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HOW TO RECOVER FROM HIT TO YOUR SAVINGS

You did everything right. You squirreled away money until you had a dependable emergency fund. You even had a little extra wiggle in your walk knowing a safety net was there. Then, BOOM. Your heater clunks out. An elderly family member falls ill. Or a long-term health issue requires care outside of your insurance coverage. Whatever it is, it takes a big chunk out of your savings — and your sense of security. And now you’re wondering how you’ll rebuild your fund and be prepared for “next time.” When life’s surprises impact your finances, it can feel like you’re off course and can’t catch up. It’s like you ran most of the race and now you’re back at the starting line. And yes, rebuilding your savings does take some time. But there are steps to help you get back on track quickly. Replace Guilt With Gratitude It’s not uncommon to feel deflated — maybe even guilty — when your savings take a hit. If you find yourself slipping into negativity, wondering, “Why me?” or imagining how things could have happened differently, come back to the present moment. Replace your guilt with gratitude. Be grateful for “past you” who saved enough to get you through this bump in the road. Also, be grateful for access to credit if you really need it! When you’ve removed some of the emotion from the situation, adopt an analytical mindset to learn what you can do to better prepare for a similar situation in the future. Call on Your Money Team After going through tough financial times, turn to your money team — which should include your insurance agent, accountant and financial planner — for support. Your insurance agent can check your coverage to make sure you are protected from future disasters or mishaps. Your accountant can find out if you qualify for any tax benefits based on your hardship. Did you know there are tax benefits for helping loved ones with medical care, supporting an elderly parent or even making up for certain expenses that insurance didn’t fully cover? Your financial planner can develop a workable plan for building back your savings, without making you feel totally deprived. This includes helping you find areas in your budget to save more, and picking right-for-you investments that can get you back on track. If you’re missing a member of your money team, now is the time to reach out. It’s not too late! Go Into Savings Overdrive The first and best place to rebuild savings is in your emergency fund. To build your emergency fund back quickly, ask your employer to direct deposit a percentage of your paycheck into your savings account, so it doesn’t ever touch your checking account. Keep at it until you’ve built back at least three months’ worth of expenses. If you took a loan from your 401(k), the loan must be paid back in full within five years. And even though it’s your money, you’re responsible for paying interest. To make up for the shortfall, increase the percentage of money your employer withholds from your paycheck — even if it exceeds the amount your employer will match. Rebuilding your savings can trigger feelings of lack, but don’t fall into that trap. Remind yourself that you are surrounded by everything you need. Remember, rebuilding your savings is just a short-term goal. You’ll be back to normal in no time! And “future you” will thank you. Source-dailyworth

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