Advice | Michelle Singletary’s Money Milestones: Trusted financial advice for any age
Table of Contents
Select a decade below for our personal finance columnist’s take on some of the biggest financial considerations for that age group.
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Young or old, personal finance is complicated. The knowledge and discipline needed to run your financial life can be overwhelming. How do you know if you’re on track? How prepared are you to weather an unexpected job loss or costly repair? Can you spot a scam? It’s hard to know whom to trust when so many people are after your money.
As The Washington Post’s longtime personal finance columnist, I’ve received hundreds of your questions, and I’ve compiled the most frequent ones in this guide. There’s advice for every decade of your financial life, from 20-somethings just starting out to retirees enjoying the fruits of their smart planning to advice that applies at any decade. Each stage involves making decisions that can affect your short- and long-term goals. Identifying your money milestones can help you spend less, save more and build wealth at any age.
[Post Reports: How to be smart with your money at every age]
Because some financial deliberations are ongoing, certain topics appear in multiple decades.
Why you might need a secured credit card
Do I still need term life insurance?
What should you consider before moving in with a partner?
I’m turning 26. What do I do about health care?
I want to invest, and not just for retirement. Where do I put my money?
Learn to manage a checking and savings account
You’ve hit 62. When should you take Social Security?
You’re nearing full retirement age for Social Security. Now what?
Social Security benefits max out at 70. What are you waiting for?
How to talk to your adult children about your finances
You’re finally making decent money. Here’s how much you should save.
No will? Get that done. Now!
If you’re thinking about a wedding, here’s how to budget
What you need to know about your retirement account when you hit 73.
Is it time to get a credit card?
Do I really need all that money in an emergency fund?
Should I be readjusting my retirement plan?
How much should you put in a retirement account?
What to do if you’re having trouble making your student loan payments
What percentage of my income should I spend on housing?
What’s your financial legacy?
Is a retirement community right for you?
My credit is a mess. What can I do?
What is FICA and why is it on my paycheck?
I’m still renting. Is that bad?
I’m single, no kids: What if I need someone to care for me or my money?
I’m still young. Do I need a will?
Got kids? Here’s the best way to save for college.
Should I merge bank accounts with a spouse or partner?
When to meet with a financial planner
Watch out for scams
Should I get a 30-year mortgage or a 15-year loan?
How will a divorce affect my finances?
At 65, don’t forget to sign up for Medicare Parts B and D
You’re 59½ and can tap your retirement account without penalty. Should you?
How you should prepare for long-term care
Should you help grandchildren pay for college?
I’ve never owned a home. Is it too late to buy?
How do you know when you are ready for a child?
Should you put adult children on the deed to your home?
What should you do if you can no longer live on your own?
Should I pay off my mortgage before I retire?
How do I budget for rising health-care costs?
How do you decide what to leave your heirs?
Is it too late to get long-term care insurance?
I’m in my mid-50s and don’t have much saved. Can I afford to retire?
Should you pay to freeze your eggs?
How to make student loan debt more manageable
Is graduate school worth it?
Retirement is around the corner. How to play catch-up.
I’ve been a saver all my life. How do I switch to spending?
Do I really need life insurance?
Start investing for retirement. Your older self will thank you.
When it’s smart to still be living at home
When is the right time to talk to my parents about their financial plans for retirement?
Should I get a reverse mortgage?
Are you ready to be a homeowner?
