The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone in a variety of ways – one of the most prominent being from a financial perspective. For some, the pandemic allowed people to reassess their finances and save more money than usual due to shutdowns. For others, the pandemic left them unemployed, tight on money and unsure of where to turn. No matter how COVID-19 affected you personally, it is important for everyone to stay as financially responsible as possible as life begins to resume to “normalcy.” Here are a few tips on financial habits that you should keep top of mind while getting back on your feet:

• Monitor your credit. Assessing your credit and keeping up with your score is totally free and a great way to ensure that you are maintaining stability. Additionally, it allows for you to see what is positively and negatively affecting your score. 
• Utilize automatic transfers. A great way to make sure you are continuing to save money is to use automatic transfers directly from your checking account into a savings or investment account. This way, you are continuing to save without having to manually take out the money. It is also smart to set up automated payments for your bills, such as your car or for your credit cards.
• Continue contributing to a retirement savings account. Many people placed a focus on their retirement savings during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were able to put away money that would normally be spent on social activities. Continue contributing and, if financially possible, consider raising your percentage of contributions.
• Avoid spending recklessly. Everyone is excited to begin dining out, going to stores, enjoying concerts, and doing everything else life has to offer in the coming months. Make sure that you are continuing to budget and not spending beyond your means when making plans with family and friends.