facebook twitter instagram linkedin google youtube vimeo tumblr yelp rss email podcast phone blog external search brokercheck brokercheck Play Pause
Military Finances 101: Happy Independence Day! 4 Ways to Find Your Financial Independence This Year Thumbnail

Military Finances 101: Happy Independence Day! 4 Ways to Find Your Financial Independence This Year

Managing Your Finances

The Fourth of July is an exciting holiday that marks the independence of our nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As you celebrate with hot dogs, fireworks and pool parties this year, consider this: 2021 could be your year to start finding financial freedom of your own.

Achieving financial independence is a goal that almost everyone has. It brings you the personal freedom to do what you want. For most Americans, however, debt is a significant roadblock. In fact, the average adult has around $90,460 in debt.1 This includes all types of consumer debt such as credit cards, personal loans, student loans, mortgages and auto loans. 

The good news is, there are strategies to pay down debt and work toward financial independence. How can you do this? Here are four actionable ways to start working towards more financial freedom this year. 

Way #1: Make a Budget and Stick to It

If you want to be certain that your bills will be paid and savings goals are on track, then you need to set a monthly budget and do your best to stick to it. If you’re used to spending and saving as you please, sticking to a strict budget will feel hard at first. But over time, consistency in your spending habits will make following a budget easy and natural. Holding yourself accountable can help deter impulse buys, splurges and make your savings goals a bigger priority.

Way #2: Pay off Your Credit Cards in Full

Credit cards have high-interest rates that can grow your debt every month they aren’t paid off. If you’re able, pay off your credit card balance in full each month. Additionally, pay them on time to help you build good credit. If possible, it’s best to treat your credit card like a debit card, meaning you don’t spend more than you have. Once you have high-interest debt like this paid down, you can focus on low-interest debts like mortgages, auto loans and student debt. 

Way #3: Opt for Automatic Savings

One of the most effective ways to save more money is to automate the process. Determine how much you’re able to contribute to your savings account each month and set up an automatic transfer with your bank. Soon, you’ll forget this is even happening.

If your company offers a retirement savings plan like a 401(k), you may have the option to automatically defer funds from your paycheck to the account. Again, this is something that will happen without action from you, making it an easy and convenient way to build retirement savings.

Way #4: Begin Building Your Portfolio

Once you have control over your debt, you’ll want to focus on building passive income - which can be done through investments. Start off simple by contributing to a retirement account, like a 401(k) or IRA. Even small contributions now can grow significantly toward retirement through the power of compound interest.

If you’re looking to expand, consider utilizing a robo-advisor or working with an investment advisor. A robo-advisor allows investors to take a DIY approach to managing their portfolio, while an investment advisor can provide tailored, complex investment strategies.

As you involve yourself in investments further, you may find other opportunities to invest as well, such as real estate, collectibles or other alternative investment classes.

Achieving financial independence isn’t something that happens overnight. If you plan and save, however, it really can pay off for you in the long run. Not only does it help you to build savings, but it starts strong habits for the future. If you're unsure where to start, an experienced financial professional can help address your concerns and develop tailored strategies going forward.

If you found this article useful, you might like the following blog posts:

Military Finances 101: Tax Free Leave


Military Finances 101: 6 Common Insurance Mistakes to Avoid


Military Finances 101: What Is a Mortgage and How Does It Work?


  1. https://www.cnbc.com/select/average-american-debt-by-age/

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Disclaimer
Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC ), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC website or incorporated herein, and C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC takes no responsibility therefore. All such information is provided solely for convenience, educational, and informational purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC . To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the blog content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the C.L. Sheldon & Company, LLC ’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available for review upon request. DISCLAIMER OF TAX ADVICE: Any discussion contained herein cannot be considered to be tax advice. Actual tax advice would require a detailed and careful analysis of the facts and applicable law, which we expect would be time consuming and costly. We have not made and have not been asked to make that type of analysis in connection with any advice given in this blog post. As a result, we are required to advise you that any Federal tax advice rendered in this blog is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by the IRS. In the event you would like us to perform the type of analysis that is necessary for us to provide an opinion, that does not require the above disclaimer, as always, please feel free to contact us.