Black Friday Deals! Take Control of Your Finances in 2025

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Struggling with Money Management? You're Not Alone

Did you know that 65% of Americans admit to not knowing how much they spent last month? 🫠 

More than half (56%) struggle to stick to a budget consistently? 🥲 

On top of that, only 39% of adults have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency, while 38% lack confidence in their investing decisions.
_{(Booth School of BusinessPurdue Global)}

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Here’s 3 Steps to follow today to regain control of your finances.

But first, Here’s a wonderful opportunity for stock market readers, traders and investors!

The technology predicted to be worth 27 Nvidias

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, predicted this game-changing tech would be worth $17 trillion by 2037 back in 2017. But now, she’s saying it could be worth $80 trillion by 2030. 

To put that into perspective, that’s:

• 🛍️ 42 Amazons 

• 🖱️ 25 Microsofts 

• 📈 27 Nvidias 

• 🤖 37 Alphabets 

• 💻 And 519 IBMs

And a Shark Tank billionaire expects it to create the world’s first trillionaire. What could be worth so much? It’s a radical tech breakthrough transforming every walk of life. And the entire movement is wholly dependent on one tiny company…

Learn more about this game-changing company here at The Motley Fool.

Step 1: Build and Stick to a Budget

Budgeting is the foundation of financial success. Start by tracking your income and expenses over a month. Apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) can simplify this process, helping you categorize spending and identify areas to cut back. Keep it simple:

1. Identify needs vs. wants—focus on essentials and cut non-essentials where possible.

2. Set a savings goal—aim to save at least 20% of your income.

3. Revisit and adjust your budget monthly to accommodate changing expenses​

   Purdue Global

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Step 2: Save Smarter

If you're struggling to save, automate your savings by setting up recurring transfers to a separate account. For short-term savings, try a high-yield savings account like those offered by Ally or Marcus by Goldman Sachs. For long-term goals, such as retirement, consider contributing to a 401(k) or IRA, which provide tax advantages to grow your money.

Step 3: Make Smart Investments

Investing is essential for growing your wealth, but it can feel overwhelming. Here are three tools to help you invest wisely:

1. The Motley Fool: Their Stock Advisor program offers curated stock recommendations backed by research. It's a great option for beginners looking for high-growth opportunities. Subscribers gain access to exclusive reports and analysis, helping you make confident decisions.

2. Simplify Wall Street: Have More Than One Conviction

   Keep reading our newsletter for FREE tips! For example a free tip we give is when buying a stock, ensure you have multiple solid convictions supporting your decision. Relying on just one reason, such as a rising share price, could lead to emotional or impulsive investing that ignores risks or broader market factors.s. It’s designed to simplify stock trading while protecting your wealth.

3. Index Funds and ETFs: If you prefer a hands-off approach, investing in low-cost index funds or ETFs through platforms like Vanguard or Fidelity can give you diversified exposure to the market with minimal risk.

Closing Thoughts

2025 is your year to master your money. Whether you're tackling budgeting, saving for the future, or exploring investment opportunities, remember that small, consistent steps can lead to big results. Take control today and set yourself up for financial success.

Want more tips on budgeting, saving, and investing? Subscribe to Simplify Wall Street or to our partners at The Motley Fool and start making smarter financial moves now.

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