WEEKLY EDUCATIONAL UPDATE – MAY 9, 2018
Everyone knows the benefits of a good night’s sleep. But when your mind is on money, sometimes it’s hard to sink into slumber. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Americans occasionally experience sleep problems due to financial woes
The cost of health care tops the list with more than a third of respondents saying their fretting keeps them from snoozing.
Saving for retirement is another top disturber of sleep: 37%. Student debt is another top contender at around a third. About a quarter of Americans are wired during the night over mortgage and rent. Nearly a quarter of Americans stay up late over credit card debt
If only you had a couple million dollars in the bank, life would be worry free and nights would be filled with golden slumber, right? Not so fast.
Even very wealthy investors – those with a net worth between $5 million and $25 million – are worried about not having enough money to make it through their retirement years.
So, what can you do to alleviate the stress and get some sleep? Here are some tips that may help make you more money secure – and rested:
Don’t worry, be prepared: Psychologists say worrying is a natural emotion. It equips us for an uncertain future; worry should work as a motivator. It becomes unhealthy, and steals our sweet dreams, when it is taken to extremes and when we don’t respond to it properly. Preparing ourselves will help alleviate some of the stress. Worry sometimes arises when we approach different stages in life, such as retirement or having children, and we keep imagining the worst-case scenario. A little research into our options and choices – and developing a financial strategy to achieve our goals – will make for better slumber.
Get professional help: Sometimes life’s challenges can be overwhelming, especially when they involve finances: rising debt, shaky retirement planning, a lack of budgeting. Getting advice from a financial professional can significantly ease the stress of not knowing what to do or how to do it. Professionals can provide insight and present options to help you formulate an action plan.
Ignore the chatter: Market fluctuations are normal. Stocks rise, stocks fall. It’s our response to the market that matters. If you have a long-term investment strategy linked to your financial goals, you shouldn’t have to worry. Short-term movements in the market should have little impact on your investment plan. If already, review your investment strategy with a financial professional, make any necessary changes, then rest easier.
Track your cash: Most Americans – 2 of 3 – don’t have a budget or, if they do, don’t follow it, which can set them up for quite a few sleepless nights when unexpected financial surprises come to visit. Online or software budgeting programs and apps enable you to import bills, credit cards, and other financial information into easily managed budget systems to monitor income and expenses. Gaining an understanding of how you spend your money allows you to make adjustments or make changes to help you reach your goals.
You don’t have to let worry disrupt your sleep. A few easy steps may help make the journey to your financial goals smoother and faster, and your sleep sounder. If money woes are keeping you awake, give us a call. We’d be happy to meet with you and review your situation.