A hand drops a coin into a piggy bank, illustrating how the habit of saving can help you master your money.

Nine Ways to Master Your Money

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1. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

Saving tends to be easier when you have a certain purpose in mind: Saving for your first house, your retirement at a certain age, a child’s college education, or even a trip around the world. The important thing is for your goals to be specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound, or SMART. 

 

To develop a sound plan, these goals must have both a time frame and a dollar amount that is MEASURABLE. Once you have listed and quantified your goals, you need to prioritize them. You may find, for example, that saving for a new home is more important than buying a new car. 

 

Whatever your objective, be SPECIFIC. Figure out how many weeks or months there are between now and when you want to reach your target. Divide the estimated cost by the number of weeks or months to make it ACTIONABLE. That’s how much you’ll need to save each week or month to have enough money set aside. Ask yourself, is this REALISTIC? Remember, a goal is a dream with a deadline.

2. Pay yourself first

Save and invest 5-10% of your gross annual income. Of course, this can be much harder than it sounds. If you’re currently living from paycheck to paycheck without any real opportunity to get ahead, begin by creating a solid spending plan after tracking all monthly expenses. 

Once you figure out how you can control your discretionary spending, you can then redirect the money into a savings account. For many people, a good way to start saving regularly is to have a small amount transferred automatically from their paycheck to a savings account or mutual fund. The idea: If you don’t see it, you don’t miss it. 

3. Maintain an emergency fund

Before you commit your newfound savings to volatile and hard-to-reach investments, make sure you have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency fund to see yourself through difficult times. Keeping it liquid will ensure that you don’t have to sell investments when their prices are down, and guarantee that you can always get to your money quickly. 

 

If you have trouble deciding how much you need to keep on hand, begin by considering the standard expenses you have in a month, and then estimate all the expenses you might have in the future (possible insurance deductibles and other emergencies). Generally, if you spend a larger portion of your income on discretionary expenses that you could cut easily in a financial crisis, the less money you need to keep on hand in your emergency account. If you have dependents, you’d want to keep more money in your emergency fund to offset the greater risk. 

4. Pay off your credit card debt

If you’re trying to save while carrying a large credit card balance at, say, 19.8%, realize that paying off the debt is a guaranteed return of nearly 20% per year. Once you pay off your credit cards, use them only for convenience, and pay off the balance each month. If you tend to run up credit card charges, get rid of the credit card and go back to using cash, checks and a debit card. 

5. Insure your family adequately

A major lawsuit, unexpected illness, or accident can be financially devastating if you lack proper insurance. The key to insurance is to cover only financial losses so large that you could not cope with them and remain financially fit (known as the law of large numbers). If someone is dependent on your income, you need adequate life insurance. Long-term disability coverage is important as long as you need employment income. Also, be sure to carry adequate liability coverage on your home and auto policies. 

 

To save on annual premiums, it might be feasible for you to raise your insurance deductible, or eliminate dual coverage. And whenever purchasing insurance – life, home, disability, or auto – be sure to shop around, and buy only from a reputable firm. 

6. Buy a home

According to the US census, since 1968, the median price of new single-family homes has gone up almost tenfold; many houses still appreciate at a rate of 6% to 8% annually. Further, home ownership entitles you to major tax breaks. Interest on first and second home mortgages is fully deductible, meaning Uncle Sam helps subsidize your property investment. Additionally, the equity in your home can be a great source of retirement income. 

 

Through a reverse mortgage, homeowners can access the equity in their home without having to sell, and have the option of receiving monthly income for life (or chosen term) or opening up a credit line against the home’s value.

7. Take advantage of tax-deferred investments

If your employer has a tax-deferred investment plan like a 401(k) or 403(b), use it. Often, employers will match your investment. Even if they don’t, no taxes are due on your contributions or earnings until you retire and begin withdrawing the funds. Tax-deferred savings means that your investments can grow much faster than they would otherwise. The same is true of IRAs, although the maximum amount you can invest annually in an IRA is substantially less than what you can put in a 401(k) or 403(b). 

8. Diversify your investments

When it comes to managing risk to maximize your return, it pays to diversify. First you need to diversify among the three major asset classes: cash, stocks and bonds. Once you have decided on an allocation strategy among these three investment classes, it is important to diversify within each asset. This means buying multiple stocks within a variety of industries and holding bonds of varying maturities. Simply put, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Also, don’t make the mistake of putting most or all of your money in “safe” investments like savings accounts, CDs and money market funds. Over the long haul, inflation and taxes will devour the purchasing power of your money in these “safe havens."

 

All investments involve some trade-off between risk and return. Diversification reduces unnecessary risk by spreading your money among a variety of investments. Aside from diversification, the single most effective strategy is to invest continuously over time, with a long-term perspective. 

