In our previous blog we discussed the critical importance of Your Earning Power over the course of our life. What follows are some hints you may find helpful as you plan for a secure financial future…a future that enables you to live the way you choose to live.

• Pay Yourself First.  Put another way, spend less than you earn! 

• Develop and Stick to a Budget.  

• Become Financially Literate.  Knowledge is power!  While you don’t have to become a financial expert, you should develop an understanding of financial concepts.

• Establish and Monitor Financial Goals.  It’s not how much money you make…It’s what you do with the money you make!

• Build an Emergency Fund.  Plan for the unexpected!

• Distinguish Between Needs and Wants.  Learn to make trade-offs!

• Manage Debt.  Beware of credit card debt!

• Don’t Walk Away from Free Money.  Take full advantage of employee benefits!

• Set-Up an IRA.  A tax-advantaged way to save for retirement!

•  Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio.  Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

• Purchase Appropriate Insurance Coverage.  Turn uncertainty into certainty!

• Have a Will.  You need a will!