The future can be scary to think about, and when it comes to finances, the future can be especially volatile. That doesn’t mean that it is scary or impossible to make the tables turn your way, though. Keep your finances in your own hands with these four tips and tricks to help safeguard your financial future from the many ups and downs of the unpredictable American economy.

Create an Online Savings Account

You have probably been frequently told to start a savings account just in case of emergency, but sometimes paychecks just do not seem to stretch far enough and that maxim becomes another wish to fulfill. However, if you create an online savings account and set aside amounts as small as $5 a week, that money can add up over time and save you from financial disaster in the event of an emergency. With this low-cost, stress-free banking solution that offers you security in case of emergency, why would anyone stop themselves from creating an account in as little as a few clicks?

Start Planning for Retirement Today

You may be young right now, but blink and you will be ready to retire. Although it might seem like it is so far away, it is never too early to start thinking about retirement. In fact, the majority of Americans wish that they had started planning for retirement sooner. Like the savings account, you can add just a small amount of money every month until you have a comfortable amount. Don’t rely on Social Security benefits alone to get you through your retirement as you may not get enough money to adequately cover all of your needs.

Properly Insure Yourself

Depending on your walk of life, you may only need auto, home, life, and health insurance. However, some lines of work should have disability insurance. This is especially beneficial if you work in a high-risk job or if you simply have a job where taking time off of work to deal with emergencies could be a detriment to your career. Disability insurance can help cover you in the event of medical emergencies like disease or injury on the job. That way, you know that you have your position waiting for you when you are well enough to work again. That peace of mind is what makes that insurance so important.

Pay Off Your Credit Card Balance in Full Each Month

In order to prevent your credit card company from charging you exorbitant amounts of interest at the end of each month, it is important that you pay off your credit card balance in full by the time that each month ends. You can do this by:

• Contacting your bank and having your full amount be
  withdrawn each month
• Lowering your credit card limit if it seems to be too
  much for you

This will help you improve your credit score in the event that you need to apply for a loan, buy a home, or buy a car. That is the ultimate way to prepare for your financial future and be ready for anything that life throws your way.

Don’t Let This Be All You Do

This is a really good place to start, but this should not be all that you do in the way of sound financial decision-making in order to protect your finances in the future. Let this be a starting guide for how to have healthier finances now that can protect you in case things start to turn south in the future.

If these steps still don’t get you to a good place, then never be afraid to contact a financial advisor and ask for some help on how to get out of debt or increase your credit score. Hopefully, this guide can help you take hold of your financial future and protect it from the future.