SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Smart money decisions can give you a head start on the future you want!

Whether you’re newly graduated or well into your career, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professionals say you should make these five financial moves right now:

Create a budget.Research finds that 83% of Gen Z-ers and millennials have experienced regret about their spending decisions. Crafting a budget means making mindful choices about how you spend your money, which can eliminate financial stress. However, if the term “budget” fills you with dread, try calling it a “spending plan” instead. The important thing is to get started and find a process that works for you.

Build an emergency fund. According to the Federal Reserve Board, only 55% of Americans had three months’ worth of expenses in emergency savings in 2024. In the event of an unexpected expense, such as hospitalization or home repairs, a rainy-day fund can save you from accumulating debt or dipping into retirement savings. A CFP^® professional can help you adjust your budget to divert savings into an emergency fund to cover at least three to six months’ worth of fixed expenses.

Start saving for retirement now. It’s never too early to begin saving for a comfortable retirement. If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, sign up for it now and put as much in as you can, especially if your company offers matching contributions. You don’t need an employer-sponsored plan to save for your golden years, though. Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs are also good vehicles for retirement savings.

Take a big-picture approach. From paying down debt and growing your investments to managing taxes and insurance, reviewing your overall financial picture can help you reach your personal goals. That’s where the help of a financial advisor who has your best interests in mind comes into play. A CFP^® professional can serve as a financial coach, integrating the many components of your financial plan and providing valuable advice at any stage of your life.

Don’t make a move. It may sound counterintuitive, but once you’ve charted a financial path, sometimes you should simply leave it alone. According to financial experts, historically speaking, world events and the volatility of the market are not reasons to rethink your investment strategy or rewrite your game plan. However, tweaking your plan to accommodate changing personal circumstances is important.

To hire a CFP^® professional, visit www.LetsMakeAPlan.org.

These five financial moves will create the foundation for a strong financial future. A financial planner can help you start strong and reach your money goals.

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