AUthor: JJ Montanaro
America. It’s the land of wealth and prosperity, right? Maybe, but there are some other less desirable characteristics in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Americans have pitiful savings rates and lots of debt. The numbers tell the story: more than a trillion dollars of student loan debt with credit card debt closely following and savings rates consistently below 5%.
Maybe your financial foundation is shaky, but how can it be fixed? Take a look in the mirror. It could be as easy as determining whether you’re part of the problem or the solution.
Let’s examine a few mental stumbling blocks to financial success. Maybe you’ll see a little of yourself in these attitudes; I know I did. And, it’s like that old G.I. Joe saying, “Knowing is half the battle.” If you understand how your mindset may be sabotaging your future, you can try to change it.
Mr. (or Miss) Independent. Becoming self-reliant is a revered rite of passage - until it hinders you from getting the help or advice you need. As a freshman at West Point, I remember when a buddy told me about the big returns he earned on some investment. I scoffed in disbelief. I hadn’t heard of what he was talking about, so I assumed it couldn’t be more than a fantasy. Soon after, I learned that mutual funds were real and not all that newfangled. Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know, and we definitely need to be open to new ideas and helping hands.
It’s all about me. “We deserve it.” Now replace “it” with a new car, a tropical vacation or that high-definition TV you’ve been eyeing. I know I’ve told my wife these exact words to justify a decision or purchase with financial implications. Sometimes we deserve to treat ourselves, but we also have to face the consequences if our rewards are things we can’t really afford.
Avoiding the problem. Most of the time, bad news is not going to just resolve itself. Does your credit card debt seem too daunting to face? Are you behind on some payments? Or not saving enough for retirement? Time without action generally just makes things worse. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Take action, even a small first step, to improve your financial future now.
It’s the new normal. It has been reported that 57% of Americans have less than $25,000 socked away for retirement. But just because everyone’s doing it – or not doing it – doesn’t make it right. Buck the trend. Don’t wait until you’re too far behind to catch up on your retirement savings.
Let’s jump in. Being impulsive can negatively affect everything from the management of your portfolio to your shopping decisions. Have you ever made a spur-of-the-moment decision only to look back and wonder, “What the heck was I thinking?” I’m remembering a trip to Orlando and a certain time share – thank goodness for free trials! Have some patience, do your homework and look before you leap.
Enjoying the now. We’ve all heard it: “You only live once.” But is that outlook throwing a wrench in your financial gears? It certainly could be if getting what you want today is keeping you from doing what you need to do for tomorrow. Setting aside money and having a plan for your future is crucial, especially if you’re like me and want to have the financial capacity to do a little YOLOing when you get there. Make sure you’re balancing your zest for life with a little prudence.
So, what’s holding you back? Do any of these attitudes sound familiar? If you recognize your own stumbling blocks here, the battle is half won. Choose one problem area to tackle. Maybe bring up the subject on your next financial date night. (You’re doing those, right?) Figure out how your mindset is affecting your bottom line and decide what you can do to fix it. Then just do it.
This material is for informational purposes and is not investment advice, an indicator of future performance, a solicitation, an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation for any security. It should not be used as a primary basis for making investment decisions. Consider your own financial circumstances and goals carefully before investing. IM2_NET0400_Market_Commentary_Legend
Financial planning services and financial advice provided by USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California, License # 0E36312), a registered investment adviser and insurance agency and its wholly owned subsidiary, USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer. IM2_INTG0600_FPS_Component_Combo
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM in the United States, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. FPS2_FPC0800_CFP_Symbols_Allowed
Views and opinions expressed by members are for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as an endorsement by USAA. IM2_NET0910_Views_and_Opinions_Blogs
