1. Start Planning for Retirement¹

 

The first thing you should do is plan for retirement. Contributing early and regularly means that you can get by with contributing a lower overall percentage of your income and you do not need to worry about catching² up later.

 

It makes sense to plan as though you are going to be responsible for your retirement on your own. This allows you to save enough and will leave you prepared. It may help you to be able to retire early.

 

2.Create a Financial Plan

 

A financial plan can include everything from your career plan to your retirement plan. If that feels like too much start out with a five-year plan. Where do you want to be in five years? What do you need to do financially to get there?

 

Then break it down into yearly and monthly goals and steps. Be sure to include long-term goals like retirement as part of your plan. This may include going back to school to get your education to help with your next career goal.

 

3. Focus on Climbing the Career Ladder

 

Now is a great time to focus on the career ladder. It takes time and hard work to move up. Make clear goals and determine what you need to do to reach them.

 

It may mean switching companies, moving to another city or going back to school. It may mean that you do side work or create a professional network and find a mentor³ to help you reach that goal.

 

Break down the steps for the career path you want to take and start taking them. It is okay to switch directions at some point and choose to go a new direction if you find a better fit for you.

 

Dreams can change, but the key is to keep moving forward toward that dream.

 

4.Make Sure You Are Budgeting

 

Budgeting is one of the biggest tools to managing your money properly.

 

When you are single, it is easy to justify⁴ not creating a budget. Your expenses are straightforward⁵ and if you pay your bills what does it matter when and how you spend your money?

 

However, your budget can help you find areas you can cut back on spending to put more money toward savings⁶ or debt.

 

Make your income a tool, and budget effectively. This does not mean you should not have fun, but determine how much you can afford to spend while working on your financial plan and stick to that amount.

 

5. Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance

 

Insurance is there to protect you. It can be frustrating⁷ to see your income going to insurance each month, but it is there to protect you.

 

When you are a single, short-term and long-term disability insurance can be a life saver, especially if you do not have an emergency fund saved up.

 

6.Build Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is essential if you are single. It can be the thing that save you from being homeless if you were to suddenly lose your job.

 

It can help cover unexpected expenses and take the worry and weight off.

 

For people living on one income, a year's worth of expense is a good goal. This will give you time to find a new job without too much pressure.

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