Five Things To Do Instead of Spending a Fortune on Super Bowl

The Patriots are going to the Super Bowl! But before you drop a minimum of $4,370 a ticket plus the cost of travel to Minneapolis, take a deep breath and consider your true priorities and long-term financial goals.

In the long run, you’ll be better off if you stay home to watch the big game on TV and follow these simple steps to get your finances in shape, according to Edythe DeMarco, a Merrill Lynch financial advisor based in Providence:

#1: Tackle Your Debt

· Owing money on credit cards, mortgages, vehicles and student loans is a fact of life for many Americans. Paying down your debt is a good idea. It could make matters worse if you spend thousands to attend a football game.

#2: Don’t Fumble Your Savings

· Pay yourself first by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account, or having some of your paycheck directly deposited into savings.

#3: Keep Track of Your Expenses

· If keeping track of you expenses seems difficult, technology can help. Mobile apps and online banking platforms can help you monitor your spending and identify areas where you need to cut back.

#4: Run Up the Score by Investing in Yourself

· Start saving for retirement as soon as possible, so your money has more time to run up the score and potentially grow. Think of it as investing in your future self.

#5: Know Where the Goalposts Are

· With the right planning and purpose, you can build lasting habits that guide positive changes in your financial life by knowing what your goals are, whether it's trying to create an emergency fund, save for retirement or pay for a child's college education.