While retirement might be the farthest thing from your mind, here’s a hard truth for Gen Zers: time is your greatest resource, but you must know how to use it to your advantage. The earlier you start incorporating some simple and proactive retirement planning into your budget, the better off you’ll be when the time eventually comes to call it quits.

Below, we’re sharing a few practical tips to start saving for the future—even when it feels impossibly far away.

Start Early, No Contribution Is Too Small

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the less you’ll need to contribute each month—and most importantly, the more you can take advantage of compounding interest.

Compounding occurs when you start earning returns or interest on previously earned returns or interest, not just the principal amount contributed.

That sounds confusing, but here’s a simple example of how compounding works:

Say you initially contribute $1,000 to an account that earns 7% annually on average, and $100 after that each month. In the span of 10 years, you’ll have contributed $13,000 total. But each year, the interest compounds, meaning whatever was earned plus contributed to the account previously starts to earn interest as well. By the end of that 10-year span, your $13,000 will have grown to $18,546.

The longer you enable your money to compound, the more impactful the power of compounding becomes. You might not see a big difference right away, but be patient and give your money time to grow. By the time you reach retirement (which may be 20-30+ years away), small, continuous contributions will grow into substantial savings.

Compounding growth is also the reason you’re better off setting aside a small amount, say $200 each month for 30 years, than $600 (triple the amount) for 10 years. 

Understand What Retirement Saving Tools You Can Use

The most common retirement savings accounts are 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth 401(k)s/IRAs. 

401(k)

You will likely be offered a 401(k) from your employer, or a 403(b) if you’re a public sector employee. Only available through your workplace, these plans offer an effective, simple tool for building wealth over time. The best part? You can set it and forget it.

With a 401(k), you’ll have the option to automatically defer a portion of your paycheck (say 3%, for example). This portion is diverted to the 401(k) before taxes are taken out of your paycheck, meaning your contributions lower your taxable income for the year. If your employer offers matching, they’ll also contribute a certain dollar amount or percentage to your account—yes, that’s free money for retirement. Just keep in mind, you may be required to stay with the company for a certain amount of time in order to keep your employer matching contributions (this is called vesting). But anything you contribute directly is yours, regardless of the vesting schedule.

The funds grow tax-deferred, meaning you won’t have to pay taxes on earnings in the account each year. Once in retirement, you’ll be able to withdraw from the account. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax—remember, up until now, these are earnings that haven’t been taxed yet.

IRA

An individual retirement account (IRA) works similarly, except it’s opened by you, not your employer. If you or your spouse are offered a 401(k) at work, you may be limited by how much you’re allowed to make in tax-deductible contributions to an IRA. Generally speaking, the annual contribution limit for IRAs is also significantly less than 401(k)s. For 2025, for example, you can contribute up to $7,000 to an IRA, compared to $23,500 for a 401(k).1 

Roth 401(k)/IRA

A Roth account works in the opposite way, tax-wise. Your contributions to either a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, meaning you pay taxes on the funds directed into a Roth account. The earnings do grow tax-deferred, however. And if you meet the criteria for qualified distributions in retirement (namely, you must be 59.5 or older and have had the account for at least five years), all withdrawals are tax-free.

Prepare for Emergency Expenses

With the cost of, well, just about everything on the rise and salaries staying stagnant, it’s not unusual for young professionals to feel financially pulled in a million directions. Between paying down student loans, saving up for a house, filling your 401(k), and enjoying life, there may not be much left over.

That being said, we cannot overstate the importance of setting aside some savings in case of an emergency. While the general rule of thumb is to save up enough to cover your expenses for around 3-6 months, at this stage, anything helps. You can’t predict when your car will need costly repairs or a large hospital bill sends you into medical debt.

While directing savings into an emergency fund might feel like the last priority on your list right now, consider the cost of not doing so. Expenses you can’t pay either lead to taking on more debt (and often high-interest debt at that) or drawing down funds meant to support your long-term goals (like retirement). Not only can taking money out early cause you to lose out on those compounding benefits, but depending on the type of account, you could be hit with penalties and more tax liability, too.

You’re Doing Great, Now Keep Going

Keeping your future goals (including those that feel far, far away) a priority is no easy feat, especially as you continue facing an uphill battle of tough economic climates and challenging market conditions. But starting small, saving incrementally, and balancing your needs today with your future financial security is critical. Today, you have time on your side to make your money work harder—it’s just a matter of leveraging it to your advantage.

Sources:

1 IRS

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Unfortunately, with an increase in equity compensation, we’ve also seen an uptick in gender pay gaps across our client base. A recent study has shown that women receive 15-30% fewer stock option grants than their male counterparts. This cements the idea that it’s still critical for women to negotiate their salaries confidently. Still, it may be even more important for them to gain confidence in what types of equity compensation are available – and ask for it. 

Understanding Your Equity Package

Your first step is to gain a deeper understanding of what equity compensation you have available through your company. In general, there are a few types of common stock options that we see our clients deal with: 

ISO (Incentive Stock Options): Employee stock options with a favorable tax treatment. There’s no tax at exercise, and you owe long-term capital gains if held more than one year after exercise and two or more years from the initial grant.

NSO (Non-Qualified Stock Options): Standard stock options that are taxed as ordinary income at exercise based on the difference between strike price and fair market value.

RSUs: Company stock granted to employees that vests over time. Taxed as ordinary income based on fair market value when shares vest.

ESPP: A program allowing employees to purchase company stock at a discount through payroll deductions. Tax treatment depends on the holding period and discount level.

If you’re climbing the corporate ladder at a large public company, you’re likely looking at RSUs as part of your compensation package. However, other tech companies and startups employees may have a blended package, including NSOs, an ESPP program, and RSUs, which are made available after a company goes public. Regardless of your unique situation, it pays to chat with your manager or HR representative to learn more about what type of equity compensation is available to employees and at what level it’s offered.

