Building wealth doesn't require luck—it requires good financial habits and smart planning. While it’s okay to explore and take risks in your 20s, by the time you reach your 40s, it’s important to start locking down smart money habits that support long-term success.

In this article, we’ll cover 8 essential habits that can help you stay financially stable and how title loans can be a helpful tool for navigating emergencies.

8 Best Must-Do Financial Habits

1. Tracking Your Spending

As financial habits go, this should be the first on your list. By your 40’s you should already know where your money is going each month. If you don’t, chances are your financial problems take root right there.

Take a good look at your bank transactions and figure out what you’ve got a grasp on and what you should take better control of.

2. Budgeting

No list about good financial habits is complete without this one – and for a good reason! Budgeting is the ultimate money management tool.

Anyone who wants to have a good grasp on their finances usually avoids large lifestyle spending and lives below their means. This allows you to build wealth as you continue budgeting a year after another.

These days a popular way to design the budget is to allocate 50% to your necessary expenses, 20% to savings, and 30% to everything else. This is a good strategy to start with. And you can adjust according to your needs in the future.

3. Meal Prepping

Another classic tip on the list of good financial habits is to do your own meal prepping. Food is often the biggest monthly expense for people after rent. So, start being smart with your groceries, cut down on takeout, and batch-cook to save time AND money.

4. Shopping With A List

Sticking to a shopping list while at a store (or on an e-commerce site) could save you from getting involved in too much impulse spending.

Impulse spending is enemy number 1 of your budget. You might think that an extra $5-$10 doesn’t count, but it could escalate and add up over time. Consider this an exercise in control.

5. Automating Monthly Savings

Making sure you keep some money for your savings is another popular piece of advice when it comes to building good financial habits. That 20% we talked about while budgeting? You can set up a savings account and put weekly or monthly automated transfer orders to have 20% of your paychecks automatically moved to this account every time you get your wage.

6. Maxing Out 401K

401K is the very least you can do for your long-term wealth-building plan. Especially if your employer meets your contributions.

In fact, you should be maxing out your retirement even if you are paying off the debt. Otherwise, you are just saying no to free money – which is certainly NOT on the list of good financial habits.

7. Investing

To elevate your long-term wealth-building strategy, you should start investing. If you’ve already saved up a decent amount for your emergency fund (it should cover around 6 months’ worth of your expenses), you can move some of the money you’re saving towards investments. 

8. Learning How to Utilize Debt

The attitude towards debt has become rather divisive in recent years. Some demonize debt, while others consider it to be mandatory if one wants to get ahead in life.

It’s neither. Debt can be a tool, especially if you know how to use it wisely. For example, title loans are a fast way to access cash when facing emergencies like medical bills or urgent repairs.

How Title Loans Support Financial Stability

If you own your vehicle outright, you may be eligible for a title loan. Title loans let you borrow money using your vehicle’s title as collateral—often with same-day cash. Whether you’re dealing with overdue bills or surprise expenses, a loan for your car title can be a quick financial solution.

What you need to apply for a title loan:

• A state-issued ID
• Your car and its lien-free title
• A short inspection by a loan rep

Learn more about how title loans work.

Bonus Tip: Use Title Loans Wisely

While auto title loans are helpful in emergencies, they should be used responsibly as part of a broader plan that includes strong financial habits. Always budget how you’ll repay the loan before applying.

How to Apply for Auto Title Loans Near Me

1. Get the required items – you’ll need a state-issued ID/driver’s license, your car, and the car’s lien-free title in your name.
2. Go to the Fast Auto Loans Inc. website and fill out the online form.
3. Wait for the loan representative to contact you with further instructions.
4. Take the required items to the meeting the loan representative sets up.
5. Let the loan representative assess everything to determine if you qualify for the loan.
6. Get approved, complete the paperwork, and get the cash on the next bank business day at the very latest.

Build Good Financial Habits and Plan for Emergencies

By building these good financial habits now, you’re setting yourself up for stability later in life. And if life throws something unexpected your way, Fast Auto Loans, Inc. is here to help you get a title loan quickly.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.