10 Financial Documents You Should Never Get Rid Of

10 Financial Documents You Should Never Get Rid Of — and How It Could Cost You If You Do

Adam Palasciano  Wed, August 7, 2024  GOBankingRates

As you get older, there are so many documents to keep track of. Official government documents, IDs, bank statements, bills, and other important notices can pile up fast.

It can be a struggle to keep everything organized and identify which documents are the most important to preserve. If you’re unsure, there are 10 specific financial and personal documents you must keep forever.

10 Financial Documents That You Should Never Throw Away

Here are 10 financial and personal documents that you should never get rid of, according to The Washington Post:

Birth certificates and adoption papers.

Death certificates.

Funeral programs.

Estate documents, including your will and power of attorney documents.

Marriage and divorce records.

Year-end pay stubs.

Social Security cards.

Military service records, including discharge documents.

Retirement or pension records.

Loan payoff statements.

If you have financial and personal records and you aren’t sure how long you should keep them, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them as long as possible.

Additional Important Documents and How Long You Should Keep Them

For all other important financial documents, here’s how long you should keep them, according to The Washington Post and Forbes:

To Read More:

 https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/10-financial-documents-never-rid-174706502.html

How I Save For Emergencies — and Why I Still Worry About Having Enough

I’m a Millionaire: How I Save For Emergencies — and Why I Still Worry About Having Enough

August 2, 2024  by  Cindy Lamothe  GoBankingRates

One of the smartest pieces of financial advice out there is to have an emergency fund in case the unexpected happens. And while all of that is well and good, how much is enough?

GOBankingRates spoke with millionaires Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, and David L. Blain, CFA, CEO of BlueSky Wealth Advisors, to discuss exactly how they save for emergencies and when they feel it’s sufficient.

“Since I founded A1 Garage Door Service in 2007, the company has grown to be a leader in the home-service industry,” Mello said. Through this journey, he’s faced numerous financial challenges and learned valuable lessons about saving for emergencies.

“No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but being prepared financially for emergencies gives you peace of mind,” Blain noted. “Then you can focus on living your life without constant worry over what might go wrong.”

Here is how these two millionaires save for emergencies and why they still worry about having enough, along with tips for creating an emergency fund.

How I Save For Emergencies

“Building an emergency fund has always been a priority for me,” Mello said.

He sets aside a percentage of his business profits into a separate savings account dedicated solely to emergencies. “This fund acts as a financial cushion, providing security and peace of mind. I aim to have at least six to 12 months’ worth of operating expenses saved,” he explained.

This approach ensures that his business can weather any unexpected downturns or crises without compromising operations.

Concerns About Not Having Enough Savings

“Despite having a substantial emergency fund, I sometimes worry about whether it’s enough,” Mello said.

He explained that the home service industry can be unpredictable, and unforeseen expenses can arise at any time. “For example, economic downturns, natural disasters or sudden equipment failures can significantly impact our financial stability,” he said.

These concerns drive him to continually evaluate and adjust his savings strategy to ensure he is well prepared for any eventuality.

Blain shared a similar view. “As a millionaire, I do worry about emergencies depleting my savings, even with a sizable emergency fund,” he said. “We keep enough cash on hand to cover six to 12 months of expenses, but medical issues or natural disasters could wipe that out quickly.”

Tips for Building a Solid Emergency Fund

According to Mello, when building an emergency fund, you should start small and be consistent. He advised beginning by setting aside a small percentage of your income each month. “Consistency is key. Over time, these small contributions will accumulate into a significant emergency fund,” he explained.

He also emphasized that building a solid emergency fund is crucial for long-term financial stability, especially in the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. “By adopting disciplined savings habits and continuously evaluating your financial preparedness, you can ensure that you’re ready to face any challenges that come your way,” he said.

Blain agreed. “Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. Making regular contributions to your emergency fund and saving diligently over time is the key, according to Blain. “Stay disciplined, cut excess spending, and your emergency fund and net worth will grow over the years through the power of compounding,” he said.

Here are some additional tips for how to build a solid emergency fund.

To Read More:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/im-a-millionaire-how-i-save-for-emergencies-why-i-still-worry-about-having-enough/

What To Do When The Stock Market Sinks Like A Stone

'Don't Panic': What To Do When The Stock Market Sinks Like A Stone

Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY  Updated Mon, August 5, 2024

If you are one of those amateur investors who checks your 401(k) balance at every meal, today might be a good day to fast.

