A Credit Card Free Holiday – Can it Happen?

Keegan Tanghe, AIF®

November 7, 2017

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Don’t we all just love the holidays? Having a nice, large Thanksgiving meal with close family and friends? Unwrapping presents during Christmas or Hanukkah, seeing the big smiles on the young kids and grandkids as they rip open that favorite toy they begged for? It may be pure bliss during the months of November and December, but come January and February, when those credit card statements come in, the stress starts to set in.

According to the article here, the average person takes more than five months to pay off that holiday debt. Many more carry that into the next holiday season, hence carrying it indefinitely and having it snowball out of control. Many people just make the minimum payment on credit cards throughout the year, and then when the holidays come about, go crazy with buying up everything, their balance goes up, and so does that minimum payment, which they soon cannot afford to pay. Defaults on credit cards and people trying to do balance transfers or debt consolidation soon become the norm and the house of cards (literally) soon falls.

44% of people surveyed stated that they were stressed out because of that extra holiday debt. Among all age groups, Millennials were most likely to go into debt around the holidays. People ages 24-35 were most likely to say they went into debt this holiday season with a rate of 14.3%. With the exception of 45-54-year-olds, the likelihood of going into debt decreased with age. Seniors were least likely to say they went into debt, with a rate of 7.6%.

So how can we mitigate or eliminate this holiday debt altogether?

Start a holiday-saving account: Set aside a holiday or Christmas budget at the beginning of each year! The problem that many people run into is that they do not set a holiday season budget and just spend, spend, spend. We have many clients who save anywhere from $50-200/month starting in January, so that they have their full budget come the 4th quarter. Or, if you are out shopping throughout the year and see a great sale on something that a family member or close friend would like, feel free to buy it, to pace yourself. If it’s within the budget, you should be ok.

Change your tax withholdings: It’s also a proven fact that many people over-pay their taxes throughout the year, over-withholding on their paychecks. The average person pays their amount of taxes by the spring or summertime, and the rest of the year is just spent paying more to Uncle Sam, lining his pockets. We have had many clients who come through our office in the 3rd or 4th quarter, and after we look at their tax returns for the previous year, as long as everything is a constant, we ascertain that they have already paid all of their taxes for the year. They can then increase their withholdings on their paycheck, thus bringing in more income monthly, to allow them to pay for the holiday’s cash. Solution: no post-holiday blues. Then, come January, we would review the client’s situation again, many times working alongside their CPA, to help them get to more of a point of breaking even or getting just a small tax refund back at tax time. This would allow them to better plan out their budget for the year.

Can you change your schedule: Other things to consider to have a credit card-free holiday is to work overtime, if your job allows it, or if you get a bonus throughout the year, to set that aside for the holiday season. But don’t count on it, as you can’t always rely on bonuses, commissions, or pay raises to occur when you want them to.

If you are a people-person and don’t mind strangers in your car, consider driving for Lyft or Uber. I believe they offer tiered bonuses if you complete a certain amount of rides during your first 30 days of working and always have promotions going on. That’s an instant quick bonus for one or two months of work. Many retailers, as well as Amazon, hire hundreds or thousands of seasonal part-timers, to help with the holiday rush. Maybe you can even use that employee discount at that retail store you’d be working at to get a good deal on some presents. UPS and FedEx also hire extra drivers and warehouse employees to sort through all of those packages that are being delivered the last two months of the year.

Conclusion: Get creative and don’t get complacent. You can do this!

Action items:

Understand where your money actually went.

There are many great apps out there which can track your spending throughout the year, and help you stay up on things, so things don’t spiral out of control

Set a realistic budget of what you will spend on family, friends, co-workers, and even clients, if it merits it in your situation, so you don’t break the bank

Work with a trusted financial advisor/coach that can hold you accountable on your spending, so you can keep pace to reach your financial goals

Good luck and let us know your progress! Enjoy the holidays and create some lifetime memories!

[1] http://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/featured/americans-holiday-debt-added-1003-average-year/

Introducing Financial Advisor Woburn

In Woburn, Massachusetts, financial advisors at Trilogy Financial Services, such as Tom Elkins, Dale Sarpard, and Mohammed Siddiqui, are guiding clients towards financial success with personalized investment strategies. Leveraging their collective expertise and local market understanding, these advisors offer unique insights into maximizing investments.

