Did you know that money management and financial challenges are one of the biggest sources of stress for many Americans?
Regardless of your net worth, it seems like there’s always something to worry about.
While some things can’t be controlled, other stressful triggers can be kept in line with a little bit of thought and planning. 
Here are six steps that can help you achieve greater financial peace of mind:

• Know your value. Are you optimally employed? Has it been a while since you received a raise? Do some research and start negotiating if you find you’re not being compensated fairly (or consider looking for a new job altogether).
  
  
• Keep track of your daily and monthly expenses. Knowing where you spend (or waste) money helps you gain control of your finances. Once your essential bills are paid, challenge yourself to earmark at least 5% of your monthly salary toward your retirement.
  
  
• Build your emergency fund. Having a cash reserve of at least three months’ salary helps with financial anxiety.
  
  
• List your debts and create a plan to address them. Remember, you didn’t accrue debt overnight, so paying it off will take time, too.
  
  
• Find a community that shares similar money stresses. Whether you’re anxious about debt, caring for an aging parent or planning for retirement, connecting with like-minded people can help. 
  
  
• Don’t forget the big picture. Staying informed of broad trends can help you prepare for any potential challenges. If a harsh winter is forecasted, then you may have higher natural gas bills. If a recession is looming, it’s even more important to have plenty of savings and a budget that works for you.

Financial wellness is largely a result of preparedness. Reach out today if you want to check in and make sure you’re on track.
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Money mistakes can happen at any age — whether you’re negotiating your first job offer or planning your retirement. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can gain control of your financial future starting today.
Ready to reach your goals? Here’s how to be financially savvy no matter where you are in life: 
In Your 20s:
Start saving. Compound interest means the earlier you begin, the larger your nest egg will be. Steady saving could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to your retirement.

Beware of credit cards. If you decide to use a credit card, embrace timely monthly payments so you don’t rack up too much debt.
In Your 30s:
Avoid overspending. You may want a bigger home or car because it feels like you can afford it, but watch out for lifestyle inflation and try to stick to what you need.
Protect yourself. Ensure you have life and health insurance policies to safeguard your family. Manage your retirement savings with an investment plan and create an emergency fund. 
In Your 40s:
Leave your savings alone. It might be tempting to borrow money from your retirement plan, but remember that you’d likely be hit with a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Don’t assume your retirement is set. Take a realistic look at what you’ll receive from Social Security, Medicare and your retirement savings. If the monthly amount isn’t enough, consider ramping up your efforts. 
In Your 50s and Beyond:
Don’t put off estate planning. Consider a health-care proxy, a power of attorney and a will. By thinking ahead, you can save your loved ones time, stress and money.
Continue to save. If you get a late start, don’t give up. Even if you put away just 5 to 7% of your paycheck from ages 50 to 66 (the legal retirement age) — you’ll be doing your future self a huge favor.
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​Have questions about your financial future? Reach out to discuss your long-term goal