Wealth Expert and Tax Advisor, Shari Mattingly Bevan, on 5 Ways to Find Your Financial Independence This Year

Wealth Expert and Tax Advisor, Shari Mattingly Bevan, on 5 Ways to Find Your Financial Independence This Year

According to recent studies, over 54% of Americans have less than $1,000 saved for retirement. Further, the average adult has around $90,460 in debt. This includes all types of consumer debt, such as credit cards, personal loans, student loans, mortgages, and auto loans.

Shari Mattingly Bevan, Attorney, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and principal of Bevan Wealth & Tax Strategies, offers her top tips on achieving financial independence this year. “It is never too late to get your finances in order,” says Bevan. “If you want to be successful, you need to prioritize financial literacy.” Ms. Bevan offers 5 ways to find your financial independence in the current economic situation.

One of the best ways Ms. Bevan proposes to find financial independence is to create a budget and adhere to it. By closely examining your income and expenses, you can identify areas where you can cut back or save more money. You may also find that there are some expenses that you can eliminate. Once you have created your budget, it’s essential to stick to it as closely as possible. That means being mindful of your spending and resisting the urge to impulse buy. It can also be helpful to create a savings plan so that you have a goal to work towards. Financial independence is within reach if you are willing and able to change your spending habits. 

She also adds that paying off Your Credit Cards in Full is essential. This will help you save money on interest and penalties and improve your credit score. In addition, it will allow you to use your credit cards more responsibly in the future. If you cannot pay off your credit cards in total, try to at least make a dent in the balance. Even a slight reduction can make a big difference in your financial situation. If you are struggling with credit card debt, many resources are available to help you get back on track. Talk to a financial advisor or credit counseling service for more information. 

Bevan further states that you can opt for Automatic Savings. This can be done through your employer or banks. When you have this setup, a certain percentage of your paycheck will go into savings before you see it. This is a great way to ensure you are always saving money and not spending it all. Another benefit of automatic savings is that they help you reach your financial goals more quickly. If you have a specific goal in mind, such as buying a house or saving for retirement, setting up automatic savings can help you reach that goal quicker. It may seem like a small amount each paycheck, but over time it will add up, and you will be closer to your goal. Automatic savings is a great way to find financial independence and reach your financial goals.

Ms. Bevan adds that to become financially independent this year, one of the best things you can do is look for opportunities to increase your income. This could mean asking for a raise at work, selling some of your belongings, or finding new sources of revenue. While it may not always be easy to boost your earnings, it’s important to remember that even small increases can make a big difference over time. In addition to looking for ways to increase your income, you can also work on reducing your expenses. This could involve cutting back on unnecessary spending, negotiating better rates with service providers, or making lifestyle changes that save money in the long run.

Begin building your portfolio. When it comes to financial independence, Ms. Bevan states that there are a lot of different approaches you can take. But if you want to get ahead this year, one of the best things you can do is begin building your portfolio. Investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets can help you weather the ups and downs of the market and reach your financial goals faster. And while it may seem like a daunting task, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. For example, many banks and brokerages offer investment accounts with low minimums, making it easy to get started even if you don’t have much money to invest. Several online tools and calculators can help you determine which investments suit you. The key is to start early and invest regularly. If you don’t have much money to start with, don’t worry. There are many ways to get started, such as investing in a mutual fund or opening a brokerage account. The important thing is to begin somewhere. As your portfolio grows, so will your ability to weather economic downturns and achieve financial independence. 

Shari Mattingly Bevan is the founder of Bevan Wealth & Tax Strategies, a premier boutique wealth and tax advising firm in South Carolina. A resident of Greenville of, South Carolina, Shari has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. She began her career in retirement planning and insurance services while attending law school.  She is a trust and estate attorney, in addition to a wealth advisor. She has over 20 years of experience as a lawyer and combines her financial and legal knowledge to offer her clients the best possible advice on growing and preserving their wealth. Her firm provides a full range of wealth management services, including investment planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and risk management. Shari is dedicated to helping her clients reach their financial goals, and she has the knowledge and experience to help them achieve success.

Bevan Wealth & Tax Strategies is a wealth management firm that provides comprehensive services to individuals, families, and small businesses. The firm has extensive experience in wealth management and is committed to providing personalized service to each client. 

Investment advisory services are offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, an Investment Advisor. Bevan Wealth & Tax Strategies and CreativeOne Wealth, LLC are not affiliated.