Those New Year's Resolutions: Investments & Debt
BOSTON (CBS) - Fidelity put together a list of the top financial 10 resolutions folks wanted to accomplish and more important they added resources to help achieve these new resolutions. You can link to Fidelity's resources from our website here at WBZ.
#3 Invest More
This one is a bit scary after the volatility we observed in the stock market the last six months. Fidelity is suggesting you don't turn tail and run from the market. And I agree with them. Folks make big mistakes in the market by selling when the market is down and buying when it is high.
We allow our emotions to run the show. Good time to look at your asset allocation. Are you too conservative or worse too aggressive? A diversified portfolio that's suited to your investing goals is essential.
Fidelity furthers suggests that if you are not a hands-on investor, consider what's called a target date fund. These are appropriate for your 401(k) plan and IRA. The fund manager selects, monitors, and adjusts the mix to match a target retirement date. You choose the fund that matches the date you plan to retire.
Fidelity's Resources:
- Learn: "Three reasons to invest in stocks."
- Figure it out: Investing for growth.
- Stay on top of it: Review your investment mix in our Planning & Guidance Center (log in required).
#4 Pay Down Debt
Most of us owe on a variety of debt; mortgages, student loans, car loans and credit-card balances. Those fixed monthly payments take a big bite out of your income.
Your credit card is discretionary debt. The key is to pay off your balance each month. If you are carrying debt month to month look to pay down the credit card with the highest interest rate first. Consider paying more than the minimum each month. Check your credit card statement to see how long it will take you to pay off the balance—and how much it will cost. The statement usually suggests how much you need to pay each month to pay it off completely.
Fidelity's Resources:
- Learn: "How to pay off debt—and save too."
- Learn: "Four ways to get out of credit card debt."
- Figure it out: Map out paying off a credit card balance with our Savings Planner.
- Stay on top of it: Check your credit card balances every month.
