Do you have financial goals but don’t know where to start? Setting a budget is the first step to financial success. However, many people will create a budget and fail to stick to the parameters they’ve put in place.

So much for a budget, right?

If managing money is not your forte, consider these five tips to keep you on track:

1. Budget as a Team

If your budget will affect more than one person, include them in the budgeting process. This keeps you and all involved parties on track to achieve the same financial goals. Make sure to set a dedicated time every month—or even quarterly if you’re a pro—to check in and reassess your spending habits.

2. Expect Monthly Differences

Let’s be honest, not every month in the year is created equal. To stay on top of your budgeting, try to predict when you will spend larger amounts due to certain life events. Do you have a month that’s a little birthday-heavy? Summer vacations? Don’t forget those new clothes and back-to-school supplies in August! You know your lifestyle better than anyone else, so try to predict the expenses and budget for them ahead of time.

3. Start with the Essentials

When deciding where to funnel your earnings, try to consider life’s top four essentials. Everyone requires food, shelter, utilities, and transportation. These four necessities in life should be prioritized when creating a budget. After these needs are met, then you can get creative about where to distribute the rest of your funds.

4. Don’t Set it and Forget It

Once you create a budget, it’s common for people to set it aside and let it collect dust. However, your budget should adapt to your lifestyle changes. Did you get a promotion? Congrats! You can now adjust your budget to reflect your new financial goals and lifestyle. Did you have an unexpected medical expense? You might need to reflect on your budget and see how to adjust and accommodate.

5. Online Budgeting Tools

Welcome to the 21^st century! While we love a great Excel Sheet as much as the next person, there are helpful apps and software programs that can keep track of your budget for you. Take a look at apps such as Mint, EveryDollar, and Goodbudget to craft a budget in a pinch!

If owning a home plays a part in your financial goals, The Angelo Group would be happy to assist you when the time comes. We believe real estate is an excellent investment and we’re here to help you achieve your financial and homeownership dreams.

You’ve just finished a mighty game of Tetris with the moving boxes, the family waves goodbye to a house once-called home, and you’ve all settled in for a long road (or plane) trip. It’s official! You’re moving out of state.

Moving can be stressful, but relocating from one state to another requires quite a leap of faith. First came packing, then came the journey to your new community—but surprise! Because you switched to a different state, a few things might have slipped your mind.

No need to worry! The Angelo Group is here with 8 things to add to your to-do list when moving out of state:

1. Visit Your Future Destination

It’s always a good idea to get the lay of the land when it comes to your future home. Drive the neighborhood streets and map out the closest schools, parks, grocery stores, and gas stations. These are important features of everyday life, and having a better understanding of your future surroundings will offer an easier transition.

2. Change Your Billing Address

Don’t forget to switch all your bills to the proper address. Not sure where to start? Here are some examples to remember:

• Utilities. Gas, water, electricity, and even garbage pickup! Most of the companies that offer these services vary by state. Tip: Ask your real estate agent for a list of recommended vendors.

• Credit Cards. Most people opt for online billing payments, but if you’re one of the few who prefer paper statements, don’t forget to update your address for your credit cards.

• Insurance. Moving across state lines could be a good opportunity to start shopping for local rates. If you’re looking for a new insurance source, now could be a good time to switch for a more competitive price.

3. Voter Registration

It’s easy to forget about this item on a to-do list, so don’t put it off until it’s too late! A new state means a whole new pool of political candidates.

4. Pet Registration

Yes, pets need to be registered with the state. Each city varies when it comes to how many furry friends (and which types) you can include in your humble abode, so make sure that you are registered and up to date.

5. Forward Your Mail

Don’t let your favorite magazine subscriptions and family Christmas cards get lost in the mail! Make sure to set up a mail forward with the post office before moving away. USPS will forward your mail to your new address for up to a year.

6. Look for New Wi-Fi & Cable Companies

Are you all about Xfinity? Maybe Google Fiber? Look at what your future neighborhood provides and get your home up. Trust us, people will be asking for your Wi-Fi password the minute those neighbors come over for a backyard BBQ.

7. New Driver’s License

Each state’s deadline varies when it comes to switching over your driver’s license. Research what your new state’s requirements are before you officially relocate.

8. New Driver’s License

The boxes are in, the dust has settled—it’s time to get out and meet some people! Introduce yourself to your neighbors or sign-up for the local gym or rec club. One of the easiest ways to meet people is through a mutual activity or hobby. Moving from place to place is exactly what you make of it—so it’s up to you if you choose to plant roots where you’re at or transplant to the next best location. Either way, you got this!

Don’t know where to begin? The following 3 steps are a great place to start:

Step 1: Setting Intentions

Setting your intentions at the beginning of the year is like making a map. Without them, how will you know where you’re going? Or, more importantly, how will you know when you get there? It’s hard to find the “X” that marks the spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Okay, pirate lingo aside, it’s important to lock down your annual goals at the beginning of the year. These intentions will help you stay on track whenever you’re feeling lost.

TIP: Write them down in a planner, Word document, or even in the notes app on your phone. Ensure your intentions are documented so you can always refer to them.

Step 2: Creating SMART Goals

Do you have your intentions in mind? Great! Now, let’s dig a little deeper.

Specific and measurable goals help you narrow your intentions and track your progress (that way, you know whether you’ve reached your milestones.) Next, be sure to set goals that are achievable and realistic. Nothing is more discouraging than setting a goal you secretly know you won’t achieve. And lastly, make sure you can reach these objectives within the year.

Now your 2023 is REALLY starting to take shape!

Step 3: Creating SMART Goals

While we believe in the power of setting future goals, that may not be for everybody. Instead, consider a word for the year.

Have we turned you into a goal-getter yet?

Don’t forget that setting real estate goals is an important part of planning your year. If your real estate goals for 2023 involve buying, selling, or investing in a home, please text or call us at 602-616-1455 or send an email to john@angelogroup.com.