Single to do list: -graduate with my Bachelor's Degree from Auburn -get my Master's from Auburn -start my career -start a retirement fund and emergency fund -put money aside to buy a house -build my credit -have a strong financial plan
Pre-Marriage to do list: -discuss negative spending habits -talk about potential organizations to give to -think about areas we want to save up money for -make sure our giving and saving goals are similar enough that we could very well obtain them in a marriage -discuss what a broad budget plan would look like for us as a married couple
Marriage to do list: -start saving money for future endeavors -give a decent portion of our salaries philanthropically -spend smart -create a budget and make sure to stick to that budget -make sure we aren't spending on things we don't really need too often so we can have our priorities in check on what we use our money for
Parenting to do list: -lead by example in being money smart -start a savings account for them -teach them the importance of saving -teach them the importance in volunteering/giving -adjust my (and husbands) financial plan
Saving and Investing to do list: -place a decent percent of each paycheck toward my retirement plan -teach my children to save their money at an early age -start college savings accounts for my children -continue to add to an emergency fund -invest in organizations
Saving and Living for Retirement to do list: -start spending money on only needs and few wants (watch spending habits) -start saving for retirement -meet with a financial advisor -invest my money -have a 401(k)
Divorce to do list: -have separate savings accounts -find a good/affordable divorce attorney -attempt to settle an agreement about the divorce outside of court -make sure my children are taken care of (custody battle) and take steps to work with them and give them guidance and help through the process (therapy if necessary) -revise my spending plan to being more like my single spending plan and if I have kids, then they will be included in this
Caregiving to do list: -discuss with family what we (mostly parents) want to do as they age -start planning financially for this stage -discuss all potential options -establish what roles each sibling will play -discuss insurance plans
Widowhood to do list: -get life insurance -have an attorney -work with attorney to help set up and keep will up-to-date -save money as planned from before -be cautious of large amounts of spending up to a year after spouse's death
Legacy to do list: -make a plan for my funeral and go ahead and make the arrangements -plan ahead for how I want my assets to be distributed or donated -make sure my will is up-to-date -have a group of trusted family and friends who I know will follow through with my plans -speak with someone about my financial plan and can better lay that out for me