Stocks had bad days Thursday and Friday. Monday looks to be worse. Global markets plunged overnight, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 index posting the worst one-day return in its history. The losses spread from Asia to Europe, and then to the United States, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq opened sharply lower.

Market reporters trotted out such terms as “rout,” “correction” and even “panic,” descriptors that invoke memories of the market’s darkest days, such as the brief COVID-19 crash of 2020 and the deeper, longer dive of the Great Recession of 2008.

Though it's hard to stay calm as the stock market reels, amateur investors should at least try.

“My best advice is, don’t panic. Really, because you can’t,” said Catherine Valega, a certified financial planner in Boston.

'Stocks are on sale today'

If anything, financial advisers say, this summer stock swoon would be a great time to buy.

“Stocks are on sale today, right?” Valega said. “If you have some cash, let’s go put some money in the market.”

But that can seem counterintuitive.

To an armchair investor, the dilemma is familiar and frustrating: We are instructed to buy low and sell high. When the stock market tumbles, your first impulse is to sell. But then you are selling low.

The stock market “correction,” in dispassionate Wall Street parlance, unfolded swiftly and with seemingly little warning.

Just last Wednesday, Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell waved off an interest rate cut and assured the nation that the economy was doing pretty well.

“It's just a question of seeing more good data,” he said.

The rest of the week yielded mostly bad data.

A surprisingly weak jobs report stoked fresh recession fears from forecasters. Toss in gloomy earnings reports from Amazon and Intel, and together, those tidings pushed stocks sharply lower on Friday.

That news ricocheted around the globe, seeding Monday’s losses in Asia and Europe. Those losses, in turn, triggered more losses in the U.S.

Market watchers urged consumers to keep a sense of perspective. As of late morning, the S&P 500 was higher than it was at moments in April and May, although that could quickly change.

“Short-term market movement can be unpredictable, but over the long term, the trend is up,” said Erika Safran, a certified financial planner in New York. “The irony is that we rush to buy items on sale, but when it comes to investing, when prices drop, the instinct is to sell.”

And we’re still talking about one bad jobs report. Right?

A 'recipe for sudden volatility'

Well, maybe not. The job market was weakening before Friday’s alarming report. Powell cited cooling job data in his news conference Wednesday, listing it as one rationale for the Fed to begin cutting interest rates soon, perhaps in September.

To Read More:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/dont-panic-stock-market-sinks-154619022.html

Money Tips They Wish They Learned In School

People Are Sharing The Money Tips They Wish They Learned In School

BuzzFeed    Sun, August 4, 2024

Adulting is a headache even on a good day; there are so many different ways to mess up, and of course, no instruction manual. I think we all wish we had a class or two in school that would have prepared us better for navigating the maze that is taxes, insurance, and mortgages.

The next best thing to that, though, is asking advice from the older and hopefully wiser folks who have already stumbled through. So I turned to the BuzzFeed Community to ask: "What are the things you wish someone had told you about finance when you were starting out and knew absolutely nothing?"

People banded together to share the game-changing advice that made the biggest differences in their finances, and here's what they had to say, along with Redditors from the r/personalfinance community.

1."Put your savings in a high-yield savings account! I was over 40 before I realized this. Now, I wish I had put the money I had saved to buy a house into a high-yield account. I sat on that money for years in a traditional savings, earning little interest. It makes me so mad that I didn't know about it then.

That additional savings accrual could have been so helpful in home renovations and items we didn't even know we needed when we bought the house (like new appliances)."

2."When I first started working, money was very tight, so I decided not to contribute to my 401(k), thinking I'd do it once I was on my feet. I ended up putting it off until I was about 30. It was an incredibly dumb move, and I missed out on so much employer match money and interest income." —axj66

3."Take advantage of 401(k) plans offered by employers. Most offer a 'match' — which is basically free money added to the account by the employer. Always put in at least how much the company will match. if they match the first 5% you put in, then put in at least 5%.

You don't get taxed on the money you put in until you withdraw in retirement, so your taxes are lower on your check, too. There are usually rules about when the match money becomes yours (vesting schedule), but keep an eye on that date if you are considering switching jobs; I've seen people lose thousands of dollars because they left a job three or six months before they were either fully vested or at least a milestone."

