If you are receiving unsolicited phone calls from an entity pretending to be ACCC (a trusted non-profit credit counseling agency), please be assured that ACCC’s policy is NEVER to contact you unless you’ve explicitly requested us to call you. Also be cautious of emails from an unusual or unfamiliar domain. ACCC’s domain extension is @consumercredit.com, and any emails using a different extension should be treated with suspicion.

×

ACCC’s Client Login allows current clients to access their program information, including the due date, program benefits, and other documents.

Select a Client Login below based on the service that you are currently enrolled in:

Debt Management Program

Client Login

Bankruptcy

Pre-Bankruptcy Client

Post-Bankruptcy Client

Not yet a client, but looking to get started?

ACCC offers debt relief options to individuals and families that are suffering from stress related to credit card debt by providing effective credit counseling, helping to consolidate debt, and advising on debt management.

Get Started

Wait!

You are now leaving the Consumer Credit website and are going to a website that is not operated by ACCC. We are not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites.

Are you sure you want to leave?

No, return me to the previous page.

Yes

Habits for Better Personal Financial Management

Financial management is fundamental in paying off debt.

Financial management is fundamental in paying off debt.

Ensuring that you’re practicing proper personal financial management is a never-ending task. Whether you need to stay on track with your debt management program, save for a major purchase, or need to grow your retirement fund, there are small adjustments you can make to speed up the process. Changing your spending habits, even slightly, can contribute to drastically improved financial management.

Tips to Improve Financial Management Habits

Build Spending Barriers to Save More

Discipline is the biggest challenge in building the habit of saving. Setting up certain boundaries can, therefore, help you build the discipline in how you manage your finances. Impose simple rules to control your spending splurges. Eat out every other Friday instead of every Friday. If you are unable to choose between two pairs of shoes, try not to buy any. If an unexpected expense occurs, postpone a non-priority expense for later. These are some ways you can approach such boundaries.

Make Your Work Lunches

Although it is more convenient to go to the deli by your office and pick up a sandwich for lunch, it adds up to be a considerably large bill at the end of the month. The more you spend on lunches, the less you have for getting rid of debt.

Cooking at home not only saves you that money but it’s also healthier for you. So, start planning your meals for the week, take the time to do your grocery shopping and put those pots and pans in your kitchen to good use.

Take Advantage of Every Saving Option Available

Start contributing to your 401(k) as early as you can. Most employers have plans that match your contribution, and this is like doubling your money for free. Even though you may still be working on eliminating credit card debt, don’t miss any opportunity to build wealth for your retirement.

Create Your Payment Schedules to Stay on Track

With internet banking, mobile banking and many other technologies available, it is easy for you to get reminders or track all of your transactions. Using features such as automatic bill payments, investment contributions, and savings plans, most of your finances can be taken care of like clockwork. Implementing a debt reduction plan becomes easier using the tools at your disposal. This not only ensures the ability to plan your finances better but also establishes good money practices that may result in better credit.

Stick With the Basic Good Money Habits

Building any good money habit starts with the basics. Create a budget, save every month, pay off your credit cards in full, buy only what you need, try to stay on track and just simply stick to the basics. Work to not allow consumer debt to get out of hand. Progressively work on the these habits to make your financial management better.

If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.

ABOUT AUTHOR / Andi

Andi is a Marketing Assistant at ACCC. He is passionate about supporting financial literacy efforts and helping to educate people on the Talking Cents blog!

View all author posts →

creditU

Your Ultimate Money Management App

Meet CreditU, the ultimate one-stop debt and financial management app! See your full financial overview, including debts, income, expenses, and savings.

CreditU Apple App Store
Dev Tool:

Request: blog/personal-financial-management
Matched Rewrite Rule: blog/([^/]+)/?$
Matched Rewrite Query: post_type=post&name=personal-financial-management
Loaded Template: single.php