heavy lifting, just electronically tidying up. Awareness is key! Once a week, try to look over:

• Bank balances
• Upcoming bills
• Auto payments
• Recent deposits
• Recent withdrawals

AutoPay Is a Friend

If you enjoy the thrill of racing the buzzer or hitting a 3-pointer at the last millisecond, do that during a playful game of basketball, not with your bills. On-time payments are super important, and autopay could end up being one of your best buddies. They may help reduce late fees and mental clutter because everything can be set up digitally and you won’t have to worry about late payments.

By putting workable systems in place, we can set ourselves up for success. Consider responsibly automating as many payments as possible like:

• Bill payments

• Minimum debt payments
• Subscription payments
• Rent payments
• Savings account transfers

Your Money Should Work

There are no small jobs when it comes to dollars, and you are the money manager. Give each dollar a purpose and stick to it. This is how you create a basic budget plan. Remember, we are not looking for absolute flawlessness. We want intention, awareness, and consistency to feel more organized.

Let’s break things down into three buckets:

Bills Bucket/Account

This is only for fixed, monthly essentials like rent, utilities, insurance, phone, and minimum debt payments.

How to work it:

• Add fixed monthly bills together to get the sum of the payments.
• Auto-transfer that amount to your Bills Bucket/Account on paydays.
• Autopay bills from the Bills Bucket/Account.

Savings Bucket/Account

This is for monthly - you guessed it – saving. Some months will be easier than others to set money aside for saving. The amount, if you choose to save, is obviously up to you. But you may want to consider how 5-10% of your paycheck or even a few dollars can add up for an emergency fund, travel fund, investing or extra bill payments.

How to work it:

• Try automating a transfer from your paycheck every payday to the Savings Bucket/Account.
• Act like this amount is untouchable or doesn’t even exist.
• Keep this account separate from your Bills and Spending Buckets.

Spending Bucket/Account

This is for monthly semi-negotiable or adjustable purchases like groceries, gas, shopping or entertainment.

How to work it:

• After necessities are paid (and funds for saving are deposited, if desired), anything left goes into this Spending Bucket/Account.
• When these funds are gone, you will have to wait until your next payday to pay for negotiable items.
• Track your Spending Bucket/Account so you know what you can and cannot afford.

Create a Financial Zone

When you know where all your financial information is it can help reduce stress and keep you on track with your finances. Try creating a “money hub” or “financial zone”, either physically or digitally.

Items to include:

• Bank and bill statements
• Due dates
• Loan details
• Securely stored account log ins
• Budget plan

You Can Get Money Organized

Financial organization goes beyond a sense of peace and confidence. You can benefit from it in almost every part of your life. So do a mindful checkbook check-in, set up payment systems that work for you, or try a simple budget plan. Take it step by step to move closer to your financial goals.