Have you considered adding financial health to your 2015 goals? The following tips were featured as part of an article on this very topic. To assist you, we’ve distilled the list down to 10 to help you start down the path to positive financial growth. In addition, we are holding a webinar for our neighbors in Plano to help you find both meaning in your life and improve your financial status. So the first tip I have is to mark your calendar for January 27th at 4:00 PM and join us for Meaningful Money.

Take Positive Steps Toward Financial Health

The tips below will help you make 2015 a financially healthy year:

1. Build an emergency fund. It’s like a buffer or a security blanket that will protect you if you come across any unexpected or unforeseen incidents.
2. Test yourself. Decide if you really need the item you are about the purchase. Doing so will help you reduce or eliminate extra expenses in order to make a positive impact on your overall finances.
3. Learn to negotiate. There are many retailers that have price matching programs, plus they might consider an offer from you for a reduced price to move product from the shelf. You will not know until you ask, so consider negotiating (in a positive way, of course) to get the best deal.
4. Create a separate savings account. Saving money is important, so placing it in an account that is not as easily accessible might help you think more seriously before you access the funds.
5. Cut back. The beauty of this tip is you have the power to choose what you want to give up. For example, eating at home more frequently and making a restaurant meal a special occasion saves money and gives you something to look forward to.
6. Sell things you don’t use. If you have items you have not used in some time, then you may have money at your fingertips. Selling unused items will clear up space and provide a little extra cash, perhaps for your emergency fund.
7. Buy items second hand. Shopping around for good deals from second-hand stores or online retailers lets you gain access to nice items at discounted prices. Just make sure to do your research and purchase from reputable people.
8. Look for online coupons. There are numerous coupon websites that can save you money, so it is worth the time to check for online coupons before you purchase.
9. Research items you plan to purchase. By understanding where you might find the item on sale, where the purchase outlets are, and how many others carry the item you desire, you can save money, and give yourself information to negotiate.
10. Create sensible goals. Taking small, continuous steps will often land you in a much better place than making radical changes and then feeling a bit overwhelmed. Financial health is a journey, so keep moving forward one step at a time.

Remember to join us for the Meaningful Money webinar on January 27th, where you will receive even more insights into making money that builds on your purpose. Here’s to a financially healthy 2015!