There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has done a number on personal finances. In fact, 10% of Americans feel like they’ll never recover from the financial damage.
The good news is that most consumers have the ability to improve their credit rating, replenish their savings, and more. Even if it doesn’t seem like it right now, over the long term there are strategies and credit monitoring services that you can use to improve your situation.
Let’s take a look at how to get back on your feet after the financial impact of COVID.
Assess Where You Are Now
Sometimes the stress of a crisis, combined with the money we lose, makes it hard to take a realistic look at where we are now. We might mourn the fact that our savings aren’t where they once were, or that our retirement account has been lessened.
However, the first step to getting back on track is understanding where things stand now. You might find that the truth isn’t as dire as you expected!
Try to set aside your previous expectations of what your future would hold so that you can understand your position today and create a new plan for the future.
Reduce Debt
Many people struggled with job loss, lower income, or reduced hours during the two years we’ve been dealing with COVID. That means you might have racked up additional credit debt to make ends meet.
As the economy and job situation stabilizes, it’s time to start reducing your reliance on credit and creating a plan to pay down your debt. Set aside the emotions of this difficult time and focus on creating a logical, clear plan that you can follow.
As you reduce your debt, invest in a credit monitoring service that can help you keep an eye on your credit as you rebuild your finances.
Trim Waste From Your Budget
A lot of us bought things, subscribed to things, and invested in new hobbies to get us through the pandemic. There’s nothing wrong with finding coping mechanisms in a crisis, but it’s important to know when to pull back.
Now that you’re focused on getting your finances back on track, it’s time to look through your current subscriptions and expenses to see what you can get rid of. Can you shop around to get a better cell phone plan, eliminate a gym membership, or find a less expensive streaming service?
Many people are surprised at how many ways there are to save money in their budget. These changes will help you stay on track not just now, but over the long term as well. You can take the savings and put them toward your debt, which will help you fix your credit.
Replenish Your Emergency Fund
Once you have your immediate spending under control, it’s time to replenish your emergency fund. Many Americans used this money to get them through a period of job loss, fewer hours, and other economic problems.
Now that things are more stable, it’s time to start saving again. How does this impact your credit? An emergency fund allows you to handle unexpected expenses without having to go back to your credit card, so you can continue to build up your credit score.
Get Your Credit in Check
The COVID-19 crisis has lasted much longer than anyone expected. That means the economic impact has been worse as well. However, don’t give up hope — there’s a lot you can do to improve your credit.
Credit monitoring services can make a big difference as you get back on your feet. Learn more about IdentityIQ and sign up today!
