Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: why just getting that 401k match isn’t cutting it. Imagine you’re out for a chill walk and you spot a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk—do you pick it up? Of course, you do! But what if you just let it sit there? That’s kind of what happens when folks only invest the minimum in their retirement plans. In this episode, we're laying down the facts that might just shock you—most people aren’t saving nearly enough for retirement. So, how do I invest beyond my 401K for success? Let’s chat about how to level up your savings game and not settle for just “enough” when it comes to your golden years. Buckle up; it’s time to get serious about those retirement dreams!

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We kick things off by taking a stroll down the sidewalk of life, chatting about what it means to truly invest in our futures. Picture this: you’re cruising along, enjoying the sunshine, when you spot a crisp $100 bill just chillin’ there, waiting for you. Do you pick it up? Heck yeah! But what if I told you that in real life, many of us are leaving that money on the ground when it comes to our 401ks? We dive deep into the notion that while employer matches are sweet deals (I mean, free money, right?), relying solely on them for retirement is like showing up to a potluck with just a bag of chips. We break down the cold hard facts: most folks aren’t saving nearly enough for retirement. The stats are wild, and we share some eye-openers that’ll make you want to grab a financial planner ASAP!

Takeaways:

• Always scoop up that employer 401k match because, let's be real, it's basically free money waiting for you on the sidewalk!
• Don't just settle for the minimum savings; aim to sock away at least 15% of your income for retirement to really enjoy those golden years!
• Retirement planning isn't a sprint; it's more like a marathon, so pace yourself and stay consistent in saving over the long haul.
• A surprising number of folks aged 55 to 64 have less than $165,000 saved for retirement, so let's not be part of that statistic!
• If you think investing in a 401k is enough, think again—diversifying and exploring other savings options is key for a comfy retirement!
• Be proactive! Instead of just hitting the bare minimum, consider opening a Roth IRA or brokerage account to beef up your retirement fund!

Links referenced in this episode:

• financiallyconfidentchristian.com
• justaskralph.com

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Alright, folks, let’s dive into some juicy money talk! Did you know that a whopping 21% of investors think they pay no fees on their investments? Yep, crazy, right? Today, we’re breaking down why understanding those sneaky fees is super critical because they can munch away at your returns like there’s no tomorrow. We’ve got some wild stats and real-life stories to show just how much these fees can cost ya over time—think thousands of dollars! So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes in, stick around as we spill the beans on expense ratios and how to keep your hard-earned cash from slipping through the cracks. Let's get this money party started!

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Alright, so we dive into some mind-blowing stats about investment fees that’ll make you go, "Wait, what?" Turns out a whopping 21% of investors think they’re cruising without paying any fees at all—like, hello, wake-up call! And as if that’s not wild enough, 70% of folks don’t even know how much they’re actually shelling out. It’s like throwing money into a black hole and hoping for a miracle. We’re chatting about how these hidden fees can silently gnaw away at your hard-earned cash over time. Ah, the joys of compound interest—until those fees come into play and make your returns look more like a sad little snack than a full meal. We break it down, and trust me, it’s crucial to know what these expense ratios are. They’re the sneaky little guys that could cost you thousands! So, if you’re listening and thinking you’re getting a sweet deal, you might wanna check again because those fees are like that annoying friend who just won’t leave the party. Don’t be that person who’s out of the loop about their own money!

Takeaways:

• A surprising 21% of investors think they pay no fees on their investments, which is wild!
• Did you know that 70% of investors have no clue how much they're paying in fees?
• Understanding your investment fees is crucial because they can eat away your returns over time.
• A small 1% fee can reduce your investment returns by thousands over the years, so don’t ignore it!
• It’s important to ask your broker about fees; knowledge is power when it comes to investing!
• Switching from a high expense ratio to a low one can save you significant cash in the long run!

Links referenced in this episode:

• financiallyconfidentchristian.com/becoming

Today, we're diving into the world of automation and why it’s a total game-changer for your investments. Seriously, if you're like me, juggling a million things in life, setting up automated contributions can take a load off your shoulders and keep your financial future on track without you even having to think about it. Automating your investments: consistent growth, less stress? We’ll chat about how this “set it and forget it” vibe can lead to some serious cash down the road—like, we're talking about turning a small yearly contribution into nearly $180k by retirement age. Plus, I'll share some juicy insights from my years of helping folks get their investing game on auto-pilot. So, kick back, relax, and let’s figure out how to make your money work harder while you do the important stuff, like binge-watching your favorite shows or, you know, living life!

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Getting older means you start to embrace the beauty of automation, right? I mean, who wouldn't want their finances to run like a well-oiled machine? This episode dives into how we can make investing as easy as pie with a 'set it and forget it' mindset. One of our listeners, bless her heart, asked how she could get into investing without constantly worrying about it. Well, we've all been there, haven’t we? Life gets hectic, and the last thing we want to do is stress over whether we remembered to put some cash away for our future. So, let’s chat about how automation can be our best bud in this financial journey. I share my experience with clients who’ve set up automatic contributions to their retirement accounts, and let me tell you, the peace of mind that comes with it is priceless. Imagine not worrying if you invested this month or not, because it just happens in the background while you live your life.

We break down the key benefits of automating your investments: consistency, emotional detachment, and the sheer joy of watching those small contributions grow over time. I share a killer example of a 25-year-old who, with just a little discipline, could find themselves with a nice chunk of change come retirement. It's all about that consistency, folks! You start with a small amount and, before you know it, you’re sitting on a goldmine. And let's not forget about the importance of treating your investments as non-negotiable. It’s like paying your rent; you do it every month without fail. It’s about building a habit that will pay off big time in the long run. So, get ready to embrace automation and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your money is working for you while you’re busy living your best life.

Takeaways:

• Automation in investing can really take the stress off your plate, trust me!
• Setting up automatic contributions is like a set it and forget it plan for your money.
• Those small, consistent investments can turn into big bucks over time, believe it!
• When life gets busy, automation keeps your finances on track without you even thinking about it.
• Pay yourself first! Treat those automatic investments like they're non-negotiable, because they are.
• Life gets hectic, but automated investing means your money works for you while you live life.

Links referenced in this episode:

• FinanciallyConfidentChristian.com/support

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• David Bach

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