Post Pandemic Money Moves

Financial Tip Friday | 06/25/21
Post Pande Money Blog Q2 JUN21 v1

As things begin returning to normal, here are some forward-thinking money moves to make as you adjust to post-pandemic life.

Review and adjust your budget

Pandemic budget rules were unique as people cut down on costs like dining out and updating work wardrobes, but spent more on things like at-home entertainment. Others may have had to adjust their spending to help them coast during a stint of unemployment. The pandemic may have also shifted something in people’s mental list of needs and wants, as they found they can live with much less than they’d thought.

Take some time to review and tweak your monthly budget, keeping in mind any changes in income or priorities.

Rebuild your savings

If you are one of the many Americans who were forced to access your savings during the pandemic, create a plan to get back on track. Tighten your spending in one area until you’ve built up an emergency fund that can keep you going for 3-6 months without an income or use a windfall such as a work bonus or tax refund to get the bulk of your emergency fund in place.

Once your emergency fund is up and running again, continue to practice basic saving habits such as setting aside 20% of your monthly income for savings, or whichever approach you prefer.

Rethink your long-term and short-term financial goals

The pandemic has prompted lots of people to reevaluate their goals. Take some time to rethink your long-and-short-term financial goals, then adjust your savings and budget accordingly.

As you move through this step, be sure to consider any long-term goals you may have put on hold during the pandemic. Have you stalled contributions to your retirement accounts? Have you only been making the minimum payments on your credit cards? If any of these apply to you, be sure to revert your savings and debt payments back to pre-pandemic levels as soon as you can.

Spend with caution

It’s perfectly fine to enjoy a shopping spree in celebration of a return to pre-pandemic norms, but spend with caution.

First, prepare to encounter inflated prices wherever you go. Gas prices have jumped, and the cost of many consumer goods has spiked. If you planned on purchasing a big-ticket item, consider waiting until prices cool off.

Also, you may be eager to make up for lost time, but no number of nights out on the town will bring back the months you spent at home. To avoid irrational overspending, set a budget before you hit the shops and only spend what you’ve planned.

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