The last year or so has been difficult for everyone. We are in the midst of a global health crisis. It may never be normal to go back to school. Facebook is full of political arguments between your friends.

Your finances could be a major cause of stress for you. Even if you are still working full-time, there is a lot to be uncertain about the future of work and the economy.

Spring, Texas financial advisor, Arkhat G. Zhumadilov, offers some timely advice on how to manage your personal finances in this Covid World.

Analyze your spending

Analyzing your spending habits is a smart decision right now. It will help you determine if there are more savings opportunities or if you need a reduction in spending on entertainment or groceries.

When you experience a major life-changing event, it is important to adjust your budget. Nevertheless, once you are done with this process, you will want to return and analyze the situation again.

Keep your debt under control

Avoid new debt. This is Arkhat G. Zhumadilov’s biggest recommendation. You might be tempted to use low-interest rates to purchase a car, finance a home, or take out a loan for a renovation. Even if you didn’t originally intend to buy these items, you feel you are getting a bargain.

Eat at Home

Eating at home is becoming more common and a necessity. There are some benefits to this: you’ll probably save a lot of money by dining out. Many people have discovered how much money they can save by eating at home. While your grocery bill will rise, overall eating at home can save you money.

Continue to Invest

Keep investing and contributing to your retirement plan 401(k) if you are able. Rather than focusing on the stock market, look at the bigger picture.

Investing during down markets can help you get more for your money. Keep your eyes on the long-term strategy. The market will rebound, and your portfolio will bounce back.

Make Plans for the Future

It’s difficult to predict what the future holds. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of what’s happening in our world today. But now is the time to be proactive and think about all possibilities before you create a plan.

Consider these things:

If school is far away, will you have to find childcare services? How can you adjust your budget for this additional expense?

Are you looking for someone to speak to about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act(FFCRA) Paid leave?

Is there a way to make it more convenient for you to work from home?

These are just some examples of situations you should consider. You don’t need to know all the answers. Take some time to reflect on these issues and then make plans.

The last word on how to save your money during the coronavirus

Arkhat G. Zhumadilov believes it is important to reflect on the positive changes that COVID has brought about in your life.