"If/when you switch jobs, do NOT get tempted to just take the money out and blow it. Besides the taxes and penalties for using it, that couple thousand dollars (that was already not really in your pocket all along) will be a nice chunk of money down the line. And time does move faster the older you get..."

—Anonymous, 49, Missouri

4."'Give every dollar a job...' Having $1000 in my checking account with no purpose meant I had $1000 to spend, and I often did." 

"Having $1000 in my checking account and knowing that...$100 has to go for the week's groceries $400 has to be set aside for property tax in March   $150 has to go for the wife's birthday next month  $50 needs to be set aside for fuel for the week  $300 has to be there for the car payment next week  ...makes me feel like I'm broke, and I don't spend dollars I'll soon need for other things."  –u/ItMadeHimMean

5."Many banks will let you open extra accounts for no cost and maybe even link them together. A $1000 paycheck with direct deposit and auto transfers means putting $500 into a bills account, $300 into savings, and only $200 in my spending account. If I don't see the money in my account in the first place, I don't get as tempted to spend it."  —u/Theta_Zero

6."If you buy something on sale, you still bought it.Instead of thinking I got $30 off on this $100 dollar appliance, think, 'I spent $70 dollars on this appliance.' That $30 off is easier to justify than the $70 spent, especially if it is a niche item that doesn't get much use. That being said, if you can get a great deal on something you will use regularly — get it."  –u/NotSpendingOnSales

7."Paying for services annually instead of monthly. You can often save 20-30% by paying annually." —doofenshmirtzevilincTo

Read More:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/people-sharing-money-tips-wish-034603176.html

11 Money Moves You Should Make Soon To Be Ready for 2025

11 Money Moves You Should Make Soon To Be Ready for 2025

Laura Beck   Sat, August 3, 2024   GOBankingRates

As we approach the final stretch of 2024, it’s more important than ever to position yourself for financial success in the coming year.

Whether you’re looking to achieve specific goals, optimize your tax situation or prepare for potential changes that a new year and election might bring, now is the time to take action. GOBankingRates consulted financial experts to bring you actionable advice on the money moves you should consider making.   Here are 11 money moves you should make soon to be ready for 2025.

Leverage Debt as a Tool for Growth

Dutch Mendenhall, a leader in alternative investments and financial education, thinks there needs to be a major shift in how we think and talk about debt.

“Frame your debt as a tool for growth rather than a burden,” he shared. This approach means changing old habits and shifting the focus from paying off debt to leveraging it for investments. “Presuppose that every action you take today will pave the way for a stronger financial future,” he said.

Maximize Tax Shelters and Retirement Contributions

“Prime yourself by maximizing tax shelters and contributing to retirement plans now,” Mendenhall said.

Elaine King, MBA, CFP, founder of Family and Money Matters and expert at Annuity.org, echoes this sentiment, saying, “Make sure you are at max with your 401(k) and your IRA if you qualify. If you’re in your 40s, then you should consider a Roth IRA.” She reminds investors to add their spouses and children if they have earned income.

Diversify Your Investment Portfolio

Both Mendenhall and King are big on the importance of diversification.

“Diversify your portfolio to balance risk and reward, aligning investments with your personal financial personality,” said Mendenhall.

King adds that this is the time to reallocate, and everyone should ensure their portfolios continue to be diversified.

Audit Auto-Payments and Subscriptions

Josh Richner, founder of FaithWorks Financial, points out a crucial step often overlooked: “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has identified and called out deceptive tactics used by companies to trap consumers into subscriptions.”

He adds that while CFPB is focused on eliminating these practices, people should regularly audit their auto-payments and subscriptions. Small, forgotten charges can accumulate over time, and can impact your budget.

Verify Accuracy of Medical Debt Reporting

To Read More: https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/11-money-moves-soon-ready-120141946.html

5 Unnecessary Bills You Should Stop Paying in 2024

5 Unnecessary Bills You Should Stop Paying in 2024

July 1, 2024   Crystal Mayer

According to Forbes Health, improved finances was the second most popular resolution for 2024. Their research indicated that 38% of people wanted to get their money affairs in order over the next year. So if you, like many, have a New Year’s resolution that involves saving money, now is the time to take a look at your finances.

