Three stops on the road to financial stability

Author

Edward Jones - Chad Choate, AAMS

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Edward Jones

Posted on

Apr 30, 2025

share-this
Share This

            Achieving financial stability doesn’t happen overnight — it takes a journey. And, as with every journey, you’ll need to make some stops along the way. These stops, or milestones, can tell you how far you’ve gone — and where you need to go next.

            Milestone 1: Build a foundation

            When you’re first starting on your financial journey — typically, when you are beginning your career — you’ll want to build a foundation by acting on key issues, such as saving, paying down debts and investing for the future. Here are some suggestions:

            • Start your emergency fund. Eventually, you’d like to have several months’ worth of living expenses kept in a liquid, low-risk account to deal with unexpected costs, such as large medical bills or a major car repair. For now, though, at least try to put away a few hundred dollars or a month’s worth of expenses. To make it easier, have some money moved automatically each month from a checking or savings account into your emergency fund.

            • Take your employer’s match. Contribute enough to your 401(k) and health savings account (HSA) to earn your employer’s matching contribution, if one is offered.

            • Pay down your higher-rate debt. Try to pay down as much high-interest, non-deductible debt as you can afford. If possible, refinance debt at lower interest rates.

            Milestone 2: Gain a better foothold

            Once you’ve got your financial foundation in place, and you’re established in your career, consider these steps to gain an even better foothold:

            • Continue building your emergency fund. Try to get at least a couple of months’ expenses in this fund.

            • Put away more into your retirement accounts. If you can, try to put anywhere from 10% to 15% of your gross income into your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan.

            • Check your debt-to-income ratio. Divide your monthly debt payments by your monthly gross income to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. If you’re paying a mortgage, try to keep this ratio to 35% or less. Without a mortgage, try for 20% or less.

            Milestone 3: Keep moving forward

            As you move into your middle years — and beyond — it’s time to further solidify your financial situation and keep making progress toward a comfortable retirement. These moves can help:

            •  Maintain your emergency fund. By now, you should be able to keep up to six months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund. A sizable emergency fund can help you if you need to switch jobs, and enable you to meet larger expenses without dipping into your long-term investments.

            • Review your retirement goals. At this stage of your life, you should review your retirement goals regularly to determine whether you’re still on track toward meeting them. If you aren’t, you may need to adjust your investment strategies. Of course, your goals may have changed over time, and this, too, may require adjustments on your part. You may want to work with a financial professional who can suggest appropriate moves to help you on your way.

            Reaching all these milestones will take diligence and commitment — but it will be worth the effort in helping you on your journey toward financial stability.

Chad Choate III, AAMS
828 3rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-462-2445
[email protected] 

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Other Articles You May Like

Medicare/Medicaid/Insurance in Lafayette, CO

When an older adult needs help at home and sees several clinicians, a coverage decision can affect everything from prescription refills to rides. If youre considering TRU PACE in Lafayette, start by asking how enrollment would change the care and coverage you already use. How Medicare and Medicaid Fit Into PACEPACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It coordinates healthcare and support for eligible adults who meet a state standard for nursing home-level care and can live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Applicants must also be 55 or older and live in the programs service area.  TRU PACE and Your Current CoveragePhone: 303-665-0115Medicare says people with Medicaid pay no monthly PACE premium. Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid pay premiums for the long-term care portion and Medicare Part D drugs. Medicare also says participants owe no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for drugs, services, or care approved by their PACE team. Ask TRU PACE for an estimate based on your individual coverage before enrolling.  Doctors, Prescriptions, and Existing ServicesTRU PACE says it becomes the participants insurance provider at enrollment. Participants generally receive care through the programs provider network. Bring a list of your doctors, medications, and scheduled services. Ask which providers are in the network and how the team would coordinate any changes.  Why This Matters in LafayetteIf you regularly see a clinician near home or have a specialist visit scheduled outside Lafayette, give the enrollment team the names and dates. Ask which appointments can continue and what to do about any refill due around the enrollment date. How to Get Started1. Gather Your Coverage InformationHave your Medicare and Medicaid information, if applicable, along with details of any current plan. List the appointments and prescriptions you rely on most.2. Ask for an Enrollment and Cost ReviewCall TRU PACE and ask for your expected monthly cost, when any coverage change would take effect, and who would help coordinate the transition.  Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesPACE Adult Day Services Care Management

Funeral Cremation & Mortuary Services in Lafayette, CO

After a death, families may have to make several decisions in a short time. Others prefer to talk through their wishes ahead of time. In either situation, it helps to separate the practical arrangements from the decisions about how to gather, remember, and say goodbye. What Funeral and Mortuary Services CoverA funeral home can help arrange transportation and care of the person who died, assist with paperwork, and coordinate burial or cremation. A family may also arrange a viewing, funeral, memorial, or private gathering. Ask which decisions need to be made immediately and which can wait. The Natural Funeral in LafayettePhone: 720-515-2344The Natural Funeral lists natural burial, flame cremation, water cremation, and terramation, also called natural organic reduction. Water cremation uses an alkaline water process, and terramation transforms remains into soil. If one of these options interests you, ask what the process involves, how long it typically takes, and what the family receives afterward.  Planning a Gathering and Reviewing CostsThe Lafayette funeral home is at 102 W Chester Street in Old Town. Ask what can take place at the Lafayette location and which parts would involve another venue or a cemetery. Request a General Price List and a written breakdown of your choices so you can see which fees cover the funeral homes work and which come from outside providers.  Why This Matters in LafayetteIf relatives are coming from out of town or some guests have limited mobility, ask about parking, step-free access, and how many people the gathering space can accommodate. If you plan to hold a service and burial at different locations, check how much time guests will need between them. How to Get Started1. Write Down the Persons WishesLook for written instructions and note any cultural or religious preferences. If youre planning ahead, tell a trusted person where you keep your instructions and whom to call.2. Ask for a Written PlanCall 720-515-2344 and ask what is needed on the first call. Once youve discussed options, request the expected timeline and itemized costs before approving arrangements. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCounseling Hospice Advance Care Planning

Adult Day Services in Lafayette, CO

When an older adult spends most weekdays alone, families may need more than a place for them to go. They may also be juggling transportation, appointments, and help at home. TRU PACE in Lafayette offers a day center as part of a program that coordinates those needs for eligible older adults. What Are Adult Day Services?Adult day services offer daytime support outside the home. Depending on the program, participants may spend time with peers, eat a meal, take part in activities, or receive help with daily needs. Some centers accept people directly. The Lafayette TRU PACE center serves people enrolled in its broader Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. TRU PACE in LafayettePhone: 303-665-0115TRU PACEs Lafayette center is at 2593 Park Lane. The program coordinates medical and social services and arranges transportation to the day center and medical visits as needed. Ask the enrollment team what a typical center day includes, how often a participant might attend, and how the team decides what support to arrange at home. Who May QualifyPACE applicants must be at least 55, live in the programs service area, meet the states standard for nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support at enrollment. Ask how enrollment would affect access to current doctors and prescription coverage before making a decision.  Why This Matters in LafayetteWhen family members already drive someone to several appointments a week, a coordinated schedule can change who needs to be available and when. Ask how pickup would work at the persons Lafayette address and who to call if a ride or appointment changes. How to Get Started1. Ask for an Eligibility ReviewCall TRU PACE. Have the participants ZIP code, current coverage, and a short list of the help they need. 2. Ask to Visit the CenterFind out what the participant might do on a center day, how transportation works, and what changes to their current care arrangements enrollment would involve. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesCare Management Transportation Respite Care