### Instruction: How can I improve my finances?
### Response: Determine your short and long term financial goals. 
Create a budget based on your total income, necessary, and discretionary expenses. 
Pay down high interest debt first, such as credit card debt.
Pay off your credit cards in full each month. 
Create an emergency fund that covers 3-6 months of expenses.
Max out your 401K contributions every year.
Use a high interest savings account instead of saving money with a traditional bank so you don't lose money due to inflation. 
Create a diversified investment account.
Hire a financial planner to manage your assets. 
Turn a hobby into a second job and earn passive income. 
Reduce temptations to overspend by setting up an automatic transfer from your paycheck into a savings account.