Many times, however, sticking to a budget is easier said than done. You may start with the best intentions but struggle to say no when it comes to going out to eat with friends or adding something new to your cart. One way to save money without completely depriving yourself is to look at your expenses and see if there is anything that you currently pay for that you no longer use.

GOBankingRates asked experts to weigh in on common things that people should consider cutting in the upcoming year. Here are the five unnecessary bills you should stop paying in 2024.

Subscription Services

Nearly all of the experts agreed that subscription services are the leading culprit when it comes to unnecessary expenses. Today, there are more subscriptions available than ever. A few years ago, it may have only been a magazine subscription or two, but now there is a monthly service for everything. From streaming to meal prep, you have convenience at your fingertips — but it will cost you.

Sofia Perez, content manager and owner of CharacterCounter.com, suggested people look to free alternatives. She explained, “Entertainment lovers think nothing of renting a movie from a streaming platform, but if they have access to a public library, they should know many new releases are found at these locations for free.”

She added, “Again, planning is everything, and it is more convenient to sit on one’s couch, search and push play. But those expenditures undoubtedly add up, especially during winter months and binge-watching marathons.”

Gym Memberships

While you may have joined the gym in January with the best of intentions, it isn’t worth the bill you pay each month if you don’t use it.

Kenan Acikelli, CEO of Workhy, agreed that people need to look at their subscriptions, including gym memberships, to cut costs.

He noted, “In 2024, consumers should reevaluate their subscriptions and recurring expenses. Often, people pay for services like underutilized gym memberships, multiple streaming platforms or premium internet packages that exceed their actual needs. Another area to consider is automatic renewals for software or apps that are rarely used.”

“Evaluating and trimming these unnecessary expenses can lead to significant savings, helping individuals allocate funds more effectively towards their financial goals,” he said.

Unused Insurance Policies

https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/unnecessary-bills-you-should-stop-paying/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1279854&utm_source=yahoo.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss

6 Ways To Improve Your Financial Outlook, Despite High Costs

6 Ways To Improve Your Financial Outlook, Despite High Costs

G. Brian Davis  Thu, August 1, 2024  GOBankingRates

Some financial experts refer to inflation as the “silent tax.” You don’t see it come out of your paycheck or savings, but it drains their value nonetheless.

Inflation also impacts everyone across the financial spectrum. The rich, poor, and everyone in between notices the effects of inflation.

So in the wake of high inflation over the last few years, how can you improve your financial outlook no matter where you fall on the socioeconomic spectrum?

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

1. House Hack

Housing makes up the greatest expense for nearly everyone on the planet. It therefore offers the single greatest opportunity for saving money — especially if you can knock it out entirely by house hacking.

“House hacking involves buying a multi-unit property with up to four units, using traditional mortgage financing,” explained Lane Forehetz, founder of Fast Lane Real Estate. “An FHA loan, which requires only 3.5% down, can make this affordable, often needing less than $10,000 out of pocket.”

“By living in one of the units and renting out the others, you can offset your mortgage or rent payment, significantly increasing your monthly savings,” Forehetz said. You can use the future rents from the other units to help you qualify for the mortgage.

Not ready or interested in buying a new home? Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant, recommended finding ways to house hack your current home.

“For example, turning a room or section of your home into an Airbnb lets you get started without the financial undertaking of traditional real estate investing. With a consistently profitable stream of passive income like that, the money earned can be used to move you upwards financially, helping you do things like pay off your loans, building your savings, and kicking off your investment journey.”

2. Meal Plan To Reduce Grocery Spending

Grocery costs have risen a staggering 25.8% since the last presidential election. That’s pinched most Americans, whose paychecks have not kept pace.

“I plan meals ahead for the week and only buy the groceries that I need for those meals,” said Annie Cole, money coach and founder at Money Essentials for Women. “This has helped me cut hundreds off my monthly grocery bill versus walking through the store without a plan.”

“I buy a lot of affordable staples (rice, potatoes, vegetables) and plan meals around them. When I do buy more expensive items like meat, I’ll use portions of it across multiple meals,” she added.

3. Research Food Assistance

Cole continued to explain that more people qualify for various types of grocery assistance than they realize. “Low-income individuals may qualify to receive a monthly meal stipend from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).”