Understanding the Woburn Investment Landscape

The economic landscape of Woburn offers diverse investment opportunities. Advisors like Tom Elkins, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, emphasize the importance of understanding local market trends and how they can impact investment choices. With their finger on the pulse of Woburn's economy, these advisors tailor their strategies to leverage local strengths. Some of these Key Strategies and Insights from Trilogy Financial Advisors include:

Collaborative Strategy: Emphasizing a team-based approach, Trilogy Financial ensures clients benefit from diverse expertise and financial planning woburn.
Comprehensive Solutions: By pooling the knowledge of various advisors, the firm can offer more holistic financial plans.
Enhanced Understanding: This approach leads to a deeper comprehension of each client’s unique financial situation.
Complex Situation Management: The collaborative effort of the team allows for effective management of intricate financial scenarios.

Tailored Investment Strategies

Each investor's journey is distinct, and advisors at Trilogy Financial Services recognize this. Dale Sarpard, with his extensive experience, illustrates the importance of creating investment plans that align with individual goals and life stages. From retirement planning to wealth management, their strategies are as unique as their clients.

Tom Elkins' Approach:

Emphasis on understanding local market trends for informed investment decisions.
Advocacy for personalized financial planning tailored to individual goals.
Specialization in retirement planning and wealth management strategies.

Risk Management Techniques

Effective risk management is a cornerstone of successful investing. Mohammed Siddiqui, known for his client-focused approach, underscores the significance of a well-diversified portfolio. By balancing risk and return, these advisors help clients navigate market volatility with confidence.

Mohammed Siddiqui's Methodology:

Prioritizing client-focused risk management and portfolio diversification.
Adapting investment plans to changing market conditions and personal life changes.
Utilizing technology for real-time investment insights and efficient planning.

Future-Proofing Your Investments

Woburn's financial advisors are adept at adapting investment strategies to evolving market conditions and personal circumstances. They prioritize long-term sustainability, ensuring that clients' investments can withstand economic shifts and personal life changes.

Dale Sarpard's Expertise:

Extensive experience in developing comprehensive financial plans.
Focus on aligning investment strategies with life stage and financial objectives.
Expertise in navigating complex financial scenarios for diverse client profiles.

Leveraging Technology for Investment Success

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in investment management. Trilogy Financial Services utilizes advanced tools and platforms to provide clients with real-time insights and streamlined financial planning processes.

Conclusion

The advisors at Trilogy Financial Services in Woburn are committed to guiding clients through the complexities of investing. With personalized strategies, expert risk management, and sophisticated technology, they are equipped to help you achieve your financial goals. For those seeking to maximize their investments, consulting with these local experts is an invaluable step towards financial prosperity.

Ready to Amplify Your Wealth today?

If you're ready to elevate your financial planning with our professional team, we invite you to schedule a meeting with us. At Trilogy Financial Services, our advisors in Woburn are dedicated to crafting personalized financial strategies that align with your unique goals. Don't wait to start your journey towards financial success:

Schedule a Meeting: Reach out to us to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our financial professionals.

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Schedule a No-Strings-Attached Portfolio Review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards achieving financial security and growth. This way, you're not just dreaming of an ideal retirement but actively working towards making it a reality.

*There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Investment Insights

Frugal Money Saver: The Pathway to Early Retirement Through Financial Planning

By Trilogy Financial

February 20, 2024

Have you ever envisioned a life of Financial Freedom and Leisure?

Have you ever envisioned a life where the chains of daily grind are broken well before the conventional retirement age, paving the way for a life of financial freedom and leisure? Embracing financial discipline and frugality can pave the way to a comfortable early retirement, answering the pressing question: Can meticulous financial planning and a frugal lifestyle significantly hasten your journey to early retirement?

What Makes Financial Planning Crucial?

Financial planning goes beyond merely saving a portion of your income; it's about understanding and rectifying financial bad habits that may impede your journey towards financial stability. Everyday financial misbehaviors such as impulsive spending, credit card debt, and the lack of a structured financial plan for emergencies often go unnoticed but have a long-term detrimental impact on financial health. Addressing these personal finance habits is the first step in financial planning.

Why is Debt Management Essential? A key aspect of financial planning involves managing or eliminating debt, which can otherwise consume a significant portion of your income in the form of interest payments.
- Did you know in the US for 50-59-year-olds the average debt is $23,719¹.

How Can Budgeting Secure Your Financial Future? Being unsure of where your money is going is a red flag. Budgeting is crucial to track and control spending, ensuring your expenditures align with your values.
- Did you know the average individual aged between 65 to 74 spends about $55,000 on living expenses annually².
How do Savings and Investments Impact Your Retirement Goals? Setting aside money for an emergency fund and future investments is essential. Automating this process by having a portion of your income transferred to savings or investment accounts can help in cultivating this good financial habit.
- Americans believe they need an average of $1.7 million to retire comfortably, although many won't accumulate enough net worth to retire³.
- As of 2019, only 11% of Baby Boomers managed to save up to $500,000 for their retirement².

