The Index Card

1. Save 10-20% of Your Income: The Foundation of Financial Security

Without learning how to save, you won’t be able to invest or pay down debt effectively.

Savings as a cornerstone. Saving a portion of your income is the fundamental step towards financial well-being. It's not just about having money; it's about building a foundation that allows you to invest, pay down debt, and handle life's unexpected events. Aiming for 10-20% of your gross income is a realistic long-term strategy, but even starting with 1% and gradually increasing is a step in the right direction.

Why saving is hard. Many factors make saving difficult, including stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and a culture that encourages overspending. The pressure to keep up with the Joneses, coupled with the constant marketing of luxury goods, makes it challenging to prioritize saving. Additionally, the stress of financial scarcity can lead to poor decision-making, making it harder to save.

Creating a savings plan. To start saving, you need to understand where your money is going. Track your spending for three months, categorize your expenses, and identify areas where you can cut back. Create a flexible spending plan that allows for both necessary expenses and some fun. Prioritize building an emergency fund of three months' living expenses before focusing on other savings goals.

2. Eliminate High-Interest Debt: Prioritize Credit Card Payoff

There is no better way to simplify and gain control over your financial life than by eliminating high-interest debt.

Debt as a financial drain. High-interest debt, particularly credit card debt, can quickly spiral out of control, undermining your savings and investment efforts. The average interest rate on credit card balances is around 15%, and store-branded cards can be even higher, often between 20-25%. Paying down this debt is a guaranteed, tax-free, and risk-free investment with a high rate of return.

The minimum payment trap. Credit card companies often list a minimum payment on your statement, but paying only this amount can keep you in debt for years. It's crucial to pay more than the minimum whenever possible. Rank your debts by interest rate and prioritize paying down the highest-interest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest.

Strategies for debt reduction. To get out of debt, you need to stop accumulating more. Use cash or debit cards instead of credit cards to avoid overspending. Consider negotiating lower interest rates with your creditors. If you are struggling with debt, don't be ashamed to seek help from a bankruptcy attorney.

3. Maximize Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings: The Power of Compounding

If you don’t begin putting away money today, you will almost certainly regret it tomorrow.

Retirement savings are crucial. Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you can take. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow through the power of compounding. If you start saving in your twenties, you'll be in a much better position to maintain your standard of living after you stop working.

Tax-advantaged accounts. Take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs. These accounts allow your money to grow tax-free, and in some cases, offer tax deductions on contributions. Never forgo an employer match, as it's essentially free money. If you have a side gig or operate your own business, consider a SEP-IRA.

Don't touch your retirement funds. Avoid taking money out of your retirement accounts unless absolutely necessary. Early withdrawals are often subject to penalties and taxes, and they can significantly reduce your long-term savings. If you change jobs, don't roll over your workplace retirement account into an IRA, as workplace plans often have lower fees and stronger regulatory protections.

4. Avoid Individual Stocks: Embrace Low-Cost Index Funds

The fundamental dilemma facing the financial services industry is that the correct advice for most people fits on a three-by-five-inch index card and is available for free at the library.

Stock picking is a losing game. Most people, including financial professionals, are not good at picking individual stocks. Studies show that less than 1% of investors consistently beat the market. Instead of trying to outsmart the market, focus on keeping up with it.

Index funds are the answer. Index funds are designed to match a particular market benchmark, such as the S&P 500. They offer broad diversification and low fees, making them a superior investment choice for most people. Warren Buffett himself recommends low-cost S&P 500 index funds for his heirs.

Low fees are essential. Fees can significantly erode your investment returns over time. Choose index funds with low expense ratios. The difference between a 0.12% fee and a 0.89% fee can cost you thousands of dollars over the long term. Avoid actively managed mutual funds, which often underperform the market and charge higher fees.

5. Seek Fiduciary Financial Advice: Prioritize Your Best Interests

A fiduciary is a financial advisor who has a legal and regulatory duty to put your interests ahead of his or her own.

Fiduciary vs. suitability. Many financial advisors operate under a "suitability" standard, which means they only need to recommend products that are "suitable" for you, not necessarily the best. A fiduciary, on the other hand, is legally obligated to act in your best interests. Always seek out a fiduciary advisor.

Beware of sales pitches. Many financial advisors are actually salespeople who earn commissions by selling you financial products. They may try to steer you towards high-fee investments that benefit them more than you. Avoid free lunches and dinners, as they are often used to sell overpriced products.

Fee-only advisors. If you want unbiased financial advice, you need to pay for it. Seek out a fee-only advisor who is paid directly by you, not through commissions. This can be a percentage of assets under management, a flat fee, or an hourly rate. Consider robo-advisors, which offer low-cost financial advice through computer algorithms.

6. Buy a Home When Ready: Not as an Investment, But a Home

Buy a home when you are financially ready.

Homeownership is not always an investment. While home prices can go up, they can also go down. Don't view your home as a guaranteed investment. Buy a home because you want a place to live, not because you expect to make a profit.

Financial readiness is key. Before buying a home, make sure you have a fully funded emergency fund, a 20% down payment, and a stable income. Avoid adjustable-rate mortgages and interest-only loans. Stick with a plain-vanilla fixed-rate mortgage.

Location matters. When choosing a home, prioritize location over fancy upgrades. Homes in desirable neighborhoods and good school districts tend to hold their value better. Consider your commute and other factors that affect your quality of life.

7. Insurance: Protect Your Financial Foundation

Insurance—Make Sure You’re Protected.

Insurance as a safety net. Insurance is essential for protecting your financial well-being against unexpected events. It's not about picking up every small bill; it's about protecting your net worth from catastrophic losses.

Types of insurance. Get term life insurance to protect your loved ones in case of your death. If you have a family, consider disability insurance to protect your income if you become unable to work. Get adequate homeowner's or renter's insurance to protect your property and liability. Make sure you have adequate auto insurance, including liability coverage.

High deductibles and low premiums. Choose high-deductible insurance plans to lower your monthly premiums. You can use your emergency fund to cover smaller expenses. Avoid unnecessary insurance products, such as insurance on new appliances or credit card debt.

8. Support the Social Safety Net: We All Need a Little Help

Do What You Can to Support the Social Safety Net.

Government programs are essential. Many people rely on government programs like Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance to get by. These programs provide a safety net for those who experience financial hardship.

We all benefit. Most people have benefited from government programs at some point in their lives. These programs are not just for "other people"; they are for all of us. Support these programs so that they are available when you or your loved ones need them.

Speak up. When you hear people criticize government programs, remind them of the importance of these programs for protecting our financial well-being. We must take care of ourselves and our immediate families through better planning, saving, and investing. But we must take care of our fellow citizens too.

Last updated: January 16, 2025