Negotiation Strategies for Equity Compensation

Wondering when and how to bring up equity compensation? There are a few key trigger points that you can easily bring stock options and your compensation package into the conversation:

1. New job offers. Whether you’re moving to a new role internally, or you’re going to a new company, this is a great time to raise the equity compensation question. For example, if a company can’t increase their base salary offer, you may be able to negotiate stock options as part of your overall compensation.
2. Promotions. Often, at startups and tech companies, promotions may happen in title only. Especially in a tight economic market, there may not be enough cash flow to adequately support promotions across the board within the company. While it’s nice to be able to update your email signature and LinkedIn profile, those things certainly won’t pay your bills or help you unlock the financial freedom you’re working toward. Instead of requesting a base salary increase, discussing how equity compensation can play into your new role can help to set you up for future success.
3. Responsibility changes. At startups and tech companies, it’s all too common for scope creep to happen within each employee’s role. It can feel like everyone is wearing multiple hats, and before you know it you could be doing the job of 2-3 people – while only receiving your individual compensation. If you’ve had a significant change in responsibility within the company without a formal promotion or role change, you might consider asking about equity compensation. Framing it as a reflection of your vested interest in the company’s success will mirror the hard work you’ve been doing!

It pays to remember that, regardless of when you’re having a conversation about equity compensation, it can be framed as a win-win situation for both you and your employer. 

Companies offer stock options for several key reasons:

1. Align employee & company interests by tying compensation to company success
2. Attract & retain talent while conserving cash, especially for startups
3. Give employees potential upside in company growth
4. Compete with larger companies that can offer higher salaries
5. Create sense of ownership and motivation among employees

Luckily for you, equity compensation saves your company cash flow, and helps you to grow your portfolio for retirement and beyond. Knowing this can help you to frame a conversation about equity compensation with your employer as a win for them, as they’ll be saving money and retaining you as a key employee.

Tax Planning Essentials

One of the primary reasons the breadwinning women we work with shy away from equity compensation is that tax treatment of stock options can feel complicated and confusing. Even if they’ve already been awarded stock options or shares, it’s easy for them to become stuck in an analysis-paralysis loop. They do research on how their shares are taxed, feel uncertain about how to exercise them without getting hit with a massive tax bill, and ultimately do nothing. 

This is all too common, but can result in an even more costly tax mistake down the road. 

Once you understand how your stock options are taxed, you can start building a plan for timing your exercise or sale of shares. For example, you may want to sell your RSUs the same day they vest to avoid incurring short or long term capital gains taxes. However, if you have known liquidity or tax events coming up in your future, it may make sense to hold onto your shares for a longer period of time and sell them when it’s most tax advantageous.

Strategic Equity Management

Equity compensation can help you move toward your goals by growing your overall portfolio value. However, it also poses a unique problem:

When you hold a number of shares in your company, you often face an overconcentrated position. In other words, you have all of your eggs (or a large percentage of them) in one basket. 

This is amplified by the fact that your other compensation – salary and benefits – also come from your employer. So, if your company faces economic difficulties or turbulence, you could potentially:

1. Lose the value of your shares. 
2. Face layoffs.
3. Lose your salary and benefits.

All in one fell swoop.

This makes it particularly important to diversify your portfolio, and to ensure you don’t become overconcentrated in your company stock, or hold too many shares in your particular industry. 

Action Steps

While it’s possible to create an equity management plan on your own, it can be challenging to navigate the tax implications of your stock, time the sale of your shares to reduce taxes and maximize your earnings, and balance your total portfolio to minimize the risk of overconcentration. 

At WealthChoice, we help a number of our clients with navigating their equity compensation. Our team takes a hands-on approach, helping our clients negotiate their equity compensation, partner with their CPA to create a tax strategy, and map out a plan to make sure there are no surprise tax bills upon vesting and exercising their options. 

If you have questions, or want to discuss your unique situation, we encourage you to reach out. We’re here to help you leverage your equity compensation to achieve your unique goals – whatever those may be.

The post Equity Compensation Mastery: A Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth Through Stock Benefits appeared first on WealthChoice.

What is Angel Investing?

Angel investing is a form of early-stage business investment where individuals, known as “angel investors,” provide financial support to startups and small businesses in exchange for equity ownership or convertible debt. Unlike traditional investments in public companies, angel investing allows investors to directly back private, often early-stage ventures that may not yet have access to venture capital or institutional funding.

Angel investors not only provide the capital needed to help businesses grow but may also offer mentorship, industry connections, and strategic guidance. This type of investment offers high potential returns but also carries higher risk due to the early-stage nature of these businesses. Angel investing is particularly appealing for those who want to support innovative ideas or make a positive impact on industries or causes they care deeply about.

Why Angel Investing is Gaining Popularity Among Women

Angel investing offers an exciting opportunity for women to have an impact on industries or innovations that align with their beliefs. Many women-owned investment firms and women investment professionals are increasingly supportive of angel investing as a way to build wealth while driving positive change, whether in sustainable technologies, women-led businesses, or community-centered solutions.

The rise of female angel investors is empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs while helping to close the gender funding gap in business. According to Forbes, startups led by women tend to outperform their counterparts, yet women entrepreneurs still receive less venture capital than men. Women angels are stepping in to bridge this gap, creating an ecosystem where women investors fund, mentor, and support women-led ventures, fostering a cycle of success and growth.

WealthChoice: Aligning Investments with Women’s Values Through Angel Investing

At WealthChoice, we prioritize understanding each client’s values and goals, and for many, angel investing is an ideal way to align personal values with financial growth. Unlike traditional investments, angel investing allows women to select businesses that speak to their convictions, supporting innovations or industries that matter most to them. We work with our clients to develop customized angel investing strategies that reflect their interests, from health and wellness startups to education-focused enterprises.

We even hosted an event in the month of November with a guest speaker on Angel Investing for our clients to attend to ensure there was ample education around this form of investing. 

We talk about angel investing here, because it’s central to the WealthChoice philosophy: helping women achieve financial security while supporting the broader causes they care about. 

The Power of Women-Owned Investment Firms in Angel Investing

Women-owned investment firms bring a unique perspective to angel investing, prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and community-building. Firms led by women understand the challenges and ambitions of female investors and entrepreneurs alike, often focusing on inclusive investing that represents their clients’ values. Women investment professionals working with female angels emphasize not only the financial growth that can come from these investments but also the broader, positive social impacts.

Women-led firms help level the playing field, offering their clients insights into early-stage investments that would otherwise be challenging to access. According to The Angel Capital Association, women investors who support other women-led companies contribute to a more diverse and resilient investment landscape, benefiting everyone involved.

How to Start Angel Investing with Purpose

If you’re interested in angel investing, here are a few steps to consider as you start on this path:

• Identify Your Interests and Values: Think about the causes, industries, or types of businesses that matter most to you. Whether it’s supporting women entrepreneurs, sustainable innovations, or community-focused businesses, knowing your priorities will guide your choices.

