What are Common Financial Pitfalls?
Have your question answered on the Money Wisdom Question Series!
Today’s question is: What are common financial pitfalls? There are several different pitfalls or errors individuals might encounter in their financial life.
Ensure Adequate Life or Disability Insurance Coverage
One of those things is not having enough life or even disability insurance coverage. This is very important, particularly for younger individuals who are raising a family, managing mortgage payments, aiming for future financial goals, and supporting dependents through their capacity to work and generate income.
If you’re disabled or you pass away, you’re no longer able to generate income, so it’s very important for younger families to have ample disability and life insurance coverage.
Saving Sufficiently for Retirement
Another common issue is individuals failing to save sufficiently for retirement, including not taking full advantage of their employer’s 401(k) match. A wise guideline is to allocate 10 to 15% of your income towards your retirement savings.
Comprehensive Understanding of Expenses
Another common pitfall is the lack of a well-defined budget or a clear understanding of your expenses. If you don’t know what you’re spending money on or how much money you’re spending monthly, it’s likely that you may be spending too much.
People that spend too much ultimately end up racking up too much debt. That is not good. It’s also going to be difficult for someone to transition into retirement when they don’t have a good sense of what their expenses are.
Making sure you’re going to have enough money in retirement to maintain your lifestyle is ultimately the most important thing.
Establish a Financial Safety Net
Another common oversight is the absence of an emergency fund. It’s crucial to have some savings set aside, like a rainy-day fund, to provide financial security in case of unforeseen emergencies.
Should an unexpected situation arise that you need to take care of, you’ll have that money readily available.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Financial Plan
Truly, the most significant financial pitfall people face is the lack of an overall financial plan. Creating a strategy that incorporates various elements to ensure your long-term safety and security is essential.
Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.
Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.
Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.
Related Resources
-
Avoiding the Retirement Tax Trap
Once you retire, understanding your tax implications becomes even more crucial. After all, taxes don’t disappear in retirement. In fact, as you begin withdrawing from your retirement savings, you … -
What Should I Watch Out for When Reviewing My Retirement Tax Return?
Now that tax season is over and your return is filed, you may be wondering what you need to review in preparation for next year, especially if you’re approaching retirement. In this week’s Mone… -
Retiring In Uncertain Times
During times of economic uncertainty, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. It seems like every day there’s a new update from the markets. But rather than reacting to the noise, focus on why you have … -
How Do Tariffs Affect the Stock Market?
If you’ve been tuned into the news lately, you’ve probably heard a lot about tariffs. The current administration’s latest economic push has introduced a wave of uncertainty in the market. But what… -
How Do I Get Out of Debt Fast?
Most people with debt want to get out of it quickly and efficiently. To do that, you first need a clear understanding of your financial situation. Second, you need a clear, actionable plan. In … -
Why Do I Need to Account for Inflation in Retirement?
Today’s question is: What is inflation and why is it important to account for in my retirement plan? Inflation is the rising cost of goods over time. Meaning, it will cost you more money next year… -
How Does a Tax Return Work?
As tax season concludes, it’s a good time to refresh your tax knowledge. In this week’s Money Wisdom Question Series, Ian Fergusson, RICP® discusses how filing your taxes works and why it’s essen… -
What Is a Fiduciary?
When it comes to managing your money, trust is everything. That’s why today’s question is one of the most common and important ones we receive: What is a fiduciary? In this week’s Money Wisdom … -
Podcast Episode 403: How to Approach Finances in a Second Marriage Later in Life
Getting engaged later in life is an exciting time, but it requires different financial planning conversations. With blended families, different retirement timelines, and evolving goals, couples in… -
Podcast Episode 404: Financial Goals You Shouldn’t Overlook
When it comes to preparing for retirement, most people focus on the obvious goals of saving enough and building an emergency fund. But in this episode of Money Wisdom, Jake Doser, CFP®, CPWA® and …