To Read More:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/6-ways-improve-financial-outlook-151055662.html

5 Money Mistakes Even Financially Savvy People Make

5 Money Mistakes Even Financially Savvy People Make

Cindy Lamothe  Thu, August 1, 2024  GOBankingRates

No matter how great you are at managing your finances, no one is immune to making the occasional money mistake — and some of these can be dire.

“It’s important to recognize that some seemingly minor errors can have significant long-term effects,” said Michael Ashley, finance expert and founder of Richiest.

While everyone has financial blind spots, the good news is you can learn about them before they cause you problems. Here are some of the top money mistakes even the most financially savvy folks make.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Neglecting to Regularly Review and Adjust Financial Plans

One common mistake, according to Ashley, is neglecting to review and adjust your financial plans regularly. “Many people assume that once they’ve set up a budget or investment plan, they don’t need to revisit it.”

However, changes in income, expenses or life circumstances can render old plans obsolete, potentially leading to missed opportunities or financial shortfalls.

Underestimating Small, Recurring Expenses

Another frequent issue is underestimating the impact of small, recurring expenses.

While a small subscription service or daily coffee might not seem like a big deal, Ashley said these expenses can add up over time and erode savings if not monitored carefully. “This can be particularly damaging in the long run, as the cumulative effect of these small expenditures can be substantial.”

Failing To Diversify Investments

According to experts, some people also make the mistake of relying too heavily on a single investment or income source.

“Diversification is a fundamental principle of financial management, and failing to spread out investments or income streams can leave you vulnerable to market fluctuations or job loss,” said Ashley.

He explained this lack of diversification can result in significant financial risk and instability.

“Truth is, thinking that you are good with money is one of the easiest ways to let your guard down and put yourself in a situation where you steadily miss out on financial advancement opportunities,” said Mafe Aclado, finance expert and general manager at Coupon Snake.

In her experience, one of the most common money mistakes people make — even when they are generally good with money — is failing to diversify their investments. Particularly frugal people, for example, have some good habits, like avoiding impulse spending, but they also avoid all but the most familiar and safe investments.

She said these people lay all their financial eggs in one basket. “And what makes this a huge money mistake is by concentrating all their investment[s], they run a huge risk of loss if the investment performs badly.”

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/5-money-mistakes-even-financially-160055894.html

These Are the Top 4 Questions High Net Worth People Ask

I’m a Financial Advisor: These Are the Top 4 Questions High Net Worth People Ask Me

Nicole Spector  Thu, August 1, 2024   GOBankingRates

Money can be complicated, and it doesn’t necessarily get any less so if you have a ton of it. In fact, it can get even more complex. Even high net worth individuals have stumbling blocks and points of confusion.

GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts who manage high net worth clients to learn about the most common money-related questions people with a lot of wealth ask — and the best ways to answer them.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

‘Will I Outlast My Wealth — Or Vice Versa?’

In the world of high net worth clients, Charlie Massimo, SVP and financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement Group, sees one critical concern looming especially large: The question of whether they will outlast their wealth — or vice versa.

“Surprisingly, many high net worth investors find themselves uncertain when faced with this pivotal question,” Massimo said. “There is an approach which is simple yet profound: We guide them to set specific, tangible goals and not vague aspirations like outperforming the market, but concrete objectives, such as generating $300,000 post-tax income by age 65.”

From there, Massimo crafts a plan tailored to support these goals, ensuring that every financial decision aligns with the client’s big plan rather than market ups and downs.

 ‘Can I Retire?’

Even high net worth individuals are wondering about whether a comfortable retirement is feasible for them. Katherine Fox, CFP, founder of Sunnybranch Wealth, often hears the question: “Can I retire?”

“The answer to this question depends on two factors,” Fox said. “How much money you have saved and how much income you need every year.”

Many of Fox’s clients are in their 20s, 30s and 40s and looking to retire early.

“They can usually accomplish this goal within their ideal timeframe, but it means taking a deep dive into their current and future spending and understanding what tradeoffs may come with an early retirement,” Fox said. “The ‘safe’ rule of thumb is that if you plan to withdraw 4% or less from your portfolio each year, your investments can support your lifestyle in retirement.”

Yet this rule of thumb, Fox noted, glosses over the important aspects of retirement planning for young, high net worth individuals.

