Summer is coming! Kids are out of school, the weather is warmer and the breeze is cool. That can only mean one thing –– moving season is here! Did you know that 80% of all moves in the United States occur between April and September? In fact, according to movinglabor.com, the busiest months for peak moving season are June, July and August. Whether you’re moving to start a new job, upsizing or downsizing, or another major life event, there’s no denying that moving in general can be a colossal expense.
Here are six money saving tips to help ease the financial burden and make your move as smooth as possible.
Move During Off-Season
The most obvious answer is to avoid moving during the busy months at all costs. Although the cold weather may be a deterrent for some, winter months December, January and February are off-peak for moving companies particularly, which can mean better pricing for you.
It may be tempting to take advantage of this time to make your move during peak season –– summer is a social season, more homes are on the market and your work schedule may be more relaxed –– but trust us, doing just about anything during the off-season is bound to save you money.
Update Your Personal Budget
While moving can be an exciting experience, you should always expect the unexpected. Setting a personal budget is a vital step in the moving process because it helps you determine moving expenses before you get started. According to a recent study from Forbes.com, a local move for the average American consumer ranges between $800-$2,500 and long-distance moving costs range from $800 to more than $10,000.
Thankfully, we’ve developed a guide on How to Set a Personal Budget for 2023 to help you prepare for those hidden expenses and make your budget move-in ready.
Prepare for a Mortgage Loan
No matter the season, purchasing a home can be a hefty expense. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or refinancing this summer, we have good news –– you’re not alone. Here are a few steps that make mortgage process a little less daunting and help your purchase become a successful one.
- Check your credit: Starting with a credit report and checking your credit score can help you determine not only the types of loans that you are eligible for, but also the interest rate and just how much you’re able to borrow.
- Determine your debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio determines how much you owe each month relative to how much you earn. Calculating your DTI ratio is a crucial step in the mortgage process because it helps you calculate how much mortgage you may qualify for. An ideal borrower should have a low amount of personal debt to ensure that their income can properly support the mortgage.
- Contact a mortgage lending specialist: Our mortgage lending specialists work hard to provide you with expert knowledge on choosing the best mortgage option for you.
Look for Ways to Cut Back on Everyday Spending
Depending on how far away you’re moving, when and where, small changes to your spending habits could have a big impact on your budget. Aside from opening a personal savings account, you’ll need to think outside of the box when it comes to streamlining your move and maintaining your financial wellness. Whether it’s skipping the $5 latte at your favorite coffee shop or opting out of a night on the town and staying in for a home cooked meal, making small changes in your day-to-day spending can help you stay on track toward financial health before the big day.
We recently developed three major Financial Literacy Tips for Businesses and Individuals that are sure to help you manage money effectively.
Open a Savings Account
Once you have your personal budget set, it’s time to open a personal savings account. Savings accounts are the most efficient way to ensure that your money is there for you when and if you need it. While your personal checking account may seem like a free-for-all for daily spending and impulse buys, you may think twice when it comes to touching your savings account and deterring your long-term financial goals. A personal savings account also keeps your account free from over drafting, so that you can reach your financial goals unscathed. Interested in opening a personal savings with Stellar Bank?
- Meet with your local Stellar Banker for expert guidance in building a strong financial foundation to help you save for unexpected costs and long-term financial goals.
- We have an account for every need: Personal Savings; Youth Savings; Personal Money Market; Certificate of Deposit; and Individual Retirement Accounts.
- Visit www.stellar.bank to learn more about how our Stellar Bankers can help you open the right Stellar savings account to meet your needs.
Stay Connected to Your Bank
With 54 convenient banking centers across Texas and more than 900 Stellar Bankers to assist you with your personal banking needs, no matter when and where you choose to move, Stellar Bank will be there with you. Want to track your spending and saving habits 24/7/365? Download the Stellar Bank Mobile app to get online banking right at your fingertips.