• Research Potential Investments: Look for startups or small businesses that align with your values and goals. You can find opportunities through angel investing platforms, networking events, or referrals from trusted advisors. Sites like AngelList and the Angel Capital Association are great starting points for finding vetted opportunities.

• Work with an Investment Professional: Partner with a financial advisor who understands the nuances of angel investing. WealthChoice, for example, specializes in developing custom angel investment strategies that align with our clients’ unique interests.

• Understand the Risks and Rewards: Angel investing can be highly rewarding but also carries more risk than traditional investments. It’s important to have a diversified investment strategy that balances these early-stage opportunities with more stable options in your portfolio.

The Future of Angel Investing for Women

As women continue to increase their influence in wealth, their investments are reshaping industries, supporting innovations, and empowering other women in business. Angel investing is a powerful way for women to use their wealth for more than just financial gain—it allows them to create a meaningful legacy that reflects their values and supports the world they want to build. For women interested in angel investing, the growing network of women-owned investment firms and professionals offers a supportive environment to explore, invest, and grow.

At WealthChoice, we’re honored to be part of this movement, helping women align their investments with their passions and values through smart, purpose-driven strategies. If you’re interested in learning more about angel investing and how it can align with your financial goals, reach out to us today. Together, let’s invest in a brighter future.

The post Investing for Women: A Better World with Angel Investing appeared first on WealthChoice.

As a woman-owned financial planning firm that specifically serves breadwinner women – we must acknowledge the barriers and difficulties women will face as we discuss how to plan for a secure financial future in retirement. Because we definitely know you deserve to have a retirement plan you’re excited about. 

Retirement Planning for Women: Earning

One of the biggest factors impacting women’s retirement planning is their income during their working years. Career planning and income growth are crucial elements that can make or break your retirement savings. While healthcare costs in retirement are significant, they are not the primary threat to your financial security (which is why those are covered just below).  The real challenge lies in not earning enough during your career to save adequately for the long life you’re likely to have.

To overcome this, it’s essential to focus on career advancement and salary growth. Regularly negotiating for raises and promotions can significantly increase your income over time, allowing you to save more for retirement. This requires a proactive approach, including setting career goals, seeking opportunities for advancement, and continually building your skills to stay competitive in the job market. 

Retirement Planning for Women: Longevity and Healthcare Costs

I touched on this just above, but the reason for building a career plan is to support your longevity.  On average, women live longer than men, and most wind up single, which means their retirement savings need to last longer. This extended lifespan also brings higher healthcare costs, which can be a substantial burden in later years. Women must account for these additional expenses when planning their retirement. By prioritizing your earning potential, you can ensure that you’re not only able to cover healthcare costs in retirement but also enjoy a comfortable and financially secure future. Still, ensuring that your retirement plan includes a comprehensive healthcare strategy, including long-term care insurance and Medicare planning, is essential to safeguard your financial security as you age.

Retirement Planning for Women: Savings and Investment Strategies

March 2020 was a pretty remarkable time in the market.  With the fears of COVID paralyzing the world and global economy, the stock market took a dive.  But this was temporary, and the market soon recovered.  We made sure to stick with our investment strategy and keep emotions at bay.  

And this is the strategy we execute when retirement planning for women. We invest for the long term in a diversified portfolio of investments.  We are not looking to pick individual stocks that we ‘hope’ will outperform a diversified portfolio. 

We know to expect market volatility.  If you’ve ever looked at a chart of the S&P 500 you’ll see the dips that have happened over time.  For our clients who are primarily women planning their retirement, we build an investment strategy aligned with their goals and tolerance for risk – making sure that it is diversified. This, combined with the entire financial plan that considers their needs and short-term savings goals, can help our clients navigate uncertain times in the market and even their own life without so much stress.

Don’t Forget Financial Literacy is a Part of Your Retirement Plan 

Financial literacy is a crucial component of a successful retirement plan. Understanding the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and navigating Social Security benefits empowers women to make informed decisions about their financial future. 

At WealthChoice, we prioritize educating our clients, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve a secure and fulfilling retirement. No questions are off limits here, and you’re working with a women-led team who are never going to make you feel uninformed. 

Whether you’re just beginning to plan for retirement or revisiting your strategy, brushing up on the basics of your financial literacy can provide the confidence needed to make the most of your retirement. 

To recap, when retirement planning for women, we prioritize: 

1. A career plan that considers longevity and your income plan to cover costs in retirement, including increased healthcare costs.
2. An investment strategy that is diversified for your long-term retirement goals, not built on trying to snag ‘quick’ wins. 
3. Financial education – from basic budgeting and saving to understanding various forms of investing. Our clients are informed and have peace of mind about their financial plans because of this. 

Remember, you deserve a retirement that reflects the life you’ve worked so hard to build. Let’s make sure you get there.

The post Retirement Planning for Women: Your Top Priorities appeared first on WealthChoice.

First: What Are RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)?

RMD stands for Required Minimum Distribution.  Owners of pre tax retirement accounts are required to take annual distributions once they reach a certain age and beneficiaries of pretax retirement accounts are also required to take distributions. But, how much you take and when depends on who inherited what from whom and when. 

Why It’s Important to Understand RMDs for Retirement Withdrawals

Missing the annual distributions means stiff penalties, so knowing these rules is important.

At the end of July 2024, changes were made, again, to the RMD rules and it’s important you note these changes so you can avoid costly mistakes with your retirement withdrawals. 

When to Take RMDs from Your Own Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts

This depends on your birthdate.  If you were born between 1951 and 1959 you need to take your RMDs at age 73

If you were born after 1959 you need to take your RMDs at age 75.

What Accounts Do You Need to Take RMDs from?

If you have pretax retirement accounts you’ll need to take RMDs from them in the year AFTER you reach your RMD age.  So, if you are required to take distributions because of your age, you must take the first distribution by April in the year following the year you reach your specific age.

For example, if you reach the RMD age in 2024, your first distribution must be taken by April 1, 2025. 

Depending on the type of pre-tax retirement account,  you may be able to aggregate the values of accounts as of December 31 of the prior year to determine what your total RMD for the year is and then take that RMD from any account or every account.  

For example, if you have several pretax IRAs and your RMD was $50,000, you could take all of that from any one of these accounts, or you could evenly distribute the distributions.  However, there are some account types that require you to take a distribution from them every year.  If you have a 401k , 457, or defined benefit account you must take the RMD for that account only from that account annually.  You can aggregate 403b accounts and take the RMD from one or all of them.

