Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Content Courtesy of: SmartDollar




 

Content courtesy of: SmartDollar

The holidays are sneaking up on us...is your budget ready?

How is it already almost the holiday season? Wasn't it just July or something?

We're pretty sure that sums up just about everyone's year--pretty confident on that one. But hey! Here we are just weeks away from the holidays, and the vast majority of people haven't even thought about their holiday budget. So, let this be your ever-so-friendly reminder that:

Your budget needs to happen to the holidays, so the holidays don't happen to your budget.

There. We said it. Now, here are some tips on how to actually do that so the end of the year can be a celebration instead of sadness (and debt).

1. Budget. Always, always, ALWAYS make a budget for holiday spending. If it isn't a regular purchase (think January-October), you need it in your holiday budget. And actually stick to your holiday budget.

2. Block out Black Friday. If there is something on sale that you've budgeted for (no cheating now), go for it! Just get in the habit of saying no. It's the perfect time of year to practice.

3. Sell stuff you don't need. People all over are looking for used gifts, an extra chair for their family Christmas, or another pie dish because Aunt Tina "wants pecan pie, not pumpkin pie."

The holidays aren't just about financial stress. With family get-togethers, school programs, and work parties...it can be a lot to handle! Check out these tips about avoiding stress during the holidays.

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Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- getting started is easy! Learn how below.

SmartDollar is a financial wellness benefit for WECA apprentices. We announced our partnership with the Dave Ramsey-founded online financial wellness platform in January, 2021 to provide our apprentices with a sound foundation in personal finance management. This benefit is available to all WECA apprentices free of charge. Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- scroll to the bottom of this article for instructions!

What is SmartDollar? SmartDollar is a step-by-step approach to handling money with the number-one authority in personal finance, Dave Ramsey. More than 4.5 million people have started on Dave's plan and taken control of their money, and you can too! SmartDollar will equip you to get out of debt, on a budget, and on your way to a strong financial foundation.

The average person pays off $9,405 of debt and saves $6,127 in the first twelve months, and you can too!

"This program is powerful yet simple to understand. The Baby Steps make understanding how to win with money easy! Dave's lessons are fun, informative, and incredibly encouraging. It really doesn't feel like I'm taking a financial course. It's more like learning finances from a good friend...or a financially savvy stand-up comedian! The online tools are fantastic as well, and I love being able to 'ASK DAVE' any question and do my budget online. Love it all!" - Recent participant

With SmartDollar, you'll learn how to...

• Jump-start your money
• Knock out debt
• Secure your dream home
• Retire in style
• Demystify your credit score

How does SmartDollar work? With so many ways to engage in SmartDollar activities and content, SmartDollar Points have been designed to encourage users to establish true behavior change. (Check out the graph below for a quick rundown). The greater the importance and required time of each activity, the greater the amount of points that can be earned. For example, each Core Lesson video completed is worth 250 points. Completing a shorter Deep Dive video is worth 50 points. Tracking a transaction in EveryDollar is only worth 20 points, but users are encouraged to track all their financial transactions with no points limitations. These example activities are key for building the confidence you need to reach your financial goals.






 

Taking advantage of your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, is easy!

To set up your account after accessing your dashboard, click either of the links shown as highlighted in the screenshot to the right of this paragraph. You'll be taken to a page with a SmartDollar enrollment link, where you will be able to set up immediate access to this important benefit.

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard