Matthew Sheets, CFP®, shares important factors to remember during times of heightened market volatility.
Smart Money Moves for Moms at Every Stage
Motherhood changes everything—from your sleep schedule to your daily routine, and most importantly, your financial priorities. Whether you are preparing for your first child or managing the costs of children at college, money plays a significant role in how you plan, grow, and support your family. The good news? With the right financial decisions, moms can gain more control, reduce stress, and build a strong future for their families. Here is how to make smart money moves at every stage of motherhood.
1. New Moms: Building the Financial Foundation
- Budget for Baby – The arrival of a baby brings new expenses: diapers, daycare, medical bills, and more. Create a baby-specific budget that accounts for both one-time costs and ongoing monthly expenses.
- Start an Emergency Fund – Unexpected costs are part of parenting. Aim to build an emergency fund with 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses to protect your family in case of job loss or surprise medical bills.
- Review Insurance and Estate Plans – Now is the time to update your life insurance and name a guardian for your child. Make sure your will, health directives, and beneficiaries are all up to date.
2. Moms of Young Children: Maximizing your Income and Savings
- Evaluate Childcare Costs – Childcare can rival a mortgage in cost. Explore flexible work options if possible and open tax-advantaged accounts like Dependent Care FSAs. Some moms find it cost-effective to adjust work schedules to minimize full-time daycare, but every situation is unique to each family.
- Start Saving for College Early – College may seem far off, but starting early gives your money more time to grow. Consider opening a 529 college savings plan, which offers tax-free growth when used for qualified education expenses.
- Invest in Your Career – Whether you are returning to work or balancing a side hustle, keep your skills sharp. Continuing education, networking, and certifications can lead to better job opportunities and income.
3. Moms of Tweens and Teens – Modeling Behavior and Planning Ahead
- Teach Kids About Money – This is the perfect time to introduce your kids to smart financial habits. Give them a weekly allowance, open a savings account, and let them practice budgeting for small purchases.
- Revisit Long-Term Goals – With more clarity around your family’s lifestyle and future, review your retirement plan, homeownership goals, and college savings. Prioritize your retirement—after all, loans can help fund college, but not retirement.
- Control Lifestyle Creep – As your income increases, resist the temptation to overspend. Stick to your core values and invest in experiences, savings, and security, rather than material things.
4. Moms of Young Adults – Shifting Roles, Staying Secure
- Support Without Sacrificing – You may want to help with college, a first apartment, or even a wedding—but be cautious not to derail your own financial stability. It is okay to set boundaries while still offering support.
- Downsize or Reorganize – This might be a suitable time to reevaluate your home, car, or other big expenses. If your kids are becoming independent, you might consider downsizing or repurposing your budget for new goals like travel or business ventures.
- Update Your Financial Plan – Life changes fast. Make sure your estate plan, retirement contributions, and insurance policies reflect your current life stage and future goals.
Empowered Moms Make Confident Moves
Money does not have to be a source of stress—it can be a source of empowerment. Every mom, no matter her income or life stage, can take meaningful steps to create a more secure financial future for herself and her children. Start small, stay consistent, and seek the advice of a financial planner to help you plan for the bigger picture.
As mom and the family CFO, you are not just managing money — you are shaping your family’s future.
Contact us today to discuss these ideas and others with a financial planner.
Gina Jacobson Makes Second Appearance on “Wait. Hold Up… What?” Podcast
Client Relationship Associate, Gina Jacobson, CFP®, CDFA, was a recent guest on the podcast, “Wait. Hold Up… What?”. Gina spoke with host Dawne Hanks on the episode about women building their nest and their net, and in this episode, they discuss consumerism, ethics, and financial empowerment for women.
The podcast “Wait. Hold Up… What?” is from the women at Eliminate Girl Hate, an organization that provides programs that leverage the power of the female experience to create growth in all areas of business and life by providing information, resources and support with the mission of creating safe and equitable spaces for all who identify as a girl.
Gina Jacobson Appears on Wait. Hold Up… What? Podcast
Vision Capital Management Client Relationship Associate, Gina Jacobson, CFP®, CDFA, was a recent guest on the podcast, “Wait. Hold Up… What?”. Gina spoke with host Dawne Hanks on women and finances, savings, and building a net and a nest as a woman. To listen to the episode, click the image above.
