Plastk Blog: Credit Tips & More

Credit Tip Tuesday #79-9 Financial Milestones To Achieve Before 40

Written by Plastk #CTT | Jul 19, 2022 1:30:00 PM

Image Credits: Pexels


What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase " financial stability"?
Probably, having enough money to last you during each decade of your life.


Yes, that seems like a realistic financial resolution for someone in their early 20s
or perhaps mid-30s.


But when you have already touched the “40” age mark, achieving financial
security can feel more like a burden than a simple goal.


Well, you don’t need to think like that!


According to statistics, people make the most money in their 40s. Or, to be more
accurate, men in their late 40s compared to late 30s for women.


So, what should you do with all that peak income? Here are the top money goals
to achieve before 40.


1. Be Somewhat Financially Independent!

What’s being financially independent to you? No work, only chilling? Sounds fun,
right?


That sounds more like an answer from a 20-year-old who just started working. :p


For a person in his 40s, It can entail working fewer hours to make more money
and enjoying more frequent paid vacations.


Ah, the ideal picture of every employee.


So, being somewhat financially independent should be the top thing you should
manifest for your 40s.


See: The World Of Extra Money - Passive Income!


2. Maintain A Good Credit History!

All 40-year-olds should have excellent credit histories! That should be obvious.
No?


It can open endless doors for you:


      ● From low-interest rates to good mortgages,
      ● From cheap insurance to the top estate,
      ● From high investment to great opportunities.


There’s literally nothing a perfect credit history won’t do for you!


Your credit history should be flawless while you are just entering your peak age,
the 40s so that at least this won't increase your financial issues.


See: All The Tea Surrounding Credit History!


3. Increase Your Investment Knowledge!



Image Credits: Unsplash


The days of relying on one or two paychecks to cover your retirement, savings,
and emergency cash are long gone.


It goes without saying that you should have a variety of sources of income,
particularly if you plan to reach certain financial milestones by the age of 40.


In reality, having multiple sources of income can help you at every age.


One surefire way to do it is by investing! However, if you lack the necessary
information, things could turn out badly.


So, it’s a must to do your homework right to avoid suffering in your prime time.


     ● You can learn about financial literacy to gather money tips

     ● You can also choose to improve your investment knowledge by reading
         journals, books, or expert papers,

     ● Or, you can listen to a financial podcast or video to do so.


Here you go:


4. Sort Out Your Mortgage!

You don’t want to enter your 40s with the burden of an unpaid mortgage. Why?
Because it can really tear down all your income and budget.


In fact, you must be almost done with your mortgage when you are about to
enter your peak income age.


See: Credit Boosting Tips For Affordable Mortgage!


I assume you're asking why. Because only then can you consider spending the
additional funds for another cause.


Or you can take a secure approach by trying to accumulate enough cash to
purchase your ideal house in Canada.


In this manner, you will have the down payment for the dream house and some
extra money for renovations.


5. Build An Above-Average Credit Score!


Having a good credit score is the need of every age group!


However, it can take quite some time to build, making it a worthy milestone to
achieve before 40.

You can take your time and gradually work your way up to build and maintain a
good credit score range.


     ● It can give you a sense of relief,
     ● Financial security,
     ● Financial confidence,


And so much more when you are about to cross the bridge to your retirement.


Yes, it’s that important!


No need to worry, peeps. If you have been managing your credit well, it’s only
likely to increase for the better as you enter your old adult era.


In fact, a study by a top credit bureau reveals that the average credit score
increases steadily as the consumer ages.


So, it truly is backed up by the facts. Still, the key is to manage the credit well right
from the beginning.


See: 7 Rules To Follow For Credit Rebuilding!


6. Think About Retirement Financially!



Image Credits: Freepik



It is only reasonable to improve your understanding here, given that we already
mentioned the significance of your credit score for your retirement in our
previous section.


     ● You must consider your retirement when you are in your peak earning era!
     ● You can’t afford to push the plan back when you’re already halfway there!


See: Fund Your Golden Time With These Credit Retirement Tips!


Planning for your retirement sounds a little overwhelming while you're in your
20s. But, for someone over 30, the concept can actually be quite the reverse.


You must get planning right away to avoid pressure when you approach your 40s.
In fact, it's a good idea to start making contributions to your retirement account.


Experts recommend putting 15% of your income into retirement.

Why? Well, it might make it simple to quickly add money to your account before
reaching your prime time.

You must not suffer in meeting your essential needs just because you need to

put finances into your retirement account!



put finances into your retirement account!

Instead, work on raising your income so you may continue to live your existing
contented life and contribute more to your golden funds.


See: 6 Easy To Manage Ways To Earn Money Online!


7. Create An Emergency Plan!


Nearly 63% of people are not prepared for an unexpected bill!


What does that imply? They have nothing to spare for emergency expenses.


What does that have to do with their 40s?


As you age, your income increases but so does your financial anxiety and stress.
Therefore, if you don't start building your emergency fund when you're young
and optimistic, it can be considerably harder to deal with it when you're in your
40s.


Because you’ll be already finding it difficult to keep up with the rapidly changing
financial landscape.


The reason why maintaining a good emergency fund makes it here to our list of
top financial milestones to achieve before 40.


8. Get Rid of Your Debt!


We know you were waiting for this one! Your wish is our demand. :p

40 is a crucial age as most people are halfway between starting their careers and
retiring at this time.


Naturally, you could opt to keep working till you can. However, 62 is considered
to be the standard retirement age.


Of course, you don't want to waste time worrying about debt payments and loan
obligations even then.


     ● Plan a budget to reduce your debt ratio majorly before 40!
     ● Take professional help to find ways to deal with debt efficiently!
     ● Pay your balances in full to avoid acquiring credit card debt!
     ● Talk to your mortgage lender for a flexible payment and loan period!
     ● Ensure to check your Equifax credit report to keep your credit score in
         range!
It’s important as sometimes unpaid balances can cause a dip in your credit-
building journey. That’s the last thing you want before your 40s!


9. Sharpen Your Earning Skills!



Image Credits: Freepik



Experts advise entering your 40s with all your might and skills! What does it
mean? Let us put a torch to it. Hehe.


Most of us believe that retirement is for relaxing and just enjoying your free time.
Surely, that’s true!


However, not all of us have great careers and all that money to plan for a good
retirement.


Heck, most people still try to continue their job or side hustle ideas to at least
continue living their life.


Don’t believe us? Look around, and surely you’ll find endless homeless wandering
around! We are not fearing you but just sketching a realistic picture.


It’s better safe than sorry!

Financial planning is the best way to keep the money rolling:


      ● Have room to spare? Give it to freelancers!
      ● Have a stable internet connection? Open a small home-based cafe
        workspace!
      ● Are you good at pictures? Find gigs for promotion!
      ● Do you love to watch financial podcasts? Start making review videos!


There are endless small tasks you can still continue while continuing your job to
earn more money and experience.


And trust us when we say this: all those skills and gigs will come in handy when
you retire!


Bottom Line


You can’t mess up your 40s. Because if you do that, your 50, the 60s, and so on
will suffer!


So, give this comprehensive guide a read and find yourself 9 financial
goals/milestones that can help you live your 40s to the fullest!


Happy reading, folks. :)