Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans have some type of financial goal for the new year, according to Bankrate. If you’re one of these money-minded individuals, you might be focused on paying down debts, improving your spending habits, or boosting your credit. Whatever your financial goals are for 2025, becoming well-versed and educated on the topic of personal finance is a must in today’s environment.
Fortunately, there are more outlets than ever to make studying the topic easy (and even enjoyable).
Educate with Blogs and Podcasts
With recent advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to access quality financial education. Gone are the days of reading through stuffy textbooks to learn about these topics. Today, more individuals are tuning into financial podcasts or reading blogs to increase their knowledge on the subject.
Both industry experts and everyday people share their knowledge and experiences through these bite-sized, easy-to-consume formats. Here, you can learn from people who have been in your shoes as they share the steps they took to achieve their goals, whether that’s getting out of debt or saving money for a down payment.
People like learning from blogs and podcasts because they give them a different perspective on how to make their money work for them. The content often uses real-life examples or common financial scenarios, providing clear takeaways for audiences to apply in their own lives.
Take Advantage of Apps
Today, countless apps are available that help people create and manage their budgets, invest, and gain more clarity on their financial situation.
For instance, if you’re interested in saving money this year and curbing your spending habits, you might find an expense-tracking app that helps you identify where you spend your money each month. When you have a better idea of your typical spending patterns, it becomes easier to find ways to cut back.
The great aspect of any personal finance app is that it allows you to manage your finances from anywhere. You don’t need to log onto a computer or wait until you’re at home to view account balances or transfer funds. It’s easy to check your finances on the go from your smartphone when and where you need it.
Join the Discussion
Clarity turns to action when you can talk through a financial dilemma. Fortunately, online financial forums open the door for discussions about money issues. This is where you get the chance to gain financial literacy and guidance for your specific financial circumstances from your peers.
Maybe you’re considering getting a part-time job for some extra income, but you’re wondering if it’s worth the cost of paying someone to watch your children. You could take this question to an online forum for others to weigh in, given their experiences in similar situations.
The best part of these discussion groups is that they give you access to a community of people who can relate to your money issues and questions. You might receive a number of responses, so you’ll have the opportunity to take the bits and pieces from each that speak to you.