“Retirement expenses are rarely static, and many wealthy people expect to maintain their current standard of living in retirement,” Fox said. “If the market was down significantly for several years, withdrawing 4% per year may not pay for your lifestyle expenses, and withdrawing more than that may mean you run out of money too soon.”

To Read More: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-financial-advisor-top-4-120053016.html

Bank Refused ‘Deteriorated’ Bills

Bank Refused ‘Deteriorated’ Bills

Sacramento senior, 66, found $6,000 that she lost, Bank Refused ‘Deteriorated’ Bills — how to deposit damaged money

Bethan Moorcraft  Tue, July 30, 2024  Moneywise

Mary Venegas was “flabbergasted” when she finally found an envelope containing $6,000 in cash buried beneath some cardboard boxes in her backyard.

The Sacramento senior thought the money was long gone after losing it four years ago and was “just so happy” to find it, since she’s living on a fixed income and had overdue utility bills to pay.

How does one come to lose a cash fortune in their backyard?

“I don’t know… I’m just a 66-year-old woman who’s very forgetful,” Venegas told CBS News Sacramento, explaining that she’d originally planned to use the money to pay her taxes.

But when she went to deposit the money, Bank of America refused to accept her cash because the bills were “deteriorated,” dirty and water damaged after their four-year stay outside.

Here’s what happened — and what you can do if you have damaged or mutilated money.

Government Examination

Venegas thought her recent money struggles were solved when she found $6,000 in cash — money that is rightfully hers.

When the bank refused to take the money — which was mostly $100 bills — she found that her deposit may have had to undergo a thorough examination by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the government agency that prints money (referred to as Federal Reserve notes) and redeems mutilated currency notes.

The BEP defines mutilated currency as notes that have been “damaged to the extent that one-half or less of the original note remains, or its condition is such that its value is questionable.”

Currency notes can be mutilated in many ways, including by fire, water, chemicals, explosives, animals, insects, rodent damage and petrification or deterioration by burying. In Venegas’ case, the cash was likely damaged by water and the corners were clearly eaten away by an insect or animal.

To Read More: 

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/sacramento-senior-66-found-6-110500798.html

You Can Now Withdraw $1K From Your 401(k) Penalty-Free — but You Still Shouldn’t

You Can Now Withdraw $1K From Your 401(k) Penalty-Free — but You Still Shouldn’t

Gabrielle Olya  Tue, July 30, 2024  GOBankingRates

As of the beginning of this year, the Secure Act 2.0 allows Americans to withdraw up to $1,000 from tax-advantaged retirement accounts to pay for “unforeseeable or immediate financial needs relating to necessary personal or family emergency expenses” without having to worry about an early withdrawal penalty.

While this can serve as a financial lifeline, some financial experts caution against tapping into your retirement savings to cover emergencies. Here’s why you may want to think twice before making a withdrawal from your long-term savings.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

The Downsides to Making an Emergency Withdrawal From Your Retirement Fund

If you need money ASAP, making an emergency withdrawal from your retirement savings might seem like a no-brainer.

“A hardship withdrawal can give you immediate access to the money you need without having to worry about paying it back,” said Mindy Yu, director of investing at Betterment. “This can be a lifesaver if you’re facing urgent, dreadful financial challenges, like unexpected medical bills or the threat of foreclosure on your home. However, an emergency withdrawal from your retirement savings can have several downsides and long-term impacts.”

It’s important to keep these downsides in mind before taking out any funds.

Reduced Retirement Funds

“The most immediate impact is a decrease in your retirement nest egg, reducing the amount of money available when you retire,” Yu said.

Delayed Retirement

If you rely on these withdrawals too often, you may not be able to retire when you want to.

“Reduced funds may result in having to work longer to compensate for the shortfall,” Yu said.

Missed Earnings Potential

Money in your retirement savings account compounds over time, so when you withdraw funds, you also miss out on that money’s future earnings.

“Emergency withdrawals can disrupt the time your money is invested in the market, affecting long-term savings goals,” Yu said.

“Because of these reasons, careful consideration and exploring other financial avenues are crucial ahead of deciding to withdraw from your retirement savings,” she noted.

Alternatives to Tapping Into Your Retirement Savings

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/now-withdraw-1k-401-k-150125060.html