The Basics: Achieving Financial Security

Achieving financial security can look different depending on your situation, but the route to securing it involves implementing strategies and actions that will help you maintain a stable and healthy financial position. Financial security refers to the state of having enough resources, such as savings, investments, and insurance, to meet your financial obligations and maintain your desired standard of living both in the short- and long-term.

Key Factors to Prioritize Financial Security

1. Budgeting and Saving: Smart budgeting and saving habits are crucial to achieving and maintaining financial security. Outline your income and expenses to help you understand where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. Our Personal Finance tool can help you budget and track how your money is being spent so you can pinpoint where you can cut costs to save more.
2. Managing Any Debt: If you have debt, make a defined plan to repay it. Schedule regular payments to pay off high-interest debt first.
3. Building Your Retirement Savings: Setting aside a portion of your income for savings routinely is a great way to save for both the short- and long-term. Consider contributing to a retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA as soon as possible!
4. Planning an Emergency Fund: Saving for the long term is just as important as saving for the short term in case of an emergency. Build up your emergency fund to have your back as unexpected expenses arise.
5. Diversifying Investments: If you’re looking to let your money make you money, consider investing it in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Be sure to diversify your investments to reduce risk.
6. Continuous Learning and Practice: Making it a point to increase your financial literacy will keep you well-versed in best practices to make smarter money moves. Take courses, read books, and stay informed about personal finance topics.