Live
Debt-free
The best way to save is by reducing and then eliminating debt. Once you’ve started reducing the portion of your income that goes to pay off debt, you’ll find it’s like getting a whole new income. If you want to build a nest egg, take the money you get back from paying off a debt and apply it to a savings plan to start building up your wealth.
Spend Less
To Live More
You know how to make the most out of your money by reducing your expenses. Your motto is “If I sacrifice a few things now, I’ll be able to live the life I want when I finally retire.” But what are you choosing to sacrifice? Here’s an idea. Scan your credit card statements for subscriptions that you don't really use. There are even some great apps out there that will do the work for you like Asktrim and Truebill. Saving the money that goes into a monthly subscription can be a lot of help.
Stay Away From Your Retirement Fund
It’s tempting to dip into those funds when you’re in deep waters or want to splurge a little, but this can easily become a habit that’s hard to kick and has real tax consequences. Keep your retirement intact, and set up an emergency fund instead. Adding just $10 to $25 a month to an emergency fund will add up quickly, and give you a guilt-free place to go for emergencies or the occasional splurge. Automate your emergency fund and you’ll even be able to replenish it in no time.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOU
1. Too Little or Too Much?
Starting and maintaining a nest egg can be stressful. How do you know how much to save?
Look at your annual income and target saving 15% each year while you are in your earning years. If 15% is too difficult, make it 10%. But no matter what you decide, your savings should be automatic, and you should increase the percentage you save each year. If you get a raise, save it!
If you have an employer that matches any part of your retirement savings, max that out! It’s free money! For example, if your employer will match 100% of your contribution up to 5% of your salary…..then contribute at least 5% because you’re effectively getting a 100% return on that investment.
2. Adjust Your Mindset
If you don't have “enough” money, it might be time to revisit how you think about money.
Pay your future self first, by giving your money direction. In other words, have a plan for your money: figure out what you need to pay your essential bills, and then PLAN to put the rest to work for your future self.
Change your money story. For most people, the way you think about money came directly from your parents. Did you ever hear “money doesn't grow on trees?” What else did you hear? Recognize that your beliefs about money probably came from someone else and then decide if you really want those beliefs to be your own.
Adopt an abundance mindset. Money is made. It’s just printed paper. It had no direct ties to gold, and in fact, no currency in the world is backed by gold anymore. That’s great news! It means that there’s no reason to think there’s any limit to the money you can have, and no amount of money that one person has can keep you from having as much or more.
3. Smart Investments
Adapt an investment mindset.
The wealthy have one thing in common- they invest. Most of the wealthy did not inherit their money – they started out with whatever they had. If you’re looking to invest, you’re probably overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. Where do you even start? Start with educating yourself, and then take an action, no matter how small.
Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors, LLC (“HH”) is an SEC registered investment adviser located in Long Beach, California. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Additional information about HH, including our registration status, fees, and services can be found at www.halberthargrove.com. The above is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. The views contained herein are not to be taken as advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any investment. The information provided does not constitute any legal, tax or accounting advice. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant. This material should not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or products mentioned herein. In addition, the Investor should make an independent assessment of the legal, regulatory, tax, credit, and accounting and determine, together with their own professional advisers, if any of the investments mentioned herein are suitable to their personal goals. Investors should ensure that they obtain all available relevant information before making any investment. It should be noted that the value of investments and the income from them may fluctuate in accordance with market conditions and taxation agreements and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Both past performance and yield may not be a reliable guide to future performance.