April 28th, 2025 | 1:00 PM MST
Written By: Teresa Milner | Senior Wealth Management Advisor with Pearl Capital Management
April is the perfect time to take a step back, reflect on your relationship with your money habits, and explore new ways to improve your financial health!
Maybe you’re budgeting for the first time, brushing up on investing basics, making a plan to tackle debt, or simply reviewing benefits offered by your employer. Whatever the case, building your financial literacy will help you make confident, informed decisions with your money.
Money impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, yet so many of us were never taught how to manage it. From choosing the right credit card to understanding student loans or saving for retirement – it’s all important. Financial literacy gives you the tools to take control of your finances, make informed decisions, and approach money with confidence.
You may be asking: How do I get started? What are the key areas for me to focus on? Below are some simple ways to get going on your financial health:
1. Track what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what you’re saving
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- It’s crucial to know where your money comes from, where it’s going, and how much you’re able to save.
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2. Set Financial Goals
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- Prioritize your needs and wants, and set short-term and long-term goals; outline the steps to get there.
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3. Manage your Debt
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- Understand there are different types of debt. Develop a strategy for repayment and manage your credit wisely.
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4. Understand How Interest Works: Are You the Borrower or the Lender?
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- If you’re the lender (like putting money into savings, CDs, or bonds), interest is paying you.
- If you’re the borrower (like taking out a loan, mortgage, or credit card balance), you’re paying interest on your debt.
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- Build emergency funds, save for your future and explore your investment options.
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There are many organizations that offer resources and events focused on financial literacy. Explore the many online resources as a starting point. Take the time to assess your own finances and identify areas for improvement.
If you have specific questions or need personalized guidance, Pearl Capital Management has a team of compassionate educators that will work with you to achieve financial peace of mind through personalized planning.
Small steps add up and can make a big difference. Here’s to making smarter money moves – this month and beyond!
This article was written by Teresa Milner, CDFA a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who specializes in helping women navigate through divorce and into the next financial chapter of life. For more information, email her at CDFA@thepearlcapital.com.