Even if you have every moment planned out (and color coded), life can still be full of surprises. By planning and preparing, you will be ready to face the unexpected.
Check out these quick tips from State Farm® to help you protect what matters most.
In Case of Emergency. You’ve heard it before. You might even have a mug that says, “It happens.” It may seem silly, but life does happen and emergencies happen too—usually when you least expect it. Whether it’s a car repair, home repair or another unanticipated expense, you can help take control of the unexpected by creating an emergency fund. To get started, crunch your numbers and set a goal to save enough to cover at least 3-9 months of expenses. Now for the tough part: Keep in mind that you cannot touch the money that you’ve allocated, except for emergencies. Stash it in your savings account and leave it there. It will give you comfort to know that you have financial stability during a time when life may become a little unstable.
Minding the Job Market. With an ever-changing economy, jobs can come and go. So, create a small nest egg to help out during those in-between times. If possible, create a new account or simply tie it into part of your emergency fund. A good rule of thumb: take your monthly expenses and triple the amount. Use this figure as a savings goal and earmark for potential unemployment. This will allow you to take the time you need to find a new position or a new income stream. You never know, you might even land your dream job!
A Little (or a Lot) of Insurance. There are so many options when it comes to life insurance, but no matter what type you choose, your reason for wanting it is the same as everyone else—you want to protect your loved ones when you are no longer here. Term policies provide coverage for a specific period of time, often 10-30 years, while permanent policies can provide longer-length or lifelong coverage. As you begin to decide on the length of your life insurance policy, you may find that term is a better choice for families on a budget while permanent policies can be more expensive, but may provide more value over time. To help ensure your growing family (generational wealth) is protected, make time to chat with a professional, like a local State Farm agent, to see how the right policy can meet your needs and the needs of your loved ones.
Ask a Trusted Resource. If any of this is feeling overwhelming (and it’s okay if it does), why not seek an outside opinion? Sometimes, it can be really helpful to work with someone who can take the time to explain your options and work with you to meet your individual goals. And you may not know it, but you don’t need a lot of assets in order to receive assistance. A State Farm agent can help guide you through money matters at every stage of your life, from these unexpected bumps in the road to paving a new path for yourself and your family. So, sit down with a State Farm agent. There is no charge to discuss your financial goals and create a personalized plan.
Learn more about protecting what matters at LetsStartToday.com.