Adulthood on Autopilot: 5 Automated Financial Systems to Save Time and Money

Adulthood can feel like you’re stuck in a game where the rules are rigged. With little control over how much you earn, you’re left hurtling towards a future that’s uncertain but that probably involves far more instant noodles than you’d like it to. Thankfully, technology has gifted us with a secret weapon: automated financial systems. These are like tiny financial robots working tirelessly in the background, saving you time, stress, and, most importantly, money.

Let’s take a look at some easy and affordable ones you can start working with today. 

1. Tame Your Taxes

There are a variety of automated record-keeping tools you can use to track your income and expenses throughout the year. These tools can connect to your bank accounts and categorize transactions, saving you hours of manual data entry. 

Whether you’re an Aussie working with the best Sydney tax agent or a US resident filing your taxes online, the right tool can give you a clear and organized record of your finances, simplifying the preparation process and uncovering deductions you might have missed. 

Bonus tip: Explore options that integrate with your chosen tax filing software, further streamlining the process.

2. Automate Your Bills and Breathe Easy

We've all been there – the dreaded late-night scramble to find a forgotten bill before late fees strike. Bill-pay automation is your new best friend, keeping you on top of recurring bills like rent, utilities, and subscriptions. This ensures timely payments, avoids late fees, and keeps your credit score sparkling. 

Bonus tip: Schedule payments a few days before the due date to avoid any hiccups.

3. Invest Like a Boss 

Remember that New Year's resolution to "finally start investing"? Automated investment plans are here to make good on those forgotten promises. Choose a specific amount to be transferred from your checking account to your investment account at regular intervals. This enforces a "set it and forget it" approach, ensuring consistent investment growth and preventing you from succumbing to the temptation of spending that money.

4. Put Your Savings on Autopilot

Life is inherently unpredictable, but these days, there are tons of convenient ways to send money, and Set up a transfer of a fixed amount from your checking to your savings account every payday. 

Bonus tip: Start small and gradually increase the amount as your income grows. You probably won't miss the money, but your future self will thank you!

5. Automate Your Debt Payments

Debt can feel like a relentless monster, but with automated payments, you can turn the tables. Set up automatic payments for your minimum debt obligations (credit cards, student loans, etc.). This helps you hit every payment and knock out your debt faster. 

Pro tip: If you have some wiggle room in your budget, consider scheduling additional payments above the minimum to accelerate your debt-free journey.

Automation is Not a Magic Wand

Financial automation is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic fix. Regularly review your automated systems to ensure they're still aligned with your financial goals. Adjust contribution amounts or investment strategies as needed. Think of these systems as your trusty financial copilot, freeing you to focus on the bigger picture while they handle the mundane tasks.

With these automated financial systems in place, you can finally step off autopilot and take control of your financial future. Who knows, you might even be able to graduate from ramen noodles to something a little more, well, adult-ish. But hey, there's no shame in the occasional comfort food indulgence – as long as it fits within your automated budget, of course!

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