S.O.S for Your Family Finances

Protecting yourself and your loved ones is really what having a financial strategy is all about. A haphazard approach to saving and investing can leave you short of your goals, so consider what you can do to improve your chances of success.

Create a Savings Routine

It’s easy to find excuses for not putting money in a savings or investment account. But setting aside even a small amount every month can help you build savings to help you reach your goals. With automatic deposits, the money comes out of your paycheck before you receive it, reducing the temptation to spend instead of save.

Maintain an Emergency Fund

No matter what stage of life you’re in, having money set aside for unexpected expenses or a loss of income is essential. An emergency fund can prevent you from having to sell investments or dip into other savings in those situations. You’ll generally want to keep three-to-six months’ worth of expenses in an account you can easily access without penalty.

Define Short- and Long-term Goals

You’re more likely to save if you have specific goals, so think about what you’ll need money for in the future. If owning a home is in your plans, having a substantial down payment and a good credit standing can start you on your way to home ownership. Formalizing a college savings plan can help move you to reach that goal. But your biggest challenge may be to accumulate enough savings to fund your retirement. Contributions to an employer’s 401(k) plan or a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) potentially grow tax free until you withdraw the money in retirement.

Protect with Life Insurance

Life insurance can be an integral part of your financial strategy. Policy proceeds can help your family maintain its standard of living in the event of your death.*

Your financial professional can help you and your family prepare for a more secure financial future.

*Applications for life insurance are subject to underwriting and require paid premiums for coverage. Accessing cash values may reduce the death benefit and policy values, trigger tax consequences, surrender fees, and charges, and may require additional premium payments to maintain the contract. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuer.