Thinking of your finances might often feel stressful, especially if you're worried about whether you're doing alright financially.
However, a quick check of your portfolio may show you that where you stand financially is better than you expected.
So, before you worry about any negative outlooks, check out some of the surprising reasons why you might be doing better financially than you think.
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Stocks are lower
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You may have lamented the red ink on your 401(k) reports as stock markets went down, but that also means you can pick up some solid stocks at bargain prices this year.
So, if you have some cash that's been sitting on the sidelines, now may be a good time to consider getting back into the market with lower prices and start investing.
High interest rates boost your savings
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Sure, you may be worried about high interest rates if you're applying for a loan for a home purchase or a car purchase. Those rates, however, can be a good thing for your savings.
The high interest rates may allow you to earn more money on the cash you have sitting in your bank or financial institution.
It may also be a good idea to check on moving some of your cash to a high-yield savings account if you want to maximize any additional earned interest.
The housing market is cooling off
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You may have been saving for a new home and wondering when you'll ever be able to use it for a down payment. After all, prices have been rising, and you may have been priced out of the market in recent years.
But you may have an opening to buy that home you want as the market has begun to cool off, and the pace of increases could start to slow this year, even if prices don't decrease significantly.
So, give that down payment another look and think about what that can buy you in the area you're currently searching for a home.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
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Your side hustle paid off
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Side hustles are a great way to make extra money and have become a viable option for some people to boost their bank accounts.
Maybe you discovered your love for a hobby, and you've been able to monetize it, or you've decided to use your free time to pursue another way to make money outside of your 9-to-5 job.
Even a few extra dollars can help if you've been able to turn a profit with your side hustle, so focus on your side hustle's successes and what you can do to make your side hustle continue to work for you.
The labor market is strong
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Employers added 2.2 million jobs last year, indicating a strong job market. And the average hourly wage in the U.S. continues to go up for employees.
Those statistics could be good news for you if you're looking for a new job. You may be able to find something else with better pay or benefits as wages increase, and you won't have to worry about excessive competition with a low unemployment rate.
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Cancellation of some student debt
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The government has already forgiven $183.6 billion in student debt for more than five million borrowers.
So, check and see if you qualify for one of the loan forgiveness programs to help you clear off some debt.
You changed jobs
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There may have been a bit of an upheaval in your work life; maybe you changed jobs or perhaps even careers. But you wouldn't be alone.
One of the biggest reasons employees made a change was to increase pay. So while you may have been nervous about making a change, that switch to a new job could be paying off for you in your bank account.
Tackling your debt
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As your career outlook may have switched in the past few years, it may have helped you find or save some extra cash to put towards chances to crush your debt.
Consider the loan payments you may have paid in the past year that have gotten you closer to getting rid of that loan. And consider credit card debt that you may have been able to knock down recently as well.
Working from home helps you save
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You may have been able to save some extra cash if you've been working from home in recent years.
And while you may miss the office some days, it's also a good idea to check your bank account and see how the change in your work environment has helped you financially.
Sit down with your budget to see how much you may have been able to save by not spending money on gas or wear and tear on your car because of a commute. You also might want to factor in the cost of things like lunch or coffee that you've been able to save.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
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Bottom line
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Sometimes it may be frustrating to look at your financial portfolio and wonder if you're better off financially than you were a few months or a few years ago.
But there are surprising ways that you may have been able to save cash and keep your financial portfolio in check.
It's also a good idea to spend some time focusing on those positives as you continue to get ahead financially.
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