RMD Rules for Inherited Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts

If this isn’t confusing enough, consider the rules for RMDs for inherited pretax retirement accounts, which just changed in July.

First this will depend on how you were related to the person you inherited the account from.  If this was a spouse there is one set of rules.  Were you 10 years younger than this spouse?  When did your spouse die?  Depending on the answer the rules will change. 

If you are not a spouse and not considered an “eligible designated beneficiary” the rules will change.  Was the person you inherited the pretax account from already taking their RMDs, or not?  This will change the RMD rules.

Because the rules are so convoluted we suggest you reach out for guidance when you have a specific case so that you are taking the correct amount when you need to.

‘I Missed Taking My Retirement Withdrawal’: Penalties for Missing RMDs

Penalties for missing RMDs were just reduced to 25% of the RMD, and this penalty is over a 3 year period.  The statute of limitations runs out after 3 years.  This penalty is down from the prior 50%.  If you realize you’ve missed the RMD there may be a way to get the penalty waived by filing form 5329 with the IRS.  We’d suggest reaching out to your CPA for help here.

Why Work with a Financial Planner?

RMDs and retirement withdrawals can be a minefield, with rules that change frequently and complexities that vary depending on your specific situation. Working with a financial planner can provide you with personalized advice, ensuring you’re taking the correct amounts at the right times and avoiding unnecessary penalties.

 At WealthChoice, our mission is to help you live the life of your dreams through strategic financial planning, investment management, and lifelong partnership. Whether you’re managing your own pre-tax retirement accounts or dealing with an inherited account, our experts can guide you through the process with confidence.

Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts Are Only One Part of Retirement Planning

Understanding RMDs and the rules surrounding retirement withdrawals is crucial to maintaining financial stability in retirement. With frequently changing regulations and potential penalties for non-compliance, it’s essential to stay informed and seek professional guidance when needed. Contact WealthChoice today to ensure you’re on the right path and fully compliant with all RMD rules, securing your financial future with confidence.

The post Retirement Withdrawal Rules: What You Need to Know About RMDs On Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts appeared first on WealthChoice.

The gender pay gap sees women paid about 82 cents to every dollar earned by a man, according to analysis by the Pew Research Center in 2022. This pervasive divide is driven in part by gender and racial discrimination, workplace harassment, job segregation and a lack of workplace policies that support family caregiving, which is still most often performed by women.

Women who leave work to raise their children face decreased wages when they return. They also face very real biases about being less committed to their work, which can lead to a lack of growth opportunities. Age is another factor that is wrongly synonymous with “worth.” For women aged 45 and over, the pay gap extends to 73 cents for every dollar a man makes at the same age. When looking at race, the gap only grows.

As well as seeing my clients battle with this, I’ve experienced the gender pay gap firsthand.

After repeatedly confronting the unique financial challenges that women executives face, I knew I had to go my own way. WealthChoice was created as a place where I can do the work I love in a way I know will have the most impact, and that I am fairly compensated for.

It seems like the most basic request: to simply be paid the same as men who do the same work as us (or sometimes even less!). And yet a gender wage gap has been recognized in a shocking 94% of occupations, stretching all the way to the C-suite. The gender wage gap continues to permeate our professional lives, impacting the health, wealth and well-being of women across the whole of the US.

So What Can Be Done About the Gender Pay Gap?

My job is to advocate for the betterment of the lives of the women I work with. I take great joy in watching them find empowerment and satisfaction in their financial lives. So it really galls me when I hear of the unequal pay or stifled professional development they experience at work.

While I can’t change the numbers on their paycheck, a major way I can help my clients is by ensuring they use the money they do earn as wisely as possible. And the good news here is that there are certain wealth strategies we can put in place that will cushion their financial plan from the negative impact of the gender pay gap.

I recently took on a new client, a woman who is a top tier executive in a large tech firm. When discussing her income I sadly wasn’t surprised to learn of the pay disparity she experiences, despite her senior position.

We spent a lot of time chatting about how this affects her at work, and the mental and emotional toll it takes when feeling so overlooked and underappreciated by her male peers. Then – with an admitted glimmer of “We’ll show them!” – I set about telling her how I will help her work to negate this wage gap as much as possible through well considered and impactful financial choices.

Pay parity is a hugely important element we factor into our planning processes with our clients at WealthChoice.

After all, the earning power of women dictates our ability to live the life we want – and that is the hallmark of our approach to financial planning and the management of women’s wealth.

Working closely with our clients to understand their dreams, goals, ambitions and areas of personal fulfillment is integral to how we operate. Having a plan to maximize your income is critical for any executive – male or female – but it is a really important consideration for female executives, business owners and professionals who are battling an uneven playing field.

The Importance of Knowing a Woman’s Worth

When you’re not getting paid what you’re worth, you don’t get the opportunity to save as much as you should. That translates to lost incomes, lost social security benefits (which are scaled on your pay), and lost portfolio growth over time.

While we’re all familiar with the fact that women executives are paid less than men for doing the same jobs, a lesser known fact is that the average woman executive leaves a million dollars on the table over the course of her working life, simply by not knowing how much she is worth, or asking for what she deserves.

How is this possible, you ask? It starts with knowing your professional value. Where men generally have no problem asking (or overasking) for what they are worth, women seem instinctively averse to it. Moreover, women executives often don’t know the market value of their work. Women report salary expectations between 3 percent and 32 percent lower than those of men for the same job.

Failing to negotiate plays a significant role in wage disparity. A study from Carnegie Mellon University revealed that 8 times as many men as women graduating with a master’s degree negotiated the starting salary of their first job. The first job sets the tone for your earning potential over your entire career. By not negotiating, a woman stands to lose over $500,000 by age 60.

What Does the Gender Pay Gap Mean for Our Economy?

Gender equality around pay has long been an issue in the US labor market. June this year marked 60 years since the passing of the Equal Pay Act, which “prohibited discrimination on account of sex in the payment of wages”.

Yet the situation in the US is still only slightly better than the world average – where most women are paid around 20% less than men – but 18% less can still make a significant impact to a well-structured financial plan. This has a persistently negative impact on the American economy as a whole.

According to Moody’s Analytics, we can expect to see an additional $7 trillion injected into the global economy – that is about 7% – if the pay gap between men and women is narrowed more rapidly. The problem is, at the current rate, the gender pay gap will only be closed in about 132 years.

