Setting aside my general disdain of universals and universal theories, this is pretty sound advice overall.
'Dilbert's' 9-point financial plan worthy of economics Nobel
Advice from a comic strip? Sure, advice is what you make of it. Doesn't hurt that Marketwatch is also endorsing the idea. Anyway, here's nine steps to take to have a plan in place in case life jumps up and bites you one.
1. Make a will
2. Pay off your credit cards
3. Get term life insurance if you have a family to support
4. Fund your 401k to the maximum
5. Fund your IRA to the maximum
6. Buy a house if you want to live in a house and can afford it
7. Put six months worth of expenses in a money-market account
8. Take whatever money is left over and invest 70% in a stock index fund and 30% in a bond fund through any discount broker and never touch it until retirement
9.If any of this confuses you, or you have something special going on (retirement, college planning, tax issues), hire a fee-based financial planner, not one who charges a percentage of your portfolio"
I love number 6. Unless you're making really good money, buying just isn't really an option for people out here. And how long should it take to accumulate a six month stash of money while still putting money to 401K's, IRA's and life insurance in addition to whatever savings you may have set up for children.
Tags: plan, finances, Dilbert,
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