Financial Planning 101

FINANCIAL PLANNING 101
Nine Essential Tips for a Bright Financial Future

1. See a lawyer and make a Will. If you have a Will make sure it is current and valid in your home state. Make sure that you and your spouse have reviewed each other’s Will – ensuring that both of your wishes will be carried out. Provide for guardianship of minor children, and education and maintenance trusts.
2. Pay off your credit cards. Forty percent of Americans carry an account balance – not good. Create a systematic plan to pay down balances. Don’t fall into the “0% balance transfer game” as it will hurt your FICO score. Credit scores matter not only to credit card companies but to insurance companies as well; you can avoid an unpleasant increase in your insurance rates by managing your credit wisely.
3. Buy term life insurance equal to 6-8 times your annual income. Most consumers don't need a permanent policy (such as whole life or universal life). Also consider purchasing disability insurance; think of it as “paycheck insurance.” Stay-at-home spouses need life insurance, too! Note: Each family’s needs are different. Some families have a need for other kinds of life insurance, so you should review your situation carefully with an insurance professional or two before making decisions in this area.
4. Build a 3 to 6 month emergency fund. Establish a home equity line of credit before you need it – this can take the place of part of your emergency fund.
5. Don't count on social security! Fund your IRA each and every year. If you don’t fund it annually, you lose the opportunity. Fund a Roth IRA over a traditional IRA if you qualify.
6. If offered, contribute to your 401(k), 403(b) or other employer-sponsored saving plan. Use your company's flex spending plan to leverage tax advantages. If you don’t use your flex plan or fund your retirement plan annually, you lose the opportunity – and the tax advantages – for that year.
7. Buy a home if you can afford it. Maintain it properly. Build equity in your property. You’ll have much more to show for your money spent than a box full of rental receipts!
8. Use broad market stock index funds and direct purchase government bonds to reduce risk, minimize costs and diversify your portfolio. If you have limited options, for example in your 401(k) plan, make sure that you diversify across a broad spectrum of options. Don’t over-weight in any one security, especially your employer’s stock – remember ENRON?If you are unsure about your financial affairs or you have financial goals such as retirement planning, college funding, business succession or estate planning that you'd like help achieving, call Blankenship Financial Planning at 217/488-6473 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation “Get Acquainted” meeting to discuss your situation.