It’s that time of the year again! Fans all across the nation begin drafting their brackets for the highly-anticipated college basketball tournament. With glory on the line and ambition in the air, there’s no better time to channel your energy into defeating debt. In celebration of the games, Heights Finance has prepared an interactive challenge to help you narrow down your top priorities for 2022.

You Could Win a $500 Amazon.com Gift Card^*

1. Download the bracket below .
2. Follow Heights Finance on Facebook and like our post about this challenge.
3. Fill out and post your bracket on social media with #SlamDunkYourDebt and don’t forget to tag @HeightsFinance
4. We’ll pick one random winner at the end of March.

Which Financial Goal is Most Important to You?

Within your bracket, you’ll see 4 different sections with 2 goals each. First, determine which goal is most important in each section to create your final 4. Then decide which goals win through to the championship match. Finally, select the one goal to be your immediate priority for the future. By putting these goals up against each other, you’ll see which one deserves more of your focus. Use this opportunity to set your plan for 2022. Put the winning goal at the top of your list, followed by the runner up and then the final four. Below, we’ve highlighted each goal to give you more context for the big decisions ahead.

Set up Autopay

Chances are that you have expenses coming from many directions. With this chaos, it can be difficult to keep track of your phone bill, rent, car insurance, loans and more. However, keeping tabs on your expenses doesn’t have to drain your energy. By taking advantage of autopay, your recurring bills will automatically be deducted from your account. If you have a loan with Heights, setting up autopay is easy and only takes a moment. This simple tool will reduce pre-game jitters and may even raise your credit score.

Consolidate Your Bills

Next, we have debt consolidation. This easy, yet powerful tool allows you to combine all your various debts into a single financial loan. By zeroing out all your balances, you only have a single loan to worry about. At Heights Finance, we take pride in working with our customers to achieve their goals. Our debt consolidation loans allow you to do just that. Stop by or call your nearest Heights branch today to learn more.

Carpool & Public Transport

It’s no secret that teamwork makes the dream work. So, when you hit the road solo, your car can drive up exorbitant expenses. You have to pay for gas, insurance, maintenance and more. However, by carpooling or using public transportation you could cut your expenses substantially. By traveling through other modes of transportation, you can direct some expenses towards another one of your long-term goals.

Eat Out Less

Expenses can add up in the blink of an eye when you don’t cook at home. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household dishes out $3,000 annually when dining out. At first glance, cooking may seem daunting. You need to buy ingredients and kitchen tools. However, the average meal made at home is significantly less expensive, especially if you make enough to have leftovers. This extra money could help you pay off debt, contribute to savings and conquer any other financial goals you may have.

Contribute to a 401K

Not every shot has to be a lay-up. It’s important to think of the long game too. That’s why a 401K retirement savings account is highly recommended, offering a way for you to stash money away for the future. Some employers will even offer to match a certain amount that you contribute. However, if your employer doesn’t offer a 401K, there are plenty of ways to save for retirement on your own such as utilizing an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you decide to go this direction, it’s important to look for an account that doesn’t require a minimum deposit, allows an array of investment options and offers commission-free trading.

Start a College Fund

If you’ve already hit some of your other goals, creating a college fund for your kids can intercept some of their future worries. There are popular accounts that offer tax advantages, such as 529 Plans. Some states even offer additional benefits if you contribute to a 529 Plan. Just make sure that you don’t use this money for non-qualified expenses or you may be penalized.

Track Your Credit

Just like in basketball, taking time to create a game plan pays off. By monitoring your credit report and visualizing your overall health, you’re able to prioritize all your payments. While your credit score provides a simple number, your credit report will list your full history. If you notice an error, you can even dispute it with a credit bureau to potentially raise your score. Every year, you’re entitled to one free check from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Set a Monthly Budget

Establishing a plan for your money will help prioritize your expenses so you can live a less stressful life. When you take the time to organize a system, you’re never left wondering where your money disappeared to. Whether you work best on a spreadsheet, putting pen to paper or using an app, there is no right or wrong way to conquer this goal. As long as you track your transactions, you’ll come out as a winner.

Alleyoop Your Accomplishments with Heights

We understand that working towards your financial goals is not an easy task. Just like basketball, it requires motivation, discipline and new habits. However, hard work always pays off. By putting in the work now, you’ll reap huge rewards in the future. As always, our team members at Heights Finances are here to help you become your personal champion. If you have any questions about your goals, our loans or the competition, give us a call or stop by your local branch. After all, we’re your number one fan!

^*No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years or older and a legal resident of a state Heights Finance operates in to enter. Sweepstakes runs from 3/1 and ends 3/31 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be notified by direct message. Limit one (1) entry per unique social media handle and person. Winner gives Heights Finance permission to use their entry for future marketing purposes. Participating in this sweepstakes is considered a complete release of Instagram, Facebook and Amazon.com by each participant and Heights Finance. This is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, Facebook or Amazon.com.