Financial planning is imperative for achieving your financial goals, but did you know it can also reduce your stress, increase mental and physical wellbeing, and free up more time and headspace for the things you enjoy? Here are a few tips to help you.
Establishing an emergency fund is a vital part of any financial plan. Having emergency savings set aside can provide reassurance, no matter what life challenges you may face. Have you thought about what you would do if you were unable to work, had a large unanticipated expense or needed easy access to funds in a crisis situation? An emergency fund can provide an extra confidence boost and alleviate stress, arming you with the knowledge you are prepared for worst-case scenarios. It can also help minimize the impact financial emergencies may have on your progress toward financial goals.
Making financial decisions can be complicated and create anxiety, but a well thought out spending plan can offer the visibility and reassurance you need to increase your physical and mental wellbeing. Your spending plan may change over time due to certain life events, changes in income and expenses or from reevaluating your goals. When you have a strong grasp of how much money comes in versus where it’s going out (your cash flow), you can build an evolving spending plan that:
If you have access to Ayco through your employer, there are a number of resources on the digital platform to help you create—and stick to—your budget.
A financial plan can also benefit your mental health by providing the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of if you’re no longer there to support them. Knowing you have life insurance coverage and an estate plan in place can provide a variety of health benefits, from a better night’s sleep to increasing your attention and productivity at work and in other daily activities.
Do the ups and downs of the market cause you stress? A financial plan with a properly allocated and managed investment portfolio can positively increase your mood, reduce stress and reduce the need for future changes. Investment strategies can differ widely depending on your goal, time frame and the risk level you’re comfortable with. Whether you’re earmarking the funds for retirement, education, a major purchase or providing an inheritance, having a proper plan in place can improve your quality of life, cut down on out-of-pocket-expenses and allow you to be more resilient to market conditions or economic factors.
United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC d/b/a Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management (“GS PFM”) is a registered investment adviser and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a worldwide, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management, and financial services organization.
The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only, is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, and should not be considered investment advice. GS PFM does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. Clients should obtain their own independent legal, tax, or accounting advice based on their particular circumstances. Please contact your financial adviser with questions about your specific needs and circumstances.
Information and opinions expressed by individuals other than GS PFM employees do not necessarily reflect the view of GS PFM. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice.
Tell us about yourself at no cost or obligation.
By submitting this information, you hereby authorize and request that PFM contact through any direct contact and any automated means, including but not limited to use of an auto-dialer, pre-recorded/artificial voicemail and SMS, and by email to discuss PFM’s products or services and you are consenting to receive certain materials from PFM by email or other means of electronic delivery. In addition, you acknowledge that PFM will use your information as described in its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. PFM may share your information with other subsidiaries of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and they may also contact you directly through any of the same means listed above.
To withdraw your consent to receive calls or to change your contact preferences, please call us at 1 (800) 796-3315. To stop marketing emails, follow the opt-out instructions in the email received. To revoke your consent to receive communications electronically, please contact your GS PFM team.