Editor’s Note: Financial consultant, Amber Stitt, is back with tips for consumers on how to plan for your family’s future.
Life isn’t always smooth sailing. For many of us, finding time to think about the future seems impossible when we’re short on time in the present. While it’s important to live in the moment, preparing early is essential to managing the unexpected – those curve balls life throws our way. When we’re consumed by our family, it’s easy to keep our focus firmly on the present.
But we should all prepare for what could happen – whether it’s medical or business barriers, or home difficulties. We need to plan before a situation presents itself. If something did happen, and we didn’t have a strategy in place, we would be asking ourselves, “What now?” The best approach is to answer, “What if?” while there is time to do something about it.
By taking a few small steps, you can secure your family’s future and ensure you have the contingencies in place to face future challenges. Here is a simple way to start.
Create a Family Budget
Every financial planner will tell you the same piece of advice: the key to economic security is create a budget. With a budget in place, you see what is coming in and what is going out.
Common items to include in a budget
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- Present spending and what that entails.
- An emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
- Savings or investments for the future.
- Specific savings goals you want to achieve.
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Choose the Right Insurance
Another critical step you can take to protect your family and future is finding an insurance tool or program that suits your unique requirements. Every family is different, so it’s essential to explore the options that fit your needs.
5 types of insurance the average family needs
Save or Invest
While saving or investing for the future seems like an obvious tip, it’s an easy one to forget when the everyday consumes you. Whether you’re saving for a home, college tuition, or your eventual retirement, it’s vital to be prepared for those future costs.
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- Set up a direct transfer for monthly saving contributions.
- Make savings non-negotiable when it comes to the budget.
- Look into investment options that fit your unique situations.
- Consult a financial planner for the best up-to-date advice.
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Remember, the best way to get in front of a situation is to prepare now for the unexpected. These small steps can help secure your and your family’s future.