However, if women in the US were to receive equal pay, then it is anticipated that this would cut poverty among working women and add in the region of $482 billion to the American economy.

For example, in the state of California, where we have a number of clients, pay equality would equate to a significant economic boost. “If women were paid the same as comparable men in California, the state’s working women would have earned $51.8 billion more dollars, an earnings increase that, by itself, is greater than the entire economy of South Dakota ($45.9 billion)”, wrote the authors of briefing paper for The Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Heidi Hartmann, Jeff Hayes and Jennifer Clark.

How Does This Impact Women’s ‘Wealth Gap’?

As I wrote in my book, Corner Office Choices, no matter what industry you work in, being a woman in that industry will bring unique challenges that men don’t have to deal with. The response isn’t to resign ourselves, nor is it to get overly caught up in fighting for systemic change. Instead, the most constructive approach is to identify what those challenges are, and get the resources you need to overcome them.

Over the past two decades, very little has been done to fundamentally shift the status quo. This means more women play a juggling act with their time and their money, but with fewer opportunities to invest more into their own financial futures.

Just recently, the Center for American Progress think-tank released a paper determining that persistent gender pay gaps had cost American women $61 trillion in financial resources since 1967, when the Equal Pay Act was signed. While all women are impacted, Latina and Black women workers continue to be worse off.

The personal upshot of this is that women continue to be caught in a ‘wealth gap’, unable to catch up with their male counterparts. As Rose Khattar, Director of Economic Analysis at the Center for American Progress, said about the report’s findings: “That’s lost wages that could have been injected into the economy in the form of consumer spending. That’s wages that women could have used in terms of investments to build up their wealth.”

Just consider these three personal impacts that the wealth gap might be having on your own financial planning:

• Retiring in Style: The long-term implications of the gender pay gap are particularly noticeable when you start drilling down into the retirement income women can expect versus men. Since earnings over the course of a woman’s life are below that of a man, they receive less in pensions and Social Security which means that when it comes time to retire they can expect to have 70% of a man’s retirement income. Worryingly, many women go into retirement with less income than they had when they were working; making it impossible to maintain their standard of living.
• Emergency Fund Savings: As a female breadwinner, or as a working woman contributing to the family finances, some believe it is important for women to save even more into their emergency funds. This is, in part, due to the household demands on women and their more precarious standing in the labor market. And yet they have one hand tied behind their backs as they build up these savings.
• Investing in Stocks: Earlier this year a report by BNY Mellon noted that if women invested in the stock market at the same rate as men, there would be – at very least – an extra $3.22 trillion in assets under management. The gender pay gap was just one of the factors behind this imbalance highlighted in the report, the others being financial confidence, education around investing and less disposable income (which is where the pay gap really bites).

The Benefit of Women-Focused Advisory Firms

Many of the issues impacting how women accumulate wealth can be linked to personal preferences for investing – since traditionally women tend to be more conservative and have lower risk tolerances – but also because the financial world is geared towards men and, by and large, continues to be male dominated.

However, having a female financial advisor in your corner also makes a big difference. After all, women have unique financial needs and often find themselves handed cookie-cutter advice that might suit a man, rather than benefiting from crafted solutions that help them live their best life.

Women want more than just accepting what is pushed across the table at them, they value honesty and transparency, relationships built on trust and access to investing information that aligns with their personal values. Many women find they can get this by using a female advisor.

It’s important for women executives to recognize that no matter where they start, there’s only so much time they have left, and only so much money they can make within that time frame. It is vital to understand the long term implications of how they choose to use their resources.

My job is to help women executives understand that their current way of life is a choice, and to help them see what other choices are available to them. What do they need for their own life? What does quality of life mean to them? And what is involved in creating it?

At WealthChoice we tailor-make our clients a financial plan that not only takes the issue of gender pay disparities into account, but seeks ways to counter these issues and provide sustained financial stability and growth.

Please do get in touch if we can help you navigate any gender pay gap issues you’re experiencing. We stand as your advocate, support system, and ultimate cheerleader as you head to work every day and learn to bridge the gaping wage divide until the day eventually comes when we no longer have to. Until then, we’re here for you.

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It is telling that, although women enter the legal profession in roughly equal numbers to their male counterparts – and 55.3% of all law students in the US were women in 2021, they leave the law in such numbers that by 2022 only 38% of all lawyers across the US were women.

These statistics confirm what I’ve observed over the years working closely with exceptional women lawyers in various stages of their careers and at differing seniority levels. I wrote about one such woman, Sophie, in my book Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom.

An absolute go-getter, who in her mid-30s was already an equity partner in a well-known law firm and pulling up to $1 million a year, when I met her Sophie’s life was ruled by work and dominated by stress. As I described her situation at the time:

“She was working at an unsustainable pace, with no time left in her life for fun, adventure, or relaxation. Even while making money hand over fist, she felt the stress of being financially strapped. She had only $100,000 in her 401(k), not nearly enough to fund her lifestyle for a year. As we continued talking, her face, voice, and demeanor bore the evidence that she couldn’t keep up this pace much longer. I’ll never forget her words: ‘It feels like I’m on a treadmill that I can’t get off’.”

I’ve worked closely with Sophie over the years, and together we reshaped her finances, gave flight to her dreams and set her up with the option of an early retirement. Today, Sophie is living the dream: working flexible hours with clients she loves and who appreciate her expertise, from an idyllic European village with an ocean view.

When I engage with female lawyers, I often refer to Sophie’s story because she is proof that you can get off the hamster wheel and create the life you’ve always wanted. Even in a high-pressure career like the law, burnout does not need to be the end of the story.

The Challenges Impacting Women in the Law

I say this not to diminish the very real challenges facing women in the legal profession. As research from the American Bar shows, the challenges of being overlooked for promotions, earning less, battling bias and ingrained prejudice, and juggling unrealistic demands on their time, impact women in the law and, as a result, their career longevity.

For women who are already in high-stress careers like the law, pressure and burnout are very real concerns. When you add financial anxiety to the mix you have an even more potent cocktail.

During a chat with Peachie Thompson, on her Just Peachie Show podcast, we spoke about the discomfort many professional women experience over their financial situations. Just like my client Sophie, they might be making good money but they can be insecure about their spending, saving and investment habits. This ongoing anxiety is bruising for women who are already carrying too much on their shoulders; until you get to grips with the numbers and get a plan in place.

