Building a solid financial foundation is a bit like putting together a puzzle. At first glance, it may seem daunting, but once you start slotting the pieces together, it all begins to make sense. Five key areas form your financial base and will help you navigate the world of money with confidence. So, let’s break it down, nice and easy.

Income management

The first thing you need to get a handle on is how much you’re bringing in, of course. Your income is the cornerstone of everything you do financially, so you need to make sure it’s working for you. Start by keeping track of all your income sources, whether that’s your salary, side hustle, or any other earnings.

Once you know your total income, the next step is budgeting. Sounds like a boring word, doesn’t it? But it’s actually a game-changer. Create a simple budget that shows how much you’re spending on essentials and how much is left over. This will simply ensure that you’re living within your means and can make room for savings and future investments. If you don’t know where to start, Money Helper has an easy budgeting tool for you.

A safety net for emergencies

Life can and will throw unexpected curveballs at you. This is why having savings set aside for emergencies is so important. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This may seem like a lot at first but remember that you don’t have to do it overnight. Start small and gradually build it up as you can.

Having this emergency fund will give you peace of mind and prevent financial stress in those “oh no!” moments.

How to handle what you owe

Debt doesn’t have to be a scary word, but managing it correctly is crucial for your financial health. If you’ve got loans, credit cards, or any other kind of debt, make sure you know exactly what you owe and the interest rates you’re paying. If this is overwhelming to you at first, don’t shy away from looking for help.

The key is to prioritise high-interest debts first – get rid of those as quickly as possible, as they cost you the most. Try to pay off the full balance each month to avoid paying high interest. Additionally, the responsible use of credit cards can even help boost your credit score!

Building credit for future matters

Speaking of it: Good credit is like a passport to better financial opportunities. When you have a strong score, you can get better deals on loans and rental agreements, for example. But how do you build good credit? It starts with paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and not borrowing more than you can repay. Your credit score is like a financial report card, so take care of it!

Growing your wealth

Investing isn’t just for the super-rich – it’s for anyone who wants to build their financial future. The earlier you start investing, the more your money can grow. You don’t need to be an expert to begin; a simple place to start is with ISAs or stocks and shares. Even putting small amounts aside regularly can lead to big results over time. If you want to dive into investing, check out MoneySavingExpert’s beginner’s guide.

Putting these five pillars into place might seem like a lot at first, but once you’ve got them established, they create a strong foundation. You’ll feel more confident making decisions and planning for your future, and you won’t be stuck in the weeds when unexpected costs come up.

As with so many things in life, it’s all about getting the basics right, so you can set yourself up for a financially secure future – and there’s never a better time to start than right now.

Carl Bulzacchelli