Managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps can help you achieve financial peace of mind. Keep these in mind:

• Know where your money is going. Track you purchases so you can set up a household budget. You may discover expenses you can avoid, or others you can plan for.
• Set goals. Whether you’re saving up for a car or starting a college education fund, set goals that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. This will help you decide how much to save for your objectives.
• Have an investment plan. Work with a reputable financial planner to invest for the future. Create an emergency fund as well, so you’ll have some money in case you or someone in your family is injured or loses a job.
• Resist temptation. Don’t indulge in impulse buying. Limit credit card use to items you really need. If you see something you like, try waiting 24 hours before buying it you may realize you don’t really need it.