This is why I am a strong advocate for creating a financial plan that can help to direct decision making and support women across all aspects of their lives.

How Can You Turn Things Around?

Besieged with the unrelenting pressure of a demanding profession, alongside personal responsibilities, family, parents and the financial stress of often being the main breadwinner at home, I have found over the years that women lawyers in particular need to take the utmost care to create a financial plan early on in their careers.

This plan should inform decision making about career progression and make provision for the fact that, as personal demands grow, a complete change in career or direction might be on the cards. It also needs to include a relevant and personal financial plan that encompasses wealth and estate planning and investing.

Working with an expert firm such as WealthChoice is an astute move, but so too is becoming curious about investing and financial decision making, and taking ownership of your financial and lifestyle goals, passions and pursuits. As CLA Health and Wellness Committee Member Jala Eaton puts it in a 2022 article: “You have to be willing to learn what you are doing. No one cares about you and your success the way you care.”

Never Lose Sight of the Bigger Picture

I would broaden this assertion further still, and say you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t find the right financial planning partner to help you explore all available ways and means to craft your best life.

Earlier this year, when I spoke to a group of women lawyers as part of a DRI event, the multifaceted nature of what brings fulfillment and meaning to life was brought home to me. The women lawyers I work with want to be challenged, they build strong relationships and they want to feel valued – this combination contributes to their feelings of success, over and above the financial benefits of the role. If one of these three areas are not being fulfilled, then I would argue it is time for a rethink.

During my talk – which I titled What it Takes to Get to the Top – I spoke about the passion that drove me to start WealthChoice in 2016 and my ambition to serve women professionals in a meaningful and holistic way.

At the time I felt out of balance with my life, I felt undervalued and underappreciated. So I pivoted. My advice to the women lawyers during that talk was: “If you enjoy practicing law, but not where you are, change that. Or if you don’t enjoy practicing, revisit that. Or if you enjoy practicing where you are, ask yourself if the challenges are insurmountable.”

In spite of the biases and the pressures, many women feed off a career in law. However, many more feel stuck in the profession and out of options. My message is: If you plan your choices and have the courage to change, you too can find your sweet spot.

Burnout and Bias: Two Antidotes

Two things that helped me on my journey, which I would suggest for any women struggling against bias and burnout, are:

• I found a community of like-minded women. In my case, Equita Financial Network, of which I am a co-founder, helped me build my firm by providing emotional and professional support and wonderful relationships. This community has absolutely supported the success of WealthChoice. If you can’t find a community of women lawyers you connect with, then reach out to colleagues and friends and create your own sisterhood.
• Know when and what to delegate. In my case, I was able to focus my time and attention on offering top-notch service to my clients by working with a great operations team, trading team and marketing team, rather than trying to do everything myself. This helped me grow my firm, stay true to my dreams and still spend time with my family.

Empowering yourself by partnering with a financial advisory firm like WealthChoice is often the first step in taking control of your time and creating a sustainable, long-term plan for your life and future financial security. I encourage you to get in touch today.

The post Burnout and Bias: Why Financial Planning Is Critical for Women Lawyers appeared first on WealthChoice.

On a daily basis, as I interact with women executives at the pinnacle of their careers, I encounter accomplished, impressive, intelligent and driven high earners; many of whom are the financial breadwinners in their families.

To the casual observer, these women certainly seem to have it all. However, they are also frequently anxious, tired, and overwhelmed. They have too much on their plates, not enough time to deal with it all, and are embarrassed to ask for help. Despite how hard they work, many are not living their best lives right now. And they do not realize they are not the only ones in this place.

Finding Balance as Female Breadwinners

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 nearly 30% of American wives in heterosexual dual-income marriages earned more than their husbands. That’s up from about 18% in 1987 and just 6% in 1960.

Not only that, according to data from 2017, 41% of mothers “were the sole or primary breadwinners for their families, earning at least half of their total household income”. This is increasingly the case among high-performing women executives who are often not only the sole financial provider for their families but still carry a disproportionate burden when it comes to household and family responsibilities.

Hardly surprisingly, research shows that despite the impressive financial gains women have made in recent decades, this does not always translate into greater life satisfaction. The Institute for Family Studies (IFS), which has explored the phenomenon of the ‘breadwinner mom’, singles out traditional gender norms as a possible reason.

After all, many of the expectations that women are always readily available to their families and spouses remain stubbornly in force, despite the increased financial contribution women are also expected to make.

These days, as IFS researcher Wendy Wang points out and as any mutually-supportive couple will know, “sharing household chores trumps money when it comes to a successful marriage”.
But this is only one aspect of a delicate and challenging balancing act facing today’s successful woman.

The Challenge of Being Everything to Everyone

In my experience, even when help at home is at hand, the constant demands on high-earning female executives and professionals inevitably pushes the woman herself further and further down the list of priorities.

The solution that is so often advised in such cases is to ‘find balance’ or ‘make time for you’. Both of which can be a challenge for any woman already juggling high levels of responsibility and stress.

Rather than loading more on the shoulders of my clients, I prefer to offer a helping hand. This is the very reason I started WealthChoice, to offer top-earning women a goal-focused approach to financial planning. Our role is to offer real value by taking things off the busy breadwinner’s plate, and by helping each woman to prioritize her time and her goals.

We start this process by getting to know each other. In practice, this means answering questions about priorities, hopes and dreams for the future, as well as personal ambitions and goals. For instance:

• How in tune are you with your dreams? Have you written them down?
• Do you have a network of like-minded women around you to offer support?
• Are you putting your dreams on hold today because you are overly focused on the future?
• Do you have a financial strategy in place which is aligned to your current and future ambitions?
• Have you discussed your personal and financial goals with your spouse or partner?
• Does stress overwhelm you to the point where you feel overcome with decision paralysis?

Prioritize You!

Only when you start to give expression to these questions, and then marry your expectations with mindful professional, personal and financial goals, will you be close to ‘having it all’. And, even then, balance is a constant and evolving process that requires frequent resetting and rethinking of your priorities.

For instance, in the past I took on more board roles and worked with many non-profits, but at this stage of my life I prefer to allocate ‘me time’ to traveling and being with family and friends. I adore cooking and entertaining, and for my own sanity I make time to play golf and to dabble in pickleball. Since my four kids are scattered all over the country, in 2022 we all set off to Paris. At least once a year we try to go away as a family.

