(COLORADO SPRINGS) — July is a time to celebrate independence, and Bree Shellito, Director of Financial Well-Being at Ent Credit Union, joined FOX21 Morning News on Thursday, July 10, to share some tips on how to achieve financial independence.
Shellito said now is a good time to check in on your budget and make sure it’s working for you. Below are her tips for success.
Pause, Reflect & Re-Assess
Have your priorities shifted since January?
Take a quick glance at your spending: What felt worth it? What worked? What flopped?
No shame, just insight
Revisit Subscriptions & Habits
Time for a good summer declutter – digitally and financially
Are you still watching all those streaming platforms?
Got a mystery $9.99 charge for an app you forgot existed?
Cut what you don’t use. Keep what brings you joy. Make your money work for you, not just sneak off quietly each month.
Set a Mini Goal (or Two)
Start small, aim for doable goals
Save $100 toward your emergency fund
Make a plan to pay off one credit card
Open a high-yield savings account and give it a name that inspires, like “Future me fund” or “Jet Set jar”
Bonus points for budgeting now for upcoming BBQs, road trips, and back-to-school shopping
Celebrate Progress (and reset without guilt)
Progress counts—even if it’s small!
Make it fun: paper chains, sticker charts, coloring trackers
Whether you crushed your first-half goals or got a little off track, now is the time to reset with grace
Financial wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress
