Not only did she feel it – but she could see it too! Was this what financial progress looked like in real life? These were tell-tale signs. Can you guess what they were?
#1: Paid off a major debt
Do you own your vehicle free and clear? Perhaps you finished paying off a high credit card balance recently. Paying off debt affords you the opportunity to direct what was once budgeted for that bill to another financial priority.
#2: Increased your credit score
The credit score game is deceptively simple. Carry modest balances, satisfy your debt obligations on time and in full, don’t attempt to open too many accounts all at once, and keep at it for a sustained period. If your score is on the rise, that means lenders are reporting back nothing but positive account activity to the credit bureaus.
#3: Have funds to cover an emergency
Back in 2017, well before pandemic-induced joblessness and health crises affected millions of Americans’ ability to cover emergency expenses, the Federal Reserve reported that “4 in 10 adults would either borrow, sell something, or not be able pay if faced with a $400 emergency expense.”
Now, no one can fault you if your savings are drying up. However, if you’re able to save for the inevitable rainy day, that could be a mark of class privilege – but also financial maturity.
#4: Your generosity increases
Charitable giving shows that you’re not spending every dime you earn without considering the needs of others. And that’s a good thing!