Entering the world of adult finance is hard. This will help. [Read more…]
Financial Literacy Tips for the “Seasoned” Crowd
Even those who are money-savvy need timely reminders about maintaining great financial health.<!–more–>
The stereotype of clueless retirees confused by the world around is officially dead. Today’s grandparents are pros at using FaceTime to talk to their grandkids. They connect with old classmates and friends on Facebook and even use robo-advisor technology to invest some of their money.
And yet, financial matters can be complicated. From Social Security decisions to avoiding scams, even the savvy crowd needs just-in-time reminders!
Social Security: Get the Timing Right
Most people believe that you should press “start” on your Social Security benefits at 65 years old. While the specifics of what’s considered “full retirement age” vary between 65 and 67, retirees have the option of starting their benefits early or waiting longer. Opting for earlier benefits will reduce the monthly payment amount, while waiting longer (up to 70 years old) will increase it. There are pros and cons to both scenarios, so work with a trusted financial planner to understand your options.
Be Careful with Debt
College students aren’t the only ones who can get into trouble with debt! As you age, your chances of needing to cover medical expenses increase. If you live in an older home, it’s more likely to need repairs and maintenance. Credit cards and loans may seem like reasonable sources of cash when you need it, but you must be careful with debt. Recent studies have shown an increase in bankruptcies for the 65 plus demographic, with credit card interest and fees being the most frequently cited reason for the filing. So, do your due diligence before applying for a credit card or a loan. Take care to pay your bills on time, carry minimal to no credit balance, and guard your credit rating.
Don’t Talk to Strangers
OK, maybe some strangers aren’t so bad. However, stay away from those who try to get too close to you too quickly. They may not be who they say they are. If someone offers to get you in on an amazing investment that’s guaranteed to double your money in just 3 months, be on guard. Any offer that sounds too good to be true, comes with sales pressure, or forces you to sign something right now or forever miss out on the opportunity is a red flag.
Manage Your Budget
The tricky part of arriving at a certain age is that you don’t have as many decades ahead of you to fix mistakes. You may not be able to control the stock market or the interest rates, but you would do well by actively managing things that are within your control. Budgeting is a big part of accomplishing that. Know where your money is coming from and where it’s going. Maintain an emergency savings account to use as a safety net in the event of unexpected expenses. Finally, evaluate your own financial stability before offering your resources to someone else (like helping your son or daughter make this month’s car payment).
Check Your Investments
This is a step that is best done with a trusted financial advisor. Take time to review your investment choices and make sure that their risk is still appropriate for your life situation. Markets can be unpredictable, and the timing of the next downturn may well coincide with then you need the money. This does not necessarily mean that you should not be invested – just that your portfolio should be the right match for you today.
Financial Self-Defense for the Seasoned Crowd
Overall, smart money decisions at any age are about balancing common sense with good advice. Make sure that you have assembled a trusted team of professionals that you feel comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and ask for explanations: you are capable of have a good grasp on your financial situation.
Finally, if you are looking for a resource on financial literacy, the Certified Financial Planning Board has published a great one! Financial Self-Defense for Seniors comes loaded with helpful explanations and practical advice.
Image credit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/expat-health/11425012/How-to-make-your-health-insurance-work-for-you.html
Life Planning 101: How should you use credit cards?
Credit cards are a financial item that can be helpful, if managed the right way. So how do you use credit cards without derailing your long-term financial future? [Read more…]
The Ugly Truth About Women and Financial Security
As many of us are putting the final touches on festive holiday wish lists, let’s spend a few minutes on a topic that is on top of a less-desirable list: those who are less likely to experience financial security in retirement. [Read more…]
10 Questions to Test Your Financial Literacy
The United States is the land of entrepreneurs, millionaires and… poor financial literacy? Read on to test your knowledge! [Read more…]
5 Good Signs for Early Retirement
Holiday break got you thinking about early retirement? Read on for five signs that you might be ready! [Read more…]
3 signs that you are likely to build wealth in your lifetime
What determines whether someone will build up wealth during his or her lifetime? No, it isn’t high salary alone. Read on to find out if you already have what it takes! [Read more…]
Bad Financial Advice: Should I take advantage of special promotional rates on purchases?
Service providers, like cable television and cell phones, love to entice customers with shiny promotional rates to get you signed up – but those rates don’t last, and you end up falling victim to higher rates and a contract from hell. But is there a silver lining? Should you take these ultra-low promo rates to save some cash?why it’s important to get the facts on special promotional rates for products and services. With peak shopping season in full force, you’re going to spot more than your fair share of promo rates. Which ones are worth it? Which ones should you avoid? That’s a topic for an entirely different video… But I will say, read the fine print!
Many promotional rates are designed to give you unbelievable pricing for a set period of time, at which point your rate goes up, you’re locked in and it’s hard to wriggle yourself free. But there’s a trick to all of this…
First decide if you really need XYZ service. Is it essential? Is it something you need to buy or subscribe to now? If so, keep reading. If not, walk away — and save yourself!
If the product or service is something you do, indeed, need, I want you to scout out the expiration date written into the fine print of whatever agreement you’ll inevitably be signing. Take that date and mark it on your calendar. This is the date you’ll either choose to cancel the service agreement – or make a phone call to re-negotiate the terms of this agreement. Most providers bank on the fact you’ll forget about this expiration date and deal with the higher rates… But no, not you – you have Tracy Stewart as your money lady!
Financial independence is unbelievably liberating. There’s a lot of shiny things out there that will try to sneak away with your wealth – but if you stay vigilant, keep yourself educated and have a professional at your side, you’ll keep that wealth well into your many tomorrows.
Remember: You can subscribe to my YouTube channel for even more advice on making the most of your money and life each and every day on the next episode of Your Money Minute!
Bad Financial Advice: Skip Contributing to Retirement Savings to Save Money
I talk a lot about saving for retirement – because it’s one of the single-most important things you can do with your money throughout your life. But saving takes money — so could you save a little cash now by avoiding contributions toward your 401(k)? [Read more…]
Bad Financial Advice: Avoiding Your Doctor to Save Money
Getting older means a trip to the doctor or dentist is often accompanied by a bit more poking and prodding… Who wants that, right? So would avoiding the doctor and other healthcare providers help you save money? [Read more…]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 5
- Next Page »