Return to Contents

Hot "Cites"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Strategies Designed to Meet Your Financial Goals
By Craig Hackler, Financial Advisor, Raymond James Financial Services

Summber 2003
Jul 1, 2003

Close your eyes and visualize your dream vacation or the shiny new car that you’ve always dreamed of having. Sure, looks great! Unfortunately, for many of us the planning stops right there. With a little planning and discipline the likelihood of achieving our goals can be dramatically improved. Consider implementing one, if not all, of the strategies listed below to improve your financial picture.

• Write down your financial goals and objectives and include deadlines. This will help you stay focused.

• Use credit cards as little as possible. Financing your lifestyle with credit cards is a trap. Reach for your checkbook instead.

• Payoff your credit cards each month. A minimum payment on a $2,000 credit card bill at 18% interest will still leave you paying 19 years from now. The interest will cost you over $4,200 on the $2,000 charge.

• Spend a little, but save a little more. As your debts are paid off, save the “extra” cash each month. Many people are tempted to overspend with the “extra” cash.

• Go for steady, consistent, long-term growth in your investment. By the time you read about a “hot tip” it’s usually cold.

• Invest for retirement. At best, Social Security will cover only a fraction of the money you will need for retirement. Talk to your financial advisor about preparing for a comfortable retirement.
Texas Paralegal Journal © Copyright 2003 by the Legal Assistants Division, State Bar of Texas.

Top of Page

Texas Paralegal Journal © Copyright 2003 by the Legal Assistants Division, State Bar of Texas.