Happy New Year!

While you may be thinking about health-related new year’s resolutions, now is the perfect time to evaluate your financial wellness and assess any financial objectives that you may have for 2021. Here are a few tips and resources to help you start your new year on the right financial foot!

1. Review your credit report. Ordering your credit report is not enough – you’ll have to review it carefully. Credit reports may have mistakes, and if there are mistakes, you are the only one who is likely to find them! If you spot suspected errors, dispute them. If you have old credit card accounts you are not using, keep an eye on them to make sure that an identity thief is not using them. Use this ‘Credit Report Review Checklist’ to help you review each section of your credit report:
easternsavingsbank.com/forms/Credit-report-review-checklist.pdf

2. Analyze your budget. Budgets are a great way to determine where you can make significant cuts from last year’s spending habits, or even where you can save extra toward your cash cushion funds for next year. While there are many personal financial management tools available, your EasternEase Online enrollment offers compatibility¹ with Quicken®, QuickBooks® and Mint. Enroll in EasternEase Online today: easternsavingsbank.com/bank/easternease-online

3. Create small targets for big gains. For instance, making a weekly savings target helps make saving easier by breaking it up into manageable pieces. This can help you reach your goals and deal with unexpected expenses. As you watch small amounts add up, you’ll build confidence and move closer to reaching your goals! The following savings plan tool will help you create an attainable savings plan that works for your personal situation and needs: easternsavingsbank.com/forms/Savings-Plan-Tool.pdf

4. Consider credit counseling services. Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. They discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to deal with your money problems. Know which questions to ask during your search with this helpful guide: easternsavingsbank.com/forms/Choosing-a-Credit-Counselor.pdf

¹ You must have an account with Quicken®, Quickbooks® or Mint to download information from your EasternEase Online account. Eastern Savings Bank is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, Quicken®, Quickbooks® or Mint. Providing your log-in credentials or password to a third party may increase your risk of identity theft.