In our last newsletter, I wrote about turning off the noise, and not allowing the negative news to dominate your decision-making and mood. Today, I would like to discuss a few things both personally and financially that you can control!
"I am convinced that life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it." - Charles Swindoll
Personal:
For a healthy lifestyle- get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise.
Focus on what is positive and good in your life and in others.
Replace the TV and “noise” with what you enjoy- music, books, sports, walks, grandchildren, conversation…
Control the “inside” voice in your head that is often self-critical and negative.
Reduce “clutter” in your life.
Learn to say “no”.
Set goals and work towards them.
Make your first thought of the day a positive one!
Financial:
Prepare for the unexpected and manage your expectations.
Keep your finances organized and your data in a safe place.
Check your credit reports on a regular basis and create strong passwords that you change regularly.
Maximize your 401(k) contributions and know how your account is invested.
Always have a sizable emergency fund! (See #1)
Pay off debt, especially the higher interest debt.
Increase your savings and use automatic transfers.
Make sure that your insurance is up to date, and your beneficiaries are current.
Work with your advisor to determine the best asset mix for your time frame, risk parameters and personal situation.
Achieving your long-term financial planning goals are more important than hitting a home-run in the stock market.