top of page
Writer's pictureNate Baim, MBA, CFP®

What to Tackle Financially as a Mid-Career Professional




When you hit that mid-career point, there are plenty of positives happening.


Between having more disposable income, seeing your 401(k) balance grow healthier, and starting to weigh bigger life purchases – there is a lot to think about. There is also some question-creep that starts to show up:

  • Are you saving enough?

  • Are you investing correctly?

  • Have you thought about risk?

  • How about estate planning?

  • What big purchases are coming up?


I get these questions all the time from clients.

There are a number of things you can begin to do to get ahead in peak earning years.


First, get your cash flow in order. Cash flow planning looks at the short-term and the long-term. And it’s not to be confused with budgeting. While budgeting is part of cash flow planning, the goals of each are very different. Budgeting is about making choices to keep spending in check. It’s about current expenses and works best over a short-term time horizon.

Cash flow planning is about creating abundance. The process helps you identify future income and expenses and plan for big-ticket items. Understanding and detailing your flows help inform you about your decisions. It gets you thinking big picture, investing strategically, minimizing taxes, and protecting your assets.


The key to cash flow planning? Get a plan in place for both your short-term and long-term goals. Once you identify what those are, cash flow planning becomes much easier.

After you get your cash flow plan in order, it’s time to get your tax-deferred investments together. Are you contributing the maximum to your 401(k) or IRA? And the benefit? Lowering your taxable income so you save on taxes while building wealth.


If you have kids – a 529 could be a top priority. The magic of compounding means that the money you put away now will grow and reduce those college costs. And depending on what state you live in, you may also have state-tax benefits. If you’ve got a late start, you can still catch up.

Once your tax-deferred approach is in order, it’s time to look into your taxable investments. A taxable brokerage account for additional funds can help you diversify your overall investments.


Finally, it’s time to get your estate in order. I know, I know – why think about an estate plan now? An estate plan protects you if you can’t make decisions for yourself and protects your kids and loved ones. There are a couple of key documents and getting them in place is easier than you think.


At the end of the day, you’re at an exciting point in your financial journey – but it’s also one where the stakes of a mistake are higher than ever.


Your financial future will thank you if you start to plan now.





Have something on your mind?

 

Pursuit Planning and Investments, LLC (“PPI”) is a registered investment advisor offering advisory services in the State of Oregon and in other jurisdictions where exempted. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may execute transactions that may not be consistent with this communication's conclusions. Past results do not guarantee future results. Please contact us at 971-803-5948 if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions. Additionally, we recommend you compare any account reports from PPI with the account statements from your Custodian. Please notify us if you do not receive statements from your Custodian on at least a quarterly basis. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, www.planyourpursuit.com. This disclosure brochure, or a summary of material changes made, is also provided to our clients on an annual basis.


This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This communication should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.


Past performance is no indication of future results. Investment in securities involves significant risk and has the potential for partial or complete loss of funds invested. It should not be assumed that any recommendations made will be profitable or equal the performance noted in this publication.


The information herein is provided “AS IS” and without warranties of any kind either express or implied. To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable laws, Pursuit Planning and Investments, LLC (referred to as “PPI”) disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, non-infringement, and suitability for a particular purpose.


All opinions and estimates constitute PPI’s judgement as of the date of this communication and are subject to change without notice. PPI does not warrant that the information will be free from error. The information should not be relied upon for purposes of transacting securities or other investments. Your use of the information is at your sole risk. Under no circumstances shall PPI be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the information provided herein, even if PPI or a PPI authorized representative has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Information contained herein should not be considered a solicitation to buy, an offer to sell, or a recommendation of any security in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or recommendation would be unlawful or unauthorized.


Comments


bottom of page