5 Quick, Super Effective Money Moves I’m Making With My Next Paycheck

When I realize it’s payday, my spirit soars.

Not only am I excited to see my inflated balance, I’m also excited for a fresh start — to finally get my assets organized.

Then, suddenly, all those goals and plans dissipate, and the immediate gratification of ordering products on Amazon Prime and Zappos takes over.

But this time I’m going to do it.

I’m going to do smart things with my money.

Let me tell you exactly what I have planned — for my own financial health, and your inspiration.

1. Open a high-yield savings account.

Right now, all of my paychecks funnel into my one and only checking account, which is very, very dangerous. (See above: Amazon and Zappos)

It also doesn’t embody the whole “make your money work for you” mantra because I’m not earning any interest — not even 0.01%.

Well, there actually are some savings accounts out there that can help you make some money on your money.

One option is the CIT Bank Premier High Yield Savings account. It offers 1.85% APY (applied percentage yield) on account balances under $250,000. The account is FDIC-insured only requires $100 to open an account. Plus, there aren’t any fees to open or maintain it.

I plan to open a high-yield savings account and set up automatic transfers for every two weeks (payday).

2. Start investing.

I’ve been meaning to invest, but sometimes I get overwhelmed.

So I just stall.

However, there are apps out there that make it super easy, like Acorns.

All I’d have to do is click download and set up automatic transfers. Each payday, a set amount would sneak away from my account and into an investment. Even only $5 would help plan for my future.

You don’t have to know anything about investing, either.

Also, if I sign up now, I can snag a $10 bonus, which will help me get started on this whole investing endeavor.

3. Maintain (and improve) my credit score by paying off my credit card.

One thing I already do but keep on my to-do checklist so I always remember?

Keep tabs on my credit score.

These days I only use my credit card to make purchases so I can earn points, which in turn pay for my flights.

But lately my credit card spending has been gnarly. Still, one of the first things I do at the beginning of each month is pay that sucker off. (Probably because I’m a millennial.)

It stings to see those hard-earned dollars disappear so quickly, but the last thing I want is credit card debt — and to ruin my young credit score.

I use a free service called Credit Sesame to monitor that super important, three-digit number. The best part is I get email notifications when my score fluctuates, which holds me accountable.

It also gives me personalized recommendations on how to increase my score, so even if credit card debt isn’t your thing, it’ll point out your other weaknesses. Then hopefully you can put that paycheck to good use.

4. Keep tabs on my spending habits.

Each time I get paid, I feel a little more confident about my financial situation, so naturally I tend to splurge — even on routine trips to the grocery store.

Oh, this cheese looks nice… of course it is because it’s $9. High time to try it with all the money I just earned…

No. No. No. I don’t need $9 cheese because the cheaper stuff tastes just fine, too.

To keep tabs on my spending habits, I just downloaded Trim, a Facebook messenger bot that will help me hold myself accountable. It lets me see where my money is going (or being wasted). It also helps negotiate bills with companies like Comcast, Time Warner, Charter and other major providers. And you can easily tap to cancel recurring expenses you no longer need (like magazines, gym fees, etc.).

To see where you might be able to negotiate some utilities, sign up with Facebook, then upload a PDF of your most recent bill, and Trim’s AI-powered system gets to work. If at first it doesn’t succeed, it’ll keep negotiating until it can save you some money. (If it saves you any money, it keeps 25% of the savings tab.)

By simply analyzing and keeping tabs on my spending habits with Trim, I’m reminded of my larger financial goals.

5. Use every darn rebate app.

In order to wring the most out of every paycheck, I need to start using rebate apps, so I can actually earn some money back on those essential purchases.

Again, I’ve been meaning to do this…

Here are a few I’ve had my eye on:

• Ebates: This platform has everything — from rebates to deals to promo codes to discounts. It’s always worth checking before venturing out (or online) for a shopping trip.

• Ibotta: This gem helps save big on groceries. All I’d have to do is scan my receipt after shopping. (We’ve got 11 more grocery-savings ideas here.)

• Capital One Shopping Price Protection: This tool is too easy not to use. Price Protection basically scans your emails for online-shopping receipts. If the price decreases during the return period, it could help you get reimbursed. It also checks the tracking info for your online orders. If something shows up late, Price Protection could help you get money back for what you paid for shipping — up to a full shipping refund.

• MyPoints: Shopping through the online MyPoints portal earns you points with each purchase, which go toward gift cards.

Yes, I have big plans next payday. I always do, but I plan to execute this time around — and finally get my finances in order.

Plus, these are too easy, so why not?

Your Turn: Do you have big money goals, too? Share ’em with me to keep us accountable after next payday.

Capital One Shopping Price Protection compensates us when you sign up using the links we provide.

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder.