This article was written and contributed by Gwen Payne of Invisible Moms.
You may not have finished college yet, but there has never been a better time to look ahead to your retirement. While it might sound strange — and you should absolutely focus on having fun, developing your career, and enjoying life — doing so may be the best decision you ever make. The time between your teen years and your 30s makes sense to plan for your retirement. You are still healthy, after all, and the world remains full of possibilities.
Here are a few tips to consider if you are ready to plan for your future.
Invest in Insurance
Let’s get the most difficult to think about out of the way first: buying life insurance. At your age, assuming that you are not married and have no dependents, a small burial policy is more than adequate. Many policies offer $5,000 and $25,000, which can help to cover a funeral and perhaps even pay off a few other debts. Although usually thought of as a product only for seniors, burial insurance is available for people of all ages, and it’s an affordable way to keep mom and dad from suffering a financial blow if something unexpected were to happen to you.
Health insurance is another product you should never be without. Although Mount Sinai and many other medical facilities only suggest a routine healthcare visit every two to three years for adults under 30, health insurance can help pay for emergencies. And if you wind up with a chronic condition or illness, having health insurance can reduce stress and provide access to proper medical care, both of which will go a long way toward helping you recover.
Understand Debt and How to Use It
Debt is not necessarily a bad thing. You have to accrue debt to develop a credit score, which is the way lending institutions decide if you are worthy to borrow money for large purchases, such as a vehicle or home. The debt you do incur, however, should not simply be part of your life. If you want to be truly financially successful later on, pay your debts off on time or early every time.
Don’t get into the habit of charging things like restaurant meals and car payments. These are unnecessary debts that will wind up costing you much more in the long run. Credit card interest rates are high, and the bigger your balance, the harder it is to pay it down. Instead, choose one purchase and use a credit card. Pay it off and then repeat the cycle. Don’t use the card for anything else until the balance is back to zero. This will lay the foundation for a healthy relationship with credit and ensure you get into the habit of writing that check each month.
Take Care of Yourself
Life insurance and keeping your debt low are both necessities. But so too is taking care of yourself. Make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise. All three of these are difficult when you’re dealing with a full class load, but they are worth the inconvenience. Doing so will ensure that you have the energy and stamina to complete your degree and enter into your chosen career with unwavering motivation.
Taking care of yourself goes beyond sleep, exercise and diet, especially when it comes to your confidence. Addressing issues now can make a difference when you’re older. Whether it’s your teeth, your eyesight, a skin condition, whatever. For example, if crooked teeth are a problem, taking steps to correct misalignment now will ensure you can keep your mouth clean and show your pearly whites for years to come. To straighten your teeth, night-time only aligners are a great option for busy students who snack often or have a coffee habit. With a brand like AlignerCo, you only need ten hours. Simply pop in your aligners after dinner, and you’re good to go until you wake up.
Live Large by Living Small
You have likely heard that the most successful people live below their means. While some financial experts disagree, the truth is that spending less than you earn is the only way to build wealth. Learn to live with less. This might mean buying fewer shoes or waiting an extra year to finance a new vehicle. When you avoid the temptation to spend, it will be that much easier to get out of debt, and you won’t constantly feel the stress to keep up with the proverbial Joneses.
Once you establish a budget, stick to it, even as your income increases. Living below your means does not mean that you have to forgo every simple pleasure. What it does mean, at its very core, is that you have the discipline to handle your money today and to put it away for tomorrow. If you do decide you need to splurge, open a bank account for this specific purpose. Travel, for example, is an expense that you can save for without taking a big hit, and the stress that comes with watching your savings dwindle in an instant. Saving for what you want is a win/win for your wallet and your mental health.
Create a Will
All of your planning may come to naught if one of your goals is to give to your loved ones after you’re gone. A will not only ensures that your estate is handled properly, it also guarantees that your wishes are extended, especially when it comes to your home. Failing to draft a will that includes heirs who will one day own your property means that your house will end up in probate court, which will oversee the sale of your estate. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and write up your will, and be sure to keep in a safe place.
It’s not easy to consider the future when you’re in your 20s. However, the future is all you have to look forward to. Enjoy today, but don’t forget that you will one day graduate and have to begin living as a responsible adult. Establish behaviors now that put you in this position, and you’ll be far better off moving forward.