Planning for a Secure Financial Future
Securing your financial future isn’t something to take lightly. Everyone should be taking the necessary steps to plan for retirement, pay for college for their children and be able to survive financially during uncertain economic times. Doing this requires an understanding of proper money management, investing, budgeting and more. Here are some tips and tools to help you ensure a secure financial future.
- Start Investing Early
One of the best ways to ensure financial security is to start investing as early as possible. Compounding growth, which is when you reinvest your earnings, can create greater returns. By starting early and investing regularly, you can also take advantage of dollar-cost averaging, which allows you to purchase more shares when the market is low and fewer when it’s higher. Consider talking to a financial adviser to determine the best investment approach for you.
- Create an Emergency Fund
An essential part of personal budgeting and money management is having an emergency fund. An emergency fund provides a cushion of money in case of a financial crisis or unexpected expense like an illness, job loss, home repair or other unexpected event. Many experts recommend having an emergency fund of three to six months of living expenses in an easily accessible savings account. Also, try to set aside extra money each month to contribute to the fund.
- Utilize Investment Automation
Investment automation is a powerful tool to help you invest on autopilot and reach your financial goals. With the help of a qualified financial planner or online investment platform, you can create a plan in minutes. With investment automation, you can set up contribution amounts, investment choices and investment timeline all with a few clicks. The best part is that it works kind of like clockwork – you can set it and forget it!
- Develop a Balanced Budget
Creating and sticking to a balanced budget can be one of the most beneficial habits you can form. By understanding where your money is going, you can create better spending and saving habits. Creating your own budget or using automated tools like Mint, Personal Capital or
YNAB, can help you identify where you may have overspent and where you could save more.
- Maximize Retirement Savings
Maximizing your retirement savings should be a top priority. Doing so requires smart saving and investing choices. Consider creating a retirement plan that takes into account your current savings, income, taxes and future needs. Research retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, Roth IRA’s, and 529 College Savings Plans to ensure that your funds will be as secure as possible. Also, make sure to contribute your full employer match to take advantage of extra savings.
- Have Life Insurance
Having life insurance is an important part of protecting your financial future. An adequate life insurance policy can make sure your family is taken care of financially in the event of your passing. Determine what kind of policy and coverage you need based on your age, income and dependents. Your financial planner or insurance agent can help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
- Eliminate Debts and Build Credit
Having little or no debt is one of the best ways to ensure a secure financial future. Get into the habit of making pay off debt a priority and if necessary, look into consolidating your debts. Then, build up good credit by making on-time payments, keeping balances low and limiting new credit applications. These habits will help you get a better interest rate when borrowing money in the future.
A secure financial future requires more than luck. Having a plan and using the right tips and tools are essential. Start by investing early and creating an emergency fund. Look into automation and budgeting apps to invest smartly and monitor your spending. Make sure to prioritize retirement savings, have adequate life insurance, eliminate debt and build credit. By following these tips and tools, you can ensure a secure financial future.
