7 Steps to Financial Security

by Jan Roland

Want to find financial security in an uncertain world for yourself and your family? The assurance that you’ll always have enough money? Then, take these steps to financial security.

“It’s easy to endure adversity if it happens to someone else.” ~ Mark Twain

We’d all like financial security or assurance that we’ll have enough money tomorrow and the day after.

Many think that financial security can be found in a fat 401k account, investment real estate, or a stash of gold and silver coins. While those things may help keep you financially secure, they can disappear quickly. Witness what happened to the markets in 2008 and 2009.

But you can do some things to protect yourself and your dependents.

1. Get out of debt.

You’re probably already taking the first step, which is getting out of debt.

Debt can cause trouble under the best of circumstances. It certainly takes away financial security. Creditors can demand repayment even if that means that you cannot feed or shelter your family, which can cause instant insecurity!

2. Start an emergency fund.

Your second step is to create an emergency fund.

No one gets through life without some unexpected events that affect their finances. Having an emergency fund takes the sting out of life’s surprises. If the car needs repairs or you need to buy a new fridge, the money is there. You won’t stress figuring out how to pay the bills.

3. Get insured.

Step three requires you to prepare for life’s big events. Most often, you’ll use insurance to cover these big-ticket expenses like auto accidents, health problems, house fires, etc. Knowing that these events can’t swamp your finances provides needed security.

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4. Save for when you no longer have an income.

The next step involves saving for the time in your life when you no longer have an income. For most of us, it’ll be at retirement, but for others, it could be as a stay-at-home parent or due to a disability. In any case, gradually accumulating savings for when you no longer have an income builds financial security.

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5. Discover new ways to make and/or save money.

The fifth step calls for acquiring skills that can either make or save you money. Gardening and the ability to do minor household repairs are just two skills that can reduce your expenses or even bring in some extra income. Look to develop similar skills that you can use to help build financial security.

6. Build a strong social network.

Building a strong social network is the sixth step. No, I don’t mean one based on Facebook or Pinterest. While that might make great entertainment, you probably can’t count on those people if you get into a financial jam.

Our ancestors knew the value of community. Whether you lived in town or the country, you knew your neighbors and helped them when needed. Make the effort to build that type of relationship with a few close family members and/or friends. Not only can they help with physical needs, but having someone beside you in a crisis can also provide an emotional uplift.

7. Live within your means.

Finally, live within your means. If you always look for ways to spend more than you make, you are assured of never achieving financial security. You’ll always be focused on the short term and will be a long-term loser. On the other hand, living within your means brings with it serenity.

There you have it. In an uncertain world, here are seven steps to financial security. How are you progressing on the journey?

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Reviewed January 2024