So, as we get older, our skin, body, and health aren’t the only things that change – our money situation evolves too. With the start of a new year, it’s a great time to take a look at our finances. Have your responsibilities shifted? Are your financial goals different from last year’s? How’s your investment game going?
Now that I’m in my 40s, I’m fully aware that time isn’t exactly on my side when it comes to building up my savings, unlike someone in their 20s. But I’m trying my darnedest to make up for the time crunch with some extra cash. It’s a no-brainer that the more you earn, the more you can stash away for investing, not just for spending.
Our appetite for risk evolves as we get older and hit certain milestones. Two folks of the same age and income might have totally different attitudes toward risk. Think marriage, mortgages, and raising kids – these things shape our investment choices.
Speaking of investments, let’s talk about that:
Investing in Your 20s
Alright, let’s rewind to your 20s – fresh out of school, maybe in your first job, and probably thinking, “Investing? Nah, I’m just trying to make ends meet.”
According to Michael Gilmore, the author of The Little Book of Zen Money, money worries are a big part of the mental health puzzle nowadays. But the cool thing about your 20s is that you don’t need to overthink your investment strategy. This is the time to take it slow and learn along the way.
Gilmore suggests splitting your investments into two buckets in your 20s: a low-risk, easily accessible emergency fund (for about three to six months of expenses), and then the rest into higher-risk stuff like stocks. He points out that his own daughters are nailing this with robo-advisors and ETFs (exchange-traded funds).
Robo-advisors like Stashaway or Endowus have transformed the game for folks who want their money accessible without getting slammed with fees for early withdrawals. If the idea of locking up your money for ages gives you the jitters, these options can help you grow your dollars with less risk. Plus, you can still tap into your funds for big things like a downpayment on a home or your dream wedding.
Investing in Your 30s
Now let’s speed up to your 30s. You’re juggling work, relationships, and maybe even parenthood. While your 20s were about saving for life’s epic moments, your 30s are more about the long-term game. Like those ants in that fable, you’re working hard to prep for your “winter” – AKA retirement.
Your investment mix might include ETFs with varying time horizons, plus a little slice for things that pique your interest, like crypto, REITs, and stocks. If you’ve got kiddos, consider low-risk options like endowment plans that mature when they head off to college.
But hold up, it’s not just about growing your money. Protecting your stash matters too. With big-ticket purchases on the horizon (hello, family homes and fancy vacays), make sure you’re covered with insurance – life, health, motor, travel, and home protection.
Gilmore’s wisdom? Don’t blur the lines between investing, gambling, and speculating. Investing means you’re gradually building ownership of assets. Gambling? That’s hoping something shoots up faster than the other – and sometimes it’s a total bust. No overnight millionaire magic here, so stick to a strategy and stay disciplined.
Investing in Your 40s
Now, fast forward to your 40s. This might be a bit of a reality check as careers stall and family costs surge. Kids and parents both seem to need more money, leaving you pondering if comfy retirement is even possible.
According to Gilmore, for some of us in our 40s, the prime time for turbocharging investment gains might be behind us. Bummer, right? So now, it’s about managing expenses, maximizing savings, and planning for retirement-related spending.
He warns against taking wild risks to play catch-up. Tempting as it may be, if it flops, you’re in deeper trouble. Focus on saving and consistent investments in big indexes instead.
For those who’ve got a decent nest egg going by their 40s, it’s time to weigh the risks for the years ahead. Less global currency exposure, more long-term thinking about assets and where to plant your roots. Gilmore drops a book recommendation: “Beyond the 4% Rule” by Abraham Okusanya. It’s a deep dive into different ways to divvy up your wealth and what could unfold.
Ask yourself about that retirement lifestyle. If your dream retirement involves more than just the basics, you’ll need to set aside more cash than you might’ve thought.
Tackling our finances head-on might be nerve-wracking, but ignoring the truth won’t make it vanish. If your investment plan has holes, best to fix ’em sooner rather than later.
