Tips for Making the Right Financial Decisions During Career Changes
Whether you’ve landed your first full-time job, made a mid-career pivot, earned a promotion, experienced a layoff or have started to prepare for retirement — employment changes can be both exciting and challenging. These financial tips can help you prepare for any career transition.
Take advantage of your fresh start
You can set up healthy financial practices on your very first day
- Enroll in your employer’s benefits.
Sign up for your employer’s 401(k) plan and contribute at least the minimum to qualify for a (typically free!) employer match. Review the insurance benefits, including disability, life, dental, vision, and health insurance and make choices that meet your needs. Additionally, many employers offer financial wellness counseling, discounts at popular retailers and other financially beneficial programs.
- Set up direct deposit.
As part of onboarding processes, you can usually set up direct deposit. This will help you get your paycheck as soon as possible — sometimes even up to two days sooner with Early Pay.1
- Create a new budget.
With a job change likely comes finance changes. A top-down budget approach is a simple way to begin. It gives you defined categories to sort your expenses using the 50/30/20 method: 50% of income to essentials (housing, groceries, childcare, etc.); 30% of income to wants (travel, entertainment, shopping, etc.); 20% of income to savings (retirement fund, certificates of deposit, etc.).
Tip: As you progress in your career through promotion, a raise or a bonus, try to keep your spending the same when possible. Use those extra funds to increase your contributions to your retirement accounts, pay off loans or other debt or put it toward your emergency savings.
For when you’re in between jobs
Regardless of the reason for being in-between jobs, not having a steady income can be stressful. Keeping your finances in order during this time can provide stability and the space you need to get to your next step — finding a new job, going back to school, changing careers or taking a sabbatical.
Tip: There are some penalty-free withdrawals that are typically available under certain circumstances from your existing IRA or 401(k). Keep in mind that any unreimbursed funds could delay your retirement.
Once you’ve reached retirement
Longstanding healthy financial habits can help ease the transition from earning and saving to accessing those funds. Be mindful that your financial goals will shift from accumulating money to protecting what you have saved.
Fraudsters prey on retirees.
Continue reviewing your financial statements at least once per month to catch fraud early. Report any fraudulent activity immediately. Always use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication for websites and applications allowing access to your funds or credit cards.
Monitor your investment performance and reassess risk tolerance.
The returns on your investments are based on the risk level of your stocks and bonds. As you get closer to retirement, it’s a good idea to move money from riskier investments to safer ones.
Tip: In every stage of your career journey, it is a good idea to check your credit scores regularly. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request a report. Dispute anything that looks like a mistake promptly.
Even the best careers have some twists and turns. With healthy financial habits and planning, you can be ready for whatever comes your way.
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