Estimated Read Time: 2-3 minutes
Take these financial lessons to heart.
You have a chance to manage your money better than previous generations have. Some crucial financial steps may help you do just that.
Live below your means and refrain from living on margin.
How much do you save per month? Generations ago, Americans routinely saved 10% or more of what they made, either depositing those savings or investing them. This kind of thriftiness is still found elsewhere in the world. Today, the average euro area household saves more than 12% of its earnings, and the current personal savings rate in Mexico is 20.6%.1
In 1975, the U.S. personal savings rate hit an all-time peak of 17.0%; it has been below 4% since June. Easy credit is one culprit; the tendency to overspend in a strong economy is another. Remember to pay yourself first, not credit card companies. Collect experiences rather than possessions.1
Recognize that there is no “sure thing” investment.
Investors found that out in 2000 and 2007 when things shifted in the financial and housing markets. What returns 15-20% a year from now may not next year or three years on. Diversification matters: you never know what asset class might soar or plummet in the future, and allocating your assets across investments gives you the potential to reduce overall portfolio risk.
Plan for a 30+ year retirement.
According to Social Security estimates, the average 65-year-old man is currently projected to live until age 84, and the average 65-year-old woman, to age 87. With advances in health care, living to 95 may become the norm for the average 35-year-old.2
In today’s environment, it can be very beneficial to have a financial plan set in place for your family.
Plan for your retirement first, your children’s college education second.
Some baby boomers did the inverse, and some who did wonder if they made the right decision for their futures. College students can work and receive financial aid; for senior citizens, it is a different story. Students have time to catch up on their finances, but people in their late 40’s to early 60’s don’t have the luxury of time.
Invest in companies that align with your Christian values.
Generations ago, people didn’t have to think about companies violating their values. Fast forward to modern day investing, companies are profiting from things such as abortion. According to the CDC, the abortion industry has grown to hundreds of thousands of “procedures” annually. The scary thing for Christians is that doctors, facilities, pharmaceuticals and medical tool suppliers are all collecting their piece of revenue from these procedures.3
At Values First, we can help you avoid the money pitfalls of past generations by putting a plan together so you can feel better about your financial future. Contact Us today for more information about how we can help your family.
Citations.
1 – tradingeconomics.com/united-states/personal-savings [12/14/17]
2 – ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.html [12/14/17]
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.