I Wish I Had Done This Years Ago: All Too Common Financial Regrets
Some of the most valuable financial lessons are learned in hindsight. Live a happier, more secure life by avoiding these familiar financial foibles.
I was recently enjoying dinner with my husband and our three children at our local country club. It was a relaxed and comfortable setting, the perfect place to spend a weekend with the people I love after a long workweek. As I sat across the table from my family, enjoying this special time, I thought, “I wish I had done this years ago.”
I was raised in a small community in upstate New York and my parents were both teachers, so joining a private club wasn’t ever a remote consideration growing up. When my husband suggested the idea, I wasn’t in favor of spending the money — thousands of dollars for annual membership fees. But after considering it for several weeks and making certain we could I afford it, I relented.
Now, years later, I clearly owe him an enormous apology. For starters, the amount of personal joy we’ve experienced, the new friendships we’ve made, and the memories we’re creating have more than paid for any membership. On top of that, I’ve been able to entertain potential clients in an informal environment close to home.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But the phrase “I wish I had done this years ago,” is the same one I hear most often from new clients once we’ve had an initial meeting and developed a long-term plan to grow their wealth. It’s not a surprise. Afterall, once a person or couple has a clear plan to help them achieve financial independence, their relief is palpable. The benefits of their decision are so clear they only wish they had put a plan together years ago.
Here are the other financial items that commonly lead someone to say, “I wish I had done this years ago.” If one or more of these items are on your list, I encourage you to take action:
Know the Amount of Money Needed for Financial Independence
Most people save and save and save some more — but they don’t really know if they have enough socked away. They need to understand “how much is enough,” whether it’s for their own retirement or their children’s college education. Once this question is answered, the person or couple has the freedom to spend the rest of their paychecks or not feel guilty about spending money on the “extras.”
Don’t Work Too Hard
Many parents miss their children’s ballgames, dance recitals and other important events fearing that less work will put their financial future at risk. Some people don’t believe they will be as successful in business or get the next promotion if they work fewer hours.
I’ve seen clients with solid financial plans delay retirement for years because they’re scared to get off the hamster wheel. When they finally do retire, they’re burned out, have health issues, their kids are off living their own lives, and there’s regret. If you have a financial plan, it can give you the freedom to balance work and life better while still achieving your goals.
Get a Will Done
My clients are well-educated, well-read and travel around the world. But I’m never surprised to hear that a new client doesn’t have a will — or it hasn’t been updated in a decade or more. More than any other financial issue, this is one that creates the most guilt and embarrassment, until it’s done. Once the process is complete, clients are so relieved to know their estate plan is buttoned up.
Discuss Money with Your Parents
I’ve watched several of my clients agonize for months, even years, as their aging parents get sick or pass away. By speaking to their parents before their health deteriorates, a person can understand if Mom and Dad can pay their own bills, especially if long-term or professional care is needed, or whether they need to help.
Even if parents aren’t in poor health, ask about their financial condition and make sure their finances are in order. If not, after the death of a mother or father, the client is often left with a scattered list of savings, investments, insurance plans and other assets that can take months to track down.
Talk to Your Adult Children About Money, Too
Once your children get married and start their own families, it can be easy to consider that your job is complete. But remember that they are now awash in all of the same financial issues that you faced 30 years before. Yes, their money is going to pay for diapers and mortgage payments, but help them understand the importance of saving and investing at an early age. The typical comment I hear from Baby Boomer parents is “Do what I should have done — start saving early!”
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Lisa Brown, CFP®, CIMA®, is author of "Girl Talk, Money Talk, The Smart Girl's Guide to Money After College” and “Girl Talk, Money Talk II, Financially Fit and Fabulous in Your 40s and 50s". She is the Practice Area Leader for corporate professionals and executives at wealth management firm CI Brightworth in Atlanta. Advising busy corporate executives on their finances for nearly 20 years has been her passion inside the office. Outside the office she's an avid runner, cyclist and supporter of charitable causes focused on homeless children and their families.
-
Is a Phased Retirement Right for You?
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Four Tips to Make Your Sales Presentation a Winner
Being prepared and not being boring can go a long way toward persuading a potential customer to buy into what you’re offering.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Four Tips to Make Your Sales Presentation a Winner
Being prepared and not being boring can go a long way toward persuading a potential customer to buy into what you’re offering.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Pros and Cons of Waiting Until