A Beginner’s Guide to Financial Life Planning

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During your 20s, financial life planning always feels like something you’ll have to do in the future. However, as we get older, responsibilities such as children and mortgages mean we can’t afford to wing it and hope for the best anymore. Deciding to take control of your future finances is the first step, but what comes next? How do you figure out what contingencies to plan for, or what plans you need to put in place? We’re here to help.
 
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Children and Family
 
Whether you’re already a parent or are just starting to think about it, it’s important to think ahead when it comes to your family’s financial future. First, you need to consider the immediate costs, especially if you are about to start a family. Nerdwallet has found that most parents vastly underestimate the cost of a baby’s first year of life and found that it can add up to as much as $21,248. Is this something you can afford? If not, it may be a good idea to save up more money.
 
Then, you can start looking toward the future. The sooner you start saving for college, the better. This is thanks to the magic of compound interest: if you were to save for the first nine years of your child’s life and then stop, you would earn considerably more than if you saved between the ages of 9 and 18.
 
You should also have a plan to ensure your family will be okay in case you or your partner die unexpectedly. You’re never too young to start estate planning and to have your paperwork, such as a will, in order. A 30-year term life insurance may be a good choice, especially if you have recently married or have a 30-year mortgage.
 
Home and Mortgage
 
If you are looking to buy for the first time, you first need to make sure your finances are ready for a mortgage. It’s a good idea to start by getting a clear idea of your current expenses and paying off smaller debts. You may also want to consider a 15 or 20-year loan if you think you can sustain it, as it saves you money overall.
 
If you already have a mortgage, the best thing you can do is make sure you take good care of your investment. Have a schedule for regular home maintenance tasks and do not neglect them, no matter how new your house is.
 
Career
 
You may feel like you're stuck in a rut with your career with no way out. Fortunately, the answer could be as easy as investing in your education by earning an MBA. The degree can lead to a salary increase, new career paths, and a financial peace of mind for your family. The degree doesn't have to take over your life if you're careful to select a program that offers ample flexibility, such as few to no assignment deadlines. You'll reignite your own passion for learning and set a great example for your family as well.
 
Health Care
 
If you don’t have health insurance, get it. Not having any health insurance could be catastrophic for you and your family. If you do have health insurance, you may want to consider whether there are any supplemental plans you could benefit from. For instance, parents with growing children may want to invest in dental insurance to cover their orthodontic care. 
 
Healthcare is an area where financial planning intersects with lifestyle since the best way to save money is to not get sick. While this is not always possible, the choices you make in terms of diet, exercise, sleep, and mental health will go a long way toward achieving this. Also, research has shown that just following your doctor’s recommendations for diet and medication can save you up to $2,000 a year alone.
 
Taking the step into financial planning is not as daunting as it seems. It’s all about a shift in perspective: instead of thinking of your life month-to-month, or even year-to-year, you need to start thinking about the next few decades. The time will pass before you know it, and you will be thankful for the work you put in. Do your research, stay organized, and save as much as you can. By simply doing this, you will already be doing yourself a favor in the years to come.