Do you have a habit that you'd like to break? As humans, we have all sorts of habits and routines that we might classify as guilty pleasures or "bad" habits. For all sorts of reasons, we can develop habits that aren't great for us, but do you know what to do when it's time to make a change? Sometimes the idea of making a big lifestyle change can be daunting, but you can take charge of the situation by breaking down your goals into smaller, more easy-to-follow steps. 

If you're looking to improve the state of your finances but don't know where to start, there are some helpful life strategies you can use to propel yourself towards your long-term financial goals. Whether you have big, long-term dreams in mind or just the first baby steps planned out, you'll need a map to where you're going. 

Plan Your Way Out of Debt

In the case of your personal finances, the realities of modern-day debt might be negatively impacting the way you spend and save money. Sometimes you need to take action to handle your debt so that you can move onto a new chapter in your life. Government-regulated options for debt relief might seem intimidating, especially if you're not very familiar with how a bankruptcy works or what consumer proposal services can do for you. 

A Licensed Insolvency Trustee from a reputable and experienced firm will be able to help you solve your debt problems. These trustees, formerly known as bankruptcy trustees, are specialized financial professionals who help those individuals who are facing difficult debt and insolvency find permanent debt relief. It's possible to take control of your debt with the help of these professionals, which means that before you lay out your map for your financial future, you should consult with one in order to get the fullest, most comprehensive assessment of your debt relief options. 

Getting in the Habit: Try It for Thirty Days

It only takes three to four weeks of doing something consistently to make it a regular habit. The beginning is always the toughest, but once you're in a routine it becomes much easier to sustain the best practices that you are trying to make second nature. 

What's more, the convenience of the "one month" time period means that it's easy to visualize the time frame of what you're doing, with clear parameters on the timing of your goal. Say your goal is to start exercising regularly: start by going to the gym every day for the first thirty days. In doing so, you'll make it easier to form the habit, setting yourself up better for long-term success. 

Identify Triggers and Make a New One

In the case of bad spending decisions and poor money habits, there is likely a trigger behind certain money behaviours. Maybe you're used to splurging on takeout after a bad day at work, or you tend to over-shop online when feeling down. Noticing what makes you "tick" with your money can help you better understand your own needs and meet them in more productive ways. 

On the positive side, as you make a new habit you can boost your chances of success by creating your own trigger or "ritual" surrounding the positive behaviour. Try doing the exact same thing every time you perform the new habit, this will reinforce your goals and make it easier to stick to your financial resolutions. Good luck!