I appreciate the time you take to share your life journey. I was also divorced after 25 years. I have now been single for 22 years.I understand your ups and downs. I can suggest that along with estate planning, you should make your burial plans as well. My mother and I did that at the same time 12 years ago. It was done so you could make the choices and not let my girls worry about that in their grief. You can now make your plans and pay monthly so there is no expense or not much for the family. It's also cheaper in the long run. Best to you.
My advice for young ladies (or gents) always have your own checking account, even if you are married. Not saying hide money but have it. When I got my big girl job, in order to get my paycheck deposited, if I were to deposit into the joint account, I had to have my spouse’s permission. Nope! Also, always participate in the 401k and at least put in enough to get company match. Don’t leave money on the table. I’m almost 52 and have zero saved for retirement. Pay yourself first. Don’t get hung up on a percentage. If all you can honestly spare is $5 then put that in. Work up to 10 or 15 %. $5 is better than 0! Teach yourself valuable skills, you’ll thank yourself later. In 2021 we were 100% debt free (except for the mortgage. The last two years have tore into us like no tomorrow. So we are back at square one and still being beaten. Praying for a break soon. You are doing great, my dear friend.
Great advice! I'll add to the 401k advice. Pretend that money doesn't exist until you are 65. Under no circumstances take it out! That's your future and the penalties and taxes will eat you alive. In addition to having your own accounts I'll add, pay yourself a salary. If you are a stay at home parent/spouse/person, pay yourself a salary from the overall family/spouse/partner's income. You are working and what you do has value. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Then that money is yours to do what you like. Spend it, invest it, roll around naked in it. Doesn't matter.
I appreciate the time you take to share your life journey. I was also divorced after 25 years. I have now been single for 22 years.I understand your ups and downs. I can suggest that along with estate planning, you should make your burial plans as well. My mother and I did that at the same time 12 years ago. It was done so you could make the choices and not let my girls worry about that in their grief. You can now make your plans and pay monthly so there is no expense or not much for the family. It's also cheaper in the long run. Best to you.
Yes! That is something I plan to do.
My advice for young ladies (or gents) always have your own checking account, even if you are married. Not saying hide money but have it. When I got my big girl job, in order to get my paycheck deposited, if I were to deposit into the joint account, I had to have my spouse’s permission. Nope!
Also, always participate in the 401k and at least put in enough to get company match. Don’t leave money on the table. I’m almost 52 and have zero saved for retirement.
Pay yourself first. Don’t get hung up on a percentage. If all you can honestly spare is $5 then put that in. Work up to 10 or 15 %. $5 is better than 0!
Teach yourself valuable skills, you’ll thank yourself later.
In 2021 we were 100% debt free (except for the mortgage. The last two years have tore into us like no tomorrow. So we are back at square one and still being beaten. Praying for a break soon.
You are doing great, my dear friend.
Great advice!
I'll add to the 401k advice. Pretend that money doesn't exist until you are 65. Under no circumstances take it out! That's your future and the penalties and taxes will eat you alive.
In addition to having your own accounts I'll add, pay yourself a salary. If you are a stay at home parent/spouse/person, pay yourself a salary from the overall family/spouse/partner's income. You are working and what you do has value. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Then that money is yours to do what you like. Spend it, invest it, roll around naked in it. Doesn't matter.