What Does Adopting a Frugal Lifestyle Entail?

Frugality is about making informed and restrained financial decisions to save money. A frugal lifestyle encourages avoiding unnecessary expenses and finding value in what you spend.

Examples of frugal practices include avoiding spending triggers like malls or online shopping platforms, utilizing cash over credit to prevent overspending, and finding cost-effective alternatives for everyday expenses.

Did you know 20% of Americans don’t save any amount of their yearly income, and 42% have less than $10,000 saved for retirement⁴.

What are the Key Components of Financial Planning for Early Retirement?

Emergency Fund: Ensuring you have an emergency fund can help buffer against unforeseen circumstances like a job loss or medical crisis, which might otherwise derail your financial plans.
Investment Strategy: Diversifying your investments and aligning them with your retirement goals is imperative for financial growth.
- 84% of Americans have a higher income than their parents did at the same age, indicating potential for savings and investment if managed wisely⁴.
Tax Planning: Efficient tax planning can help in preserving your wealth and ensuring more of your money is working for you rather than going towards taxes.
Healthcare Planning: As healthcare costs can be exorbitant, planning for these expenses is crucial to avoid financial strain in later years.
- Healthcare can be a significant part of living expenses, as seen in the $55,000 annual spending for individuals aged 65-74⁵.

Which Tools and Resources Can Aid Your Financial Planning Journey?

There are myriad tools and resources available to aid in your financial planning journey. Budgeting apps, financial advisors, and online courses are excellent resources. Trilogy Financial, for instance, offers a Decision Coach program designed to provide additional accountability and coaching to individuals seeking financial guidance.

37% of workers aged 25 and older, and 19% of retirees, report not knowing where to go for financial or retirement planning advice⁵.

Easily Meet with a Certified Financial Planner.

How Have Others Achieved Financial Independence and Early Retirement?

The quest for early retirement often begins with a thorough re-evaluation of one's financial plan, identifying areas of improvement, and capitalizing on unforeseen savings opportunities. The year 2020 saw many Americans saving more, with an average of 10% more money saved compared to 2019, mainly due to lifestyle changes induced by the pandemic. Some redirected these savings towards home improvements, while others saw it as a stepping stone towards drafting a solid financial plan aimed at debt reduction, college planning, or accelerating the journey to financial independence.

Various individuals and communities dedicated to frugal living and meticulous financial planning have emerged over the years, showcasing diverse pathways to early retirement. Here are a few noteworthy examples:

Juan's Early Retirement Ambition: Juan, an aspiring early retiree, aimed to bid farewell to his federal job by 2031 at the age of 43. His strategy revolved around living off savings, investments, and dividends post-retirement to enjoy more time with family and delve into philanthropic ventures. Though new to the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, Juan's no debt and $85,000 asset accumulation puts him in a favorable position towards achieving his goal¹.
- The FIRE Movement: The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) community exemplifies the synergy between frugal living and early retirement. Members of this movement, like Juan, embody a lifestyle of extreme savings and frugality, aiming to retire much earlier than the conventional age².
Young Adults Eyeing Early Retirement: The allure of early retirement isn't confined to older age groups. One in four individuals between 18 to 34 years old has set early retirement as their significant financial milestone, driven by the principles of frugal living and meticulous financial planning³.
A 5-Year Transition Plan: A couple outlines their 5-year plan towards financial independence, with one partner continuing full-time work for an additional 3-4 years, demonstrating a balanced approach to achieving early retirement while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle⁴.
Frugal Living as a Fast Track to Early Retirement: The narrative of saving 75% of income, a hallmark of frugal living, expedites the journey towards early retirement, allowing individuals to accumulate substantial savings, invest wisely, and achieve financial independence sooner⁵.

These cases highlight the transformative impact of frugal living and prudent financial planning to achieve early retirement dreams. They speak to the importance of continuous financial plan evaluation, adapting to changing circumstances, and leveraging savings opportunities to expedite the journey to financial independence and early retirement.

Conclusion:

The road to early retirement is laden with challenges, primarily stemming from our own financial bad habits. However, if we create a financial plan, adopt a frugal lifestyle, and leverage available resources, overcoming these challenges and retiring early is an achievable goal.