As you might have guessed, I am at my happiest when I’m spending time with my family, so I am conscious of ensuring that my financial – and time management – decisions support this overarching goal. This sometimes requires making hard choices, but because the goal is so important to me I’ll move mountains to make these moments happen.

This deep personal awareness also makes it easier for me to empathize with the needs and wishes of my clients. I don’t blink when a top female lawyer tells me she wants to book an extensive holiday, take time off to volunteer abroad or fulfill a dream of climbing the world’s highest mountains. Why? Because I know what makes her tick, and I know that through careful financial planning WealthChoice can help to make her dreams come true.

Find Your Support Team

When I sit down with client who are overwhelmed with the responsibility of being female breadwinners but are aching for personal fulfillment, I recommend these simple steps:

• Plan and analyze – Conduct a thorough analysis of all aspects of your life, including your financial commitments and see where you can put some of your hard-earned cash to work for your goals and dreams.
• Spend time getting to know yourself – Take a deep dive into what makes you tick and what makes you happy. If you are going to support others, make sure to reward yourself too.
• Commit to your strategy – This means tracking your progress, patting yourself on the back and making changes as and when necessary.
• Embrace change – Sometimes we have to be open to doing things differently; this is often the only way to unlock a better life.
• Speak to a professional – No matter how successful you are, there are times when having an expert in your corner can only unlock additional benefits.

As a successful business owner and breadwinner myself, I truly understand the myriad demands you juggle every day. That’s why I’m passionate about helping my clients build a life of balance, with room for the things that bring them joy. Please do reach out, and let WealthChoice help you breathe a little more easily.

The post Female Breadwinners: The Challenges of Doing It All appeared first on WealthChoice.

Whether we take time out to explore the many wonders right here on our doorstep in the USA, or explore destinations further afield, travel is the perfect way to step back and re-energize. I speak from experience.

For me, travel opens my mind and gifts me precious time with my family. I plan for a week abroad each year, usually strategically taken around Thanksgiving when my workload is slightly lighter and I can feel comfortable being away from the office for a while.

The tips I share when it comes to travel are, therefore, grounded in my insights as a financial advisor, but supported by personal experience as a busy professional and business owner.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
– Anonymous

The Joy of Getting Away from It All

Clearly I am not alone in my passion for travel and enjoying unique places and experiences. According to a 2022 luxury travel market report, an increasing number of wealthy Americans are eyeing bespoke international travel in 2023.

In addition, the report revealed that most wealthy travelers prefer spending on experiences as opposed to goods. This is certainly true of WealthChoice clients, most of whom share the annual goal of travel.

Some of my clients spend more on this passion than others, but based on our in-depth discussions and interactions, and irrespective of the destination in question, getting away from day-to-day demands is a significant priority.

For some, it’s just about having new adventures, experiencing the world on their terms, and enjoying a change of scenery. For others, it’s the health benefits of taking a vacation that inspires them to pre-book time in their schedules each year to get away.

Recharge and Reset

For busy female executives, the health benefits of taking a break are becoming increasingly important. This is particularly true of women working in high-stress roles or in male-dominated sectors, such as tech or the law.

For women fighting battles on all fronts, a vacation can be a chance to relax, reset and reflect. Time in a new environment, away from daily challenges, is often a precious moment to clear the mind and consider new ways of working, new areas for personal development, and opportunities to grow.

Reinvigorated after taking time out, it is quite common for our clients to return to work with a fresh perspective on what is important. As Leonardo da Vinci, the great polymath, once observed: “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer.”

Since travel ranks so high on our clients’ list of personal priorities, it is an important focus area for me and my team. Believe it or not, a financial advisor like WealthChoice has a vital role to play in working with you to prepare for travel (particularly the international, cross-border variety), by providing both financial guidance and ensuring you can go away with the peace of mind that, while you recharge, your financial health is in safe and dedicated hands.

Have Budget, Will Travel

No matter the time frame, be it the standard week-long vacation, or a really indulgent two-week adventure, my clients choose to travel all over the world. Yes, they see travel as a luxury, but it’s one that I encourage them to plan for both financially and logistically.

Even for those in high-earning positions, it is always important to factor in the cost of taking time off – both financially and in terms of personal and work commitments. This is particularly true in demanding professions like law or if you are self-employed or run your own business. Whether it’s the length of your stay, your destination, what kind of accommodation you’re seeking, transport costs or how much you plan to shop while you’re away, I know from experience that it pays to be prepared.

Often travel preparation can be done with the help of your financial advisor who can assist with determining if and how your trip will impact your long-term financial goals and work this into your financial plan. They can also provide guidance on the following:

Let’s Talk Insurance

When visiting distant lands, anything can happen. That’s why trip cancellation insurance is an important consideration. Many of the best travel credit cards also offer some kind of protection for travelers, from baggage insurance to trip delay insurance. Another great resource to compare and buy travel insurance is www.squaremouth.com.

It’s also best to speak to your health care insurance provider about your travels to establish whether they will cover any possible medical costs abroad or if they sell temporary plans. Bear in mind, for instance, that Medicare cover generally doesn’t pay for care in another country, but a Medicare tie-in plan could cover costs incurred abroad. And don’t forget to take all your inoculations, especially if you are traveling to regions such as Africa or Asia.

What Does Estate Planning Have to Do with Travel?

If you’ve been putting off creating a Will or updating the one you have, it’s best to make the necessary arrangements before you travel. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your estate plan is in order ensures you can focus on the business of truly unwinding.

Remember to Combine Cash and Cards

It’s best to use a combination of cards and cash when you’re traveling, especially in Europe. Remember that cash is king so take a fair amount with you in the currency of the country to which you’re traveling.

When selecting a travel card, look for one that has no foreign transaction fees and enables you to seamlessly cash in rewards for travel. Some travel cards also offer a bonus system where you can earn rewards for travel-related purchases.

Investing in a new credit card a few months before your departure may also come with sign-up bonuses that facilitate cheaper travel or high-spend rewards. What’s more, it’s advisable to notify your credit card company of your travel dates so that they don’t block your transactions if they suspect suspicious activity.

