By Krista McBeath, McBeath Financial Group
In the financial world, there are many rules about what you should be doing. In theory, they sound reasonable. In practice, it may not be easy, or even possible, to follow them. Let us look at some common financial maxims, and why it can be hard to implement them.
Build an emergency fund worth three to six months of living expenses
Wisdom: Set aside at least three to six months worth of living expenses in an emergency savings account, so your overall financial health does not take a hit when an unexpected need arises.
Problem: While you’re trying to save, other needs — both emergencies and non-emergencies — come up that may prevent you from adding to your emergency fund and even cause you to dip into it, resulting in an even greater shortfall. Getting back on track might require many months or years of dedicated contributions, leading you to decrease or possibly stop your contributions to other important goals such as college, retirement, or a down payment on a house.
One solution: Do not put your overall financial life completely on hold, trying to hit the high end of the three to six months target. By all means, create an emergency fund, but if after a year or two of diligent saving, you’ve amassed only two to three months of reserves, consider that a good base. Contribute to your long-term financial health instead, adding small amounts to your emergency fund when possible. Of course, it depends on your own situation.
Start saving for retirement in your 20s
Wisdom: Start saving for retirement when you are young because time is one of the best advantages when it comes to amassing a nest egg. This is the result of compounding, which is when your retirement contributions earn investment returns, and then those returns produce earnings themselves.
Problem: How many 20-somethings have the financial wherewithal to save earnestly for retirement? Student debt is at record levels, and young adults typically need to budget for rent, food, transportation, monthly utilities, and cell phone bills, all while trying to contribute to an emergency fund and a down-payment fund.
One solution: Track your monthly income and expenses on a regular basis to see where your money is going. Establish a budget and try to live within your means, or better yet, below your means. Then focus on putting money aside in your workplace retirement plan. Start by contributing a small percentage of your pay, say three percent, to get into the retirement savings habit. Once you’ve adjusted to a lower take-home amount in your paycheck, consider upping your contribution little by little, such as once a year or whenever you get a raise.
Start saving for college as soon as your child is born
Wisdom: Benjamin Franklin famously said there is nothing certain in life except death and taxes. To this, parents might add college costs that increase every year without fail, no matter what the overall economy is doing. As a result, new parents are often advised to start saving for college right away.
Problem: New parents often face many other financial burdens that come with having a baby; for example, increased medical expenses, baby-related costs, day-care costs, and a reduction in household income as a result of one parent possibly cutting back on work or leaving the workforce altogether.
One solution: Open a savings account and set up automatic monthly contributions in a small, manageable amount — for example, $25 or $50 per month — and add to it when you can. When grandparents and extended family ask what they can give your child for birthdays and holidays, you’ll have a suggestion.
Subtract your age from 100 to determine your stock percentage
Wisdom: Subtract your age from 100 to determine the percentage of your portfolio that should be in stocks. For example, a 45-year-old would have 55 percent of his or her portfolio in stocks, with the remainder in bonds and cash.
Problem: A one-size-fits-all rule may not be appropriate for everyone. On the one hand, today’s longer life expectancies make a case for holding even more stocks in your portfolio for their growth potential, and subtracting your age from, say, 120. On the other hand, considering the risks associated with stocks, some investors may not feel comfortable subtracting their age even from 80 to determine the percentage of stocks.
One solution: Focus on your own tolerance for risk while also being mindful of inflation. Consider looking at the historical performance of different asset classes. Can you sleep at night with the investments you’ve chosen? Your own peace of mind trumps any financial rule.
Krista McBeath is the founder and president of McBeath Financial Group in Normal. The firm covers all areas of financial management, specializing in retirement and financial planning solutions. For more information, you may call 309-808-2224, email krista@mcbeathfinancial.com, or visit their website McBeathFinancialGroup.com
Fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services are offered by McBeath Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor in the State of Illinois. Tax preparation and insurance products are offered through McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC. McBeath Financial Group and McBeath Tax and Financial Services, LLC.