How you choose to live your life impacts your financial security. If you want a more secure future (and who doesn’t), take a close look at the choices you make. Positive changes now could significantly improve your financial future.
If you are not completely satisfied with your responsibilities, salary, or career path, it’s never too late to switch careers. You may need to refresh your skills or go back to school for additional training. Or, you may want to stay in the same field but change employers. Update your resume periodically and make sure your skills keep pace with innovations in your career field. A long period of unemployment could destroy your financial security.
While owning your own home is the American dream, being house poor is a nightmare for some Americans. The square footage of the average American home has grown steadily over the past several decades and so have the costs. If your mortgage, taxes, and maintenance expenses deplete a large part of your income, consider moving to a smaller house. What you save in housing costs could be significant over the long term.
With credit card offers arriving in the mail daily, it’s easy to get trapped in a vicious cycle of buying on credit and paying only the minimum every month. Soon, you’re paying more in interest than your purchase actually cost. Over time, credit card debt can have a devastating impact on your finances. But you can stop the cycle by paying off your balances and using cash for new purchases.
Unfortunately, accidents happen. Sometimes cars crash, houses get struck by lightning, and people get hurt. Skimping on insurance could lead to financial ruin. Protect yourself and your assets with adequate insurance. In addition to home, auto, and medical insurance, make sure you also have disability insurance. If you are unable to work, disability insurance may replace a substantial part of your income.
This material is provided for general information purposes only. Investments and insurance products are not FDIC insured, not bank deposits, not obligations of, or guaranteed by Canandaigua National Bank & Trust or any of its affiliates. Investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Past performance is not indicative of future investment results. Before making any investment decision, please consult your legal, tax or financial advisor. Investments and services may be offered through affiliate companies.
CNB Insurance Agency is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canandaigua National Bank & Trust. Investments and insurance products offered through CNB Insurance Agency are not FDIC insured, not bank deposits, not obligations of, or guaranteed by Canandaigua National Bank & Trust or any of its affiliates. Insurance Companies offering products through CNB Insurance Agency are independent of and not affiliated with Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, any of its affiliates, or CNB Insurance Agency. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust will not condition an extension of credit on either the consumer’s purchase of an insurance product or annuity from Canandaigua National Bank & Trust or any of its affiliates, or the consumer’s agreement not to obtain, or a prohibition from obtaining, an insurance product or annuity from an unaffiliated entity.