In a perfect world, the holiday season would be devoid of all anxiety. Every family member, child, friend, co-worker and distant cousin would be accounted for on your gift list. Said gifts would be wrapped and ready to go weeks in advance. When all is said and done, you’d be kicking up your feet, sipping a glass of eggnog, roasting chestnuts over an open fire or enjoying whatever holiday activity suits your fancy.
And then you’d pop back into reality. The truth is that the holidays, while joyful and special, can be seriously stressful — on both your social calendar and your pocketbook. But for most people, it’s not just the holiday season that sparks financial worry; it’s work commitments, family obligations and the basic, unavoidable necessities of everyday life.
Nearly 40 percent of Americans say that money is the biggest stress in their lives.1 That stress causes many people to kick the can down the road and put off saving for the future. And while longer-term goals and expenses — say, retirement or your children’s impending college tuition — may seem light-years down the road, they’re closer than you think, and it’s important to be prepared.
Reclaim the Money Conversation
If you feel like you’re falling behind on your financial goals, make saving a top priority for the New Year. Still need convincing? We explore the true cost of waiting to save in this segment of our “Big Future, Little Steps” video series, which is specifically designed to help you secure the financial future you’ve always wanted. Watch the video to get started.
Want to Learn More?
Check out the second segment of our series, which explores simple strategies you can use to save more money for retirement and achieve your goals.