9. Write a will

The simplest way to ensure that your funds, property and personal effects will be distributed according to your wishes is to prepare a will. A will is a legal document that ensures that your assets will be given to family members or other beneficiaries you designate. Having a will is especially important if you have young children because it gives you the opportunity to designate a guardian for them in the event of your death. Although wills are simple to create, about half of all Americans die intestate, or without a will. With no will to indicate your wishes, the court steps in and distributes your property according to the laws of your state. If you have no apparent heirs and die without a will, it’s even possible that the state may claim your estate. 

 

To begin, take an inventory of your assets, outline your objectives and determine to which friends and family you wish to pass your belongings to. Then, when drafting a will, be sure to include the following: name a guardian for your children, name an executor, specify an alternate beneficiary and use a residuary clause which typically reads “I give the remainder of my estate to …” Once your will is drafted, you won’t have to think about it again unless your wishes or your financial situation changes substantially. 

 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors for advice. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA. 

Article Credit: BALANCE 

Three stacks of coins of increasing height, topped with a bit of soil and small plant sprouts growing from them, to represent building wealth.

Daily Habits That Make Building Wealth Easier

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It is easy to think of wealth as something that happens overnight. The media often emphasizes rags to riches stories, forgetting how rare those scenarios are. News sites share stories of happy lottery winners, reports that overlook the enormous odds ticket buyers face.

 

Given these misperceptions, it is easy to see why so many people haven’t taken the steps that could help them achieve their financial goals. Goals that may seem unattainable. With discipline and hard work, building wealth is possible. Here are a few strategies and everyday habits that can make wealth building easier.

Pay yourself first

Pay yourself first, or “PYF,” is perhaps the most effective wealth-building habit and one of the easiest to implement. With this simple strategy, you direct part of every paycheck to a savings account, mutual fund, or other investment vehicle, forcing yourself to live on less than you make.

Know how much is in your accounts

There is a reason why financial institutions make so much money on overdraft fees. A shocking number of account holders have no idea how much money is in their account. As a result, they are blindsided when writing a check or withdrawing cash from an ATM sends their balances negative. Knowing how much is in the account is an essential first step toward controlling unexpected costs and taking control of your finances.

Prioritize fee reduction and demand real value for your money

Those who manage to build wealth know that prioritizing fee reduction is a vital first step and that every dollar not spent on management costs is one more dollar that can be invested. The wealthy, and those on their way, always demand value for the money they spend on their investments.

Deposit (or invest) raises, bonuses, and other found money

If you want to build wealth, start by putting bonuses and other found money in a savings account or investing the cash in a mutual fund or other low-cost investment. When wealth builders get extra money, they avoid lifestyle inflation, opting instead to beef up their savings and investment accounts.

Take advantage of tax savings

From 401(k) contributions to IRA accounts to health savings accounts, some types of investments have a double and even triple advantage. One of the most effective ways to build wealth is to prioritize investments that offer tax savings and the promise of tax-free withdrawals. Consult a tax advisor to determine the best strategies for your situation.

Develop multiple streams of income

One of the fastest ways to build wealth is to bring in extra money, which starts with developing multiple income streams. That could be a side hustle, a home-based business, or even rental real estate. The idea is to generate extra cash, money that can be saved and invested.

Save on everyday purchases

People who are successful at building wealth look for ways to save money on everyday purchases. These people choose generic and store-brand products when they go grocery shopping. You might even see them scanning the racks of the local thrift store for gently worn designer duds and used but still pristine furniture and home décor.

Take the long view

Building wealth will be a slow and steady process unless you are the one in several million who buys that winning lottery ticket. If you want to succeed, it pays to adopt the long view, saving consistently, taking calculated risks, and tracking your progress over time.

Conduct an annual financial review

Successful wealth builders know where they stand and where they are going. So they conduct annual reviews of their finances, including emergency savings, investments, insurance, and all other expenses.

 

Building wealth is not an easy process; in many cases, it is not fast either. If you want to build wealth for the long term, start today, and adopt these smart habits that can help you succeed. The strategies listed above can help you get started, one dollar, and one day, at a time.

 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors for advice. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article Credit: BALANCE

An image illustrating building financial security for retirement - two wooden figurines representing an older couple stand next to a piggy bank.

10 Tips for Financial Security After You Retire

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Not that long ago, people looked forward to retirement as a time of relaxation and leisure when one might travel the world or take up a new hobby. Increasingly, however, people preparing to retire are doing the math and realizing that the future doesn’t look so bright financially.

 

The following 10 guidelines will help you enjoy a more comfortable retirement even in an uncertain economy.

