2 minute read

Hate Talking About Money? Here’s Your Guide to Budgeting and How I Learned to Love My Finances

Learn how to take control of your finances with easy budgeting tips for those who avoid financial planning.

22 February 2024

This is a guest post written by Denise Haverkamp.

During the first COVID lockdown, I started to panic about losing my job amidst the growing economic crisis. Suddenly, it struck me: I had no concept of financial planning. Even worse, I had no idea how to fix my financial unpreparedness. But, as they say, pressure makes diamonds, and that critical moment created the idea for my startup: “finance, baby!” Today, we’re an educational platform specializing in helping women structure their finances and prepare for the future. 

Here are the first steps to start your financial planning journey:

1. Set Up an Emergency Fund: I recommend creating an emergency fund for unexpected situations. This safety net is hugely reassuring in case of an emergency.

2. Create a Budget: Set up clear budgets and enjoy the feeling of achieving your financial goals.

3. Start Investing: Begin with small investments — contributions as little as €25 can make a difference over time. Investing can reduce anxiety about your financial future and help you achieve your goals.

My Personal Financial Management Tips:

  • Conduct an Honest Financial Overview: First, I had to admit where I stood financially. I took time to analyze my finances thoroughly — it’s a sobering but valuable experience to get you started with financial planning.

  • Set Savings Goals: I set aside a designated amount each month for emergencies and investing. Over time, I developed a sense of security through this regular saving routine. Thanks to these concrete savings goals, my financial confidence improved because I had a measurable system to rely on. 

  • Switch Bank Accounts: Finding a new bank improved my finances and made me feel more comfortable with my money. I used a simple, automated transfer service that handled everything for me.

The Benefits of Financial Management

Finances correlate to our overall well-being. Money means security — both for our basic needs and fulfilling our dreams. Once I realized that active financial management can benefit my mental health, it boosted my motivation to meet my goals and achieve new milestones. 

My Secret: Save and Invest Responsibly

Over time, I developed a functional finance routine that I could maintain. I started with a small savings account and, after a few years, built a nice cushion to fall back on. Plus, as my savings grew, so did interest rates. By creating small, meaningful adjustments to my daily routine and finding a reliable financial plan, I’m confident that I can reach a new standard of living.

This is a guest post written by Denise Haverkamp.

During the first COVID lockdown, I started to panic about losing my job amidst the growing economic crisis. Suddenly, it struck me: I had no concept of financial planning. Even worse, I had no idea how to fix my financial unpreparedness. But, as they say, pressure makes diamonds, and that critical moment created the idea for my startup: “finance, baby!” Today, we’re an educational platform specializing in helping women structure their finances and prepare for the future. 

Here are the first steps to start your financial planning journey:

1. Set Up an Emergency Fund: I recommend creating an emergency fund for unexpected situations. This safety net is hugely reassuring in case of an emergency.

2. Create a Budget: Set up clear budgets and enjoy the feeling of achieving your financial goals.

3. Start Investing: Begin with small investments — contributions as little as €25 can make a difference over time. Investing can reduce anxiety about your financial future and help you achieve your goals.

My Personal Financial Management Tips:

  • Conduct an Honest Financial Overview: First, I had to admit where I stood financially. I took time to analyze my finances thoroughly — it’s a sobering but valuable experience to get you started with financial planning.

  • Set Savings Goals: I set aside a designated amount each month for emergencies and investing. Over time, I developed a sense of security through this regular saving routine. Thanks to these concrete savings goals, my financial confidence improved because I had a measurable system to rely on. 

  • Switch Bank Accounts: Finding a new bank improved my finances and made me feel more comfortable with my money. I used a simple, automated transfer service that handled everything for me.

The Benefits of Financial Management

Finances correlate to our overall well-being. Money means security — both for our basic needs and fulfilling our dreams. Once I realized that active financial management can benefit my mental health, it boosted my motivation to meet my goals and achieve new milestones. 

My Secret: Save and Invest Responsibly

Over time, I developed a functional finance routine that I could maintain. I started with a small savings account and, after a few years, built a nice cushion to fall back on. Plus, as my savings grew, so did interest rates. By creating small, meaningful adjustments to my daily routine and finding a reliable financial plan, I’m confident that I can reach a new standard of living.

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€3.99/month

Everything you expect from a mobile bank, and more. Open a bank account in just 5 minutes with your phone and ID.

Easy Bank Pro icon
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€9.99/month

Enjoy full control over your money wherever you go, with true borderless banking, easy budgeting, powerful cards, and much more.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon
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€18.99/month

Discover the full power of mobile banking, with worldwide Travel Insurance, priority support and more trees planted when using your card.

Find your perfect fit

Personal

Business

Easy Card icon
Easy Card

Free

Get an international credit card in less than 5 minutes. Add it to Apple/Google Pay and start making payments today.

Easy Savings icon
Easy Savings

Free

Get a Savings Account and start growing your money faster with 3.36%* interest. No minimum deposit is required!

Easy Bank icon
Easy Bank

€3.99/month

Everything you expect from a mobile bank, and more. Open a bank account in just 5 minutes with your phone and ID.

Easy Bank Pro icon
Easy Bank Pro

€9.99/month

Enjoy full control over your money wherever you go, with true borderless banking, easy budgeting, powerful cards, and much more.

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€18.99/month

Discover the full power of mobile banking, with worldwide Travel Insurance, priority support and more trees planted when using your card.

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