Americans Relying on Retirement Funds for Rainy Day Savings
In the most recent installment of Vanguard’s “How America Saves” annual report, data suggested that Americans are participating in retirement savings accounts at record-high levels, mostly due to the adoption of automated enrollment and access to employer-sponsored plans. However, the concerning trend that caught the attention of financial advisors was the marked increase in consumers withdrawing funds from their retirement accounts in order to pay for emergencies. In pre-pandemic days, the rate of hardship withdrawals was approximately 2%, but Vanguard reported the most recent rate to be 4.8% in 2024, with the reasons including avoiding evictions and home foreclosures, medical expenses, and tuition costs.
We have outlined strategies below that will ensure you have a strong savings cushion and will avoid dipping into retirement funds earlier than necessary.
1. Create a Realistic Budget
A solid budget is the foundation of financial stability. Follow these steps to establish a budget that works for you:
- Track Your Expenses: Monitor your income and spending to understand where your money goes. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to keep track.
- Prioritize Essentials: Allocate funds for necessities such as housing, utilities, food, and healthcare before spending on non-essentials.
- Set Spending Limits: Avoid overspending by setting monthly limits on discretionary expenses like entertainment and dining out.
- Use the 50/30/20 Rule: This budgeting method suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.
2. Build an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is a crucial financial safety net that prevents you from withdrawing from retirement savings in times of crisis.
- Set a Savings Goal: Aim for three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account.
- Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund each month to ensure consistency.
- Use Windfalls Wisely: Direct tax refunds, bonuses, or unexpected earnings into your emergency savings instead of splurging.
3. Reduce Debt and Interest Payments
High-interest debt can quickly erode your finances, making it tempting to withdraw from retirement funds. Reduce your debt burden by:
- Paying Off High-Interest Debt First: Focus on credit card balances and personal loans that carry high interest rates.
- Consolidating Debt: Consider a lower-interest personal loan or balance transfer to reduce interest payments.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Debt: Limit borrowing for non-essential expenses and prioritize living within your means.
4. Maximize Savings Opportunities
Building wealth outside of retirement accounts ensures financial flexibility.
- Open a High-Yield Savings Account: Earn more interest on your savings by choosing an account with a competitive rate.
- Invest in a Taxable Brokerage Account: Grow your wealth through diversified investments that do not require early withdrawals from retirement funds.
- Contribute to an HSA or FSA: If eligible, these accounts help cover medical expenses without dipping into long-term savings.
5. Plan for Major Expenses in Advance
Unexpected expenses often force individuals to withdraw from their retirement savings. Prepare for large costs with these strategies:
- Set Up a Sinking Fund: Save a small amount each month for anticipated expenses like home repairs, vacations, or car replacements.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate health, auto, and home insurance to avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.
- Anticipate Future Financial Needs: Consider upcoming life events, such as college tuition or home purchases, and start saving early.
6. Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals
Protecting your retirement savings requires long-term commitment and discipline.
- Review Your Budget Regularly: Adjust your budget as needed to align with changes in income and expenses.
- Set Clear Savings Milestones: Track your progress and celebrate small financial wins along the way.
- Resist Temptation: Avoid withdrawing from retirement accounts by reminding yourself of the long-term benefits of financial security.
By implementing these budgeting and saving strategies, you can build a strong financial foundation and safeguard your retirement funds. Staying disciplined with your money today will ensure a more comfortable and stress-free future.
Sources:
- Horwich, Jeff, “Amid a Resilient Economy, Many Americans Aren’t Ready for a ‘Rainy Day,’” Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, May 31, 2024.
- Martinez, Amethyst, “Vanguard Sees More 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals. That May Not Be a Bad Thing,” Barron’s, June 26, 2024.
- Tergesen, Anne, “The 401(k) Has Become America’s Rainy-Day Fund,” The Wall Street Journal, March 5, 2025.
- Vanguard, “Press Release: Vanguard Announces Record Retirement Savings Rates Among American Workers,” June 2024.