1. Have a Plan But Stay Flexible

Retiring successfully takes planning. Take an honest inventory of your assets, savings, investments, and set some goals for your retirement. Consider what you’d like to be doing, where you’d like to live, who you want to be near, and what kind of lifestyle you prefer.

 

While you need a plan you also need to be flexible and open to unexpected changes. Keep yourself informed about the latest developments in areas such as the cost of living, tax laws, investments, real estate trends, and other areas that are likely to have an impact on your life.

2. Watch Your Spending

Overspending is a common mistake for many retirees. The paradox about not working is that you have less money coming in but more time to spend your money. It’s natural to want to fill up all your free time with eating out, shopping, traveling, and other leisurely pursuits. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it. You don’t have to cut out all entertainment and treats. However, make sure you don’t spend beyond your means.

3. Find New Sources of Income

It’s an unfortunate fact that people in the United States and many other countries are postponing retirement because they can’t afford to stop working. Some employees, meanwhile, are forced into retirement. There are, however, alternatives besides working full-time and complete retirement. Here are a few possibilities.

 

Get a part-time job. This can actually be good to keep you active as well earning money.

 

Start a business. There are many businesses you can start from home, from selling items on Amazon or eBay to providing freelance services.

 

Make money from your property. If you have extra space, you might rent out a room or set up an Airbnb.

4. Get Out of Debt

Reducing or eliminating debt is one of the best ways to improve your financial situation. Debts are especially draining after you retire. Do whatever you can to cut down on what you owe, especially high-interest debts such as credit cards.

 

Paying off debt provides two main benefits. On the one hand, it reduces the burden of making high payments when your income may be decreasing. Additionally, you have a chance to improve your credit score which is useful if you want to apply for a mortgage, business loan, or another type of loan in the future.

5. Don’t Touch Your Retirement Account Early

Withdrawing money from your retirement account early may be tempting but it’s seldom a financially wise decision. You also incur tax penalties if you take money out of an IRA or 401K before retirement age (currently 59.5). If you’re thinking about raiding your retirement account, make this an absolute last resort. You’ll be glad you held out a few years from now.

6. Downsize Your Lifestyle

For most people, mortgage, rent, utilities, and other home-related costs are their costliest expenses. Consider how much space you need and whether it might be practical to downsize. If you have your own home, you could sell it and buy a smaller one or relocate to an area with a lower cost of living. Renting or moving to a condo helps you cut down on home maintenance costs. An extreme way to reduce your cost of living is to retire to a country with very cheap living expenses such as Ecuador or Panama.

 

There are other ways to downsize and simplify your lifestyle aside from housing. Consider moving to a location where you don’t need a car. With ride-sharing services and short-term rental options, more people are finding that owning a vehicle is an unnecessary expense.

7. Take Care of Your Health

Medical expenses are one of the biggest reasons people fall into financial difficulties later in life. Aside from getting regular checkups, pay attention to your habits and lifestyle. If you smoke, drink heavily, use drugs, or don’t exercise, consider transforming your lifestyle.

 

Bad habits tend to catch up with you when you can least afford it. Eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances will cause you to feel better while also saving you money on health care costs. You can also manage health expenses by researching the most advantageous health insurance options.

8. Invest Wisely

It’s never too late to start investing or to improve your investing strategy. As a general rule, you should invest more conservatively as you approach retirement.

 

Diversifying your holdings is the best strategy. Spreading investments between small and large-cap stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate trusts increases your chances of reaping steady returns. An annuity can provide you with predictable payouts after you retire. If you need help, consult with a CPA or investment counselor.

 

The other side of the coin is to be wary of dubious investments. Older people are often targeted by scam artists selling fraudulent “investments.” Even legitimate investments that are highly speculative such as futures, Forex, cryptocurrency, and others carry significant risks. Make sure the bulk of your holdings are in more stable assets before you start speculating.

9. Don’t Be Overly Generous

Many older adults are victims of their own generosity. As younger people face rising housing and education costs, they sometimes turn to their parents and grandparents for help. While it’s great to help your kids buy a home or pay for your grandchildren’s college tuition, make sure you don’t overextend yourself. Before you give away large sums, look into the future and ask yourself how this will impact you 5 or 10 years from now. Sometimes you just have to say “no” even if it’s painful.

10. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts

There are many financial advantages to being a senior (though the exact definition differs depending on the situation; it may be 55, 60, 62, or 65). If you’re not a member of AARP, join now and learn about more benefits. Your local public library is also another good place to learn about programs. Before spending money on anything, from healthcare to travel to transportation, find out if you can get a discount based on your age.

 

These are some ways to help you manage your finances when you retire and even before. It’s important to look at your situation and devise a workable strategy. People get into trouble when they live day-to-day and ignore impending problems.

 


This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors for advice. Membership required. SRP is federally insured by NCUA.

Article credit: BALANCE