While reviewing my finances recently, I remembered how challenging it was to start saving when I got my first full-time job, and yet, I see how far I’ve come since then. Even back then, I knew I should save 10% of my earnings, but there were so many things that seemed more important. Honestly, it took a while before I reached that level. There was a student loan payment, housing costs, car payments, gas, clothing, food, and fun. The list was endless. But by taking advantage of small opportunities, I managed to save a little here and there. Before I knew it, my savings began to grow.

One of the things that helped me the most was putting a set amount into a retirement plan. It wasn’t much, but my employer matched my contributions, which provided an incentive. I didn’t think much about it at the time because it was a small percentage of my income, and the balance of that account was so modest.

An area I really struggled with was my emergency fund savings. It seemed like every time I got the balance where I wanted it, I would have to withdraw it for an unexpected event. The next several months would be spent building it back up only to repeat the cycle the next time life threw me a curveball.

So, you can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I noticed how that retirement plan had grown. It wasn’t a substantial amount, but I couldn’t access those funds for life’s little emergencies, and the balances reflected that. It motivated me to try to find ways to increase what I was contributing.

But that was easier said than done. There were changes in employment, changes in retirement savings options, and lots of misinformation along the way. As I reflect on my financial journey, I often wonder where I would be if I had worked with a financial planner during those early years. A financial planner helps individuals or families find ways to save and offers suggestions to keep them from losing progress when life’s emergencies occur.

So why am I sharing this? My story isn’t much different from the young adults of this generation, and I want to encourage them in their financial journey. Millennials today have a similar picture. They may have student loan payments of several hundred dollars a month while trying to keep a roof over their heads and still enjoy life. They are changing jobs more frequently, which can mean changes to benefits, including retirement savings plans. It is a complicated world.

That’s where our financial advisors can be of service. We can be your financial guide and ally to help with those financial decisions. Let us help make sense of your financial life. We offer retirement plan consultation as well as financial planning. Visit our website today, or click here to schedule an initial meeting or call with us.

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed will yield positive outcomes.