It’s no secret that 2020 was a stressful year for many. With social outlets few and far between, relationships of all kinds were put to the test, especially for those living together. In some cases, the stress of social distancing, shut down measures, and financial concerns amongst the backdrop of a pandemic were simply too much to overcome. Divorce is on the rise around the world. While we hope that love lasts a lifetime, it’s important to consider how a divorce could affect your financial security and future as well as any dependents.
Financial Resolutions for the New Year
Each year when the holidays arrive and the new year is around the corner, we reflect on our decisions and experiences over the past twelve months (perhaps especially after 2020!): what we did well, what we learned, what we could have done differently, or how we want to improve for the next year. Improving organizational skills is a common theme for many, as we strive to get ahead of what’s coming while tidying up what’s already happened. To help as you think through ways to better organize your life, let’s address the ways in which you can improve and check in on your financial life so you can start 2021 feeling proactive.
What 2020 Has Taught Us About Our Personal Finances
2020 has taken us on a ride of the unexpected and unpredictable… From a global pandemic, mandated quarantines, and market volatility to a presidential election with record voter turnout, this year continues to shine a light on what we have typically taken for granted. A major part of the conversation surrounding the events of 2020 is how it affected us financially. An all-time high for jobless claims in the United States led to economic challenges only comparable to the Great Depression and Great Recession.
With so many struggling, people have been forced to adjust their approach to their personal finances including spending, saving, and investing.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investing Explained
As environmental and social justice matters continue to make national headlines, you may be wondering if your financial investments align with your personal beliefs and values.
In recent years, the concept of socially responsible investing gave rise to the practice of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, which uses those guidelines to build a sustainable and ethical portfolio. Potential investments are screened for a variety of factors in each category to ensure that investments are made in companies whose leadership has demonstrated through ethical practices and policies that they care about people and the planet. Like all investing, there are both pros and cons, and it’s important to work with a financial company or advisor who is transparent and trustworthy when deciding if and how to begin ESG investing.
Access to Saving for Retirement
The lack of Americans’ retirement savings, referred to as “retirement insecurity”, is a topic we are hearing more and more about as the Boomer generation ages into retirement. Private company pensions are few and far between these days, putting the onus of saving for retirement on individuals, rather than corporations. Compounding the issue of the lack of retirement savings is the fact that Americans are living longer and will need to save more to cover living expenses and potentially higher medical costs later in life. Elected officials have responded to the potential crisis by enacting legislation such as the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) and the OregonSaves program.