High-End Considerations

While the financial and planning advice shared above applies to anyone planning a vacation – and particularly one outside of the USA – for high-earners a comprehensive travel plan might also need to consider making provision for the following:

• Private aviation costs: Since the 2020-2021 pandemic demand for private travel options, such as private jets and even renting out luxury yachts for the summer, has exploded. There are options available for those who chose to travel in style, be it leasing a private aircraft, to fractional ownership of a jet, or even loyalty programs courtesy of well-known aviation companies.
• Exploring bespoke, ‘bucket-list’ experiences: Whether it’s a luxury safari in Kenya or South Africa, leasing a hilltop villa on the Mediterranean, cruising around remote island in Indonesia or along the coast of Croatia, today’s traveler is looking to unlock unique and luxurious possibilities. Vacations of this variety will invariably come with a higher price tag, but if you plan well in advance for such ‘bucket-list’ breaks, they can be magical and even life changing.
• Emerging eco-travel options: A recent report by Virtuoso tells us that some 82 percent of travelers now want to travel more responsibly, and are seeking out more remote and unspoiled locations. They want to engage with local communities and learn about new cultures. Planning vacations of this type, complexity and often distance location, invariably required the services of a travel specialist. They should be treated as once-in-a-lifetime investments.

Live a Life Rich in Experience

Despite the financial outlay from these luxurious vacations, I am always at pains to affirm the travel choices my clients make, and encourage them to reward themselves appropriately for the high-pressure roles they carry off with such grace.

As I wrote in my book, Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom: “The first big step in financial planning is examining your passions and pursuits.” Passions are the interests you feel deeply about, such as travel, while pursuits are the particular goals and endeavors to which you are committed.

Without passion, and without reward, what are you working for?

Travel is, for me, an essential experience that both enriches my life and broadens my horizons. It feeds my passion for new, exciting and bespoke experiences. It represents quality time with family and an opportunity to recharge my batteries.

As a result, I find it extremely satisfying to help my clients make their travel dreams come true. Whatever your financial hopes, dreams and concerns when it comes to travel, remember: I’m just a call away.

The post When Travel Calls, Answer with Sound Financial Planning appeared first on WealthChoice.

Some of my clients – including many successful women in the tech sector – have recently been let go by their companies or are finding themselves with reduced incomes after taking up new job options. These changes fall firmly into the ‘thick and thin’ scenario, bringing significant stress and anxiety to women I have worked with so closely over the years.

Like any good partner, I find myself spending long hours talking through the implications of these changes with my clients, as well as rethinking existing budgets to consider rising expenses that can no longer be covered by company stock awards or a decrease in salary. We discuss ways in which to revisit cost-of-living expenses and when and how to use emergency funds.

These are not easy conversations. However, I increasingly find that those clients who embraced my goal-focused approach, and were open to proper planning and budgeting from inception, were better prepared to face worst-case scenarios and, consequently, to reduce stress.

I call this having a ‘Plan B’.

Do You Have a Financial ‘Plan B’?

The past year has shown me that putting a ‘Plan B’ in place – even when it’s viewed as a grudge line on the budget – is the best tough love conversation a financial advisor can ever have with her clients.

When I wrote Corner Office Choices: The Executive Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom in 2018 the US economy was going through a rough time. Major US stock indices recorded their worst annual performance since the global financial crisis and recession fears were swirling. Again, the tech industry was taking a battering. Many of these issues are still in play, alongside the uncertainty caused by a global health pandemic, rising inflation and, yet again, more recession concerns.

Fortunately, as I tell my clients, it doesn’t matter what life throws at you if you have planned for the good times and the bad; and if you are willing to roll with the punches when you need to.

As I explained in Corner Office Choices: “The process of planning is not a steady, straight path. You have to be nimble because things change. Sometimes life takes unexpected turns that require you to make different financial choices from the ones you planned on. It’s important to not get discouraged by the need to prioritize. Some things will happen now, while other things will have to wait. It doesn’t mean they’re never going to happen. The point is to make incremental progress wherever you can and be consistent.”

Be Realistic About Your Situation

Right now a clear majority of Americans – 63% – do not expect their financial position to improve in 2023, with many putting the blame squarely on high inflation. Other telling statistics from this November 2022 Bankrate survey tell us that 19% of Americans regard ‘paying down debt’ as their top financial goal for the year head, alongside 16% who are prioritizing budgeting, 13% who are saving for into those emergency funds, and 9% who are focusing on retirement savings.

Each of these goals points clearly to the fact that 2023 is expected to be financially challenging for American households. What is encouraging is that Americans from all walks of life are aware of, and talking about, different forms of financial contingency planning – which is what our ‘Plan B’ thinking is all about.

What is Financial Contingency Planning?

We often talk about contingency planning in terms of companies, which use data and insights to determine key risks and then seek to mitigate against these worst-case scenarios. It is, of course, absolutely possible – and, indeed, preferable – to apply this sort of thing to our personal wealth planning.

Planning around potential future risks and negative events is something good financial advisors do as a matter of course.

Taking out income protection insurance or individual disability insurance to protect your earnings in the event of ill health is just one example of contingency planning, as is asset diversification. Having an emergency fund to cover monthly expenses in the event of a crisis is another important consideration, which should ideally cover you for between three and 12 months.

Building these layers into your original ‘Plan A’ does not mean that you don’t wholeheartedly believe in the goals you initially outlined, or your ability to reach your dreams. But it does mean that if your core plan is derailed by global or natural disasters and unforeseen events that you can confidently turn to Plan B, C or D to protect you, your family and your lifestyle with as little disruption and anxiety as possible.

An Emergency ‘To-Do’ List

If you do find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about your job or unexpectedly have to put your skills back on the market, then your first step is to speak to your financial advisor about how best to weather the financial storm with as little disruption to your overall plan as possible.

Breathe in. Exhale. And then follow these ‘Plan B’ preparation steps:

• Track where your money is currently going. Be specific. Give figures.
• Reprioritize your goals in line with your current circumstances.
• Consider any investment you should be making in your professional skills to support your career ambitions or even a possible change in direction.
• Create a new budget that breaks your expenses into fixed and discretionary (and, yes, still allocate funds to support your goals).
• Revisit your current savings habits.
• Protect your credit score by managing high-interest debt. Take advantage of minimum payments, negotiate with creditors or even consider debt consolidation. If you can, pay down debt.
• As your situation improves, keep checking in with your budget and tweaking it to work for you.
• And never forget to top up that emergency fund.

Your Financial Partner

Above all, remember that you are not alone. I’m not a great believer in sitting behind a desk talking at my clients, but I can offer a comfortable couch. Join me for a coffee or a glass of wine, and let’s take some of the stress out of 2023 by finetuning your ‘Plan B’ today.

The post Why You Should Be Financially Prepared for ‘Plan B’ appeared first on WealthChoice.