First steps to financial well-being

Sonnie Bailey

14 July 2016

Trent Hamm at “The Simple Dollar” blog has an interesting article titled “10 things you need to do before you start investing“. I agree with much of the article. In particular:

Money can help or hinder you, so it’s a big part of the equation. Some recurring themes: own a home; educate your children; become financially independent.

Fair enough, but there are many different types of homes, educations, and definitions of “financially independent”. What suits you?

And if you’re in a relationship, it’s important that you and your partner are on the same page. 

  • When it comes to your financial life, your net worth is the key metric.

I tend towards excluding lifestyle assets other than your home from this calculation. I even exclude cars. Why? Because for the most part, the type of car you drive is a consumption decision. It makes me think twice about buying that Porsche. 

  • Pay off your high-interest debts.

Credit cards are a prime example. If you’re paying interest at 15%, paying off that debt is a guaranteed, risk-free return. You won’t get that anywhere else.

  • Wean yourself off your worst spending habits.

If you want something, consider: waiting a bit, renting it, borrowing it, finding what else you have that might do the trick. Remember that every dollar you spend, is gone forever

Again: the aim is to spend your money on things that reflect your priorities and values..

  • Once you’ve done all of the above, if you have any other debts (including a mortgage) consider doing everything you can to pay it off. If you can do it a year or ten early, that will have a huge impact on your future outcome. And remember – the interest you’re repaying is pre-tax and risk-free. It’s a great deal.

Investing is an important part of becoming financially independent and having a comfortable retirement. But it’s not the first step. Especially for people getting started in their professional lives, investing is secondary to knowing what you want and value; focusing on the right metrics; debt and cash management; and being mindful of your spending habits.

You need to be in a position to have funds to invest, in order to invest. 

Related: Getting rich slowly – building a solid foundation for long term wealth


Other articles you may like:

How I money (2022)

How I money (2022)

What are you hedging against?

What are you hedging against?

Paid off the mortgage? Don’t cancel your income protection insurance just yet

Paid off the mortgage? Don’t cancel your income protection insurance just yet

Zero to One

Zero to One

Kids and money – building financial literacy and investing on their behalf

Kids and money – building financial literacy and investing on their behalf

Are you spending or investing? It’s not always black and white

Are you spending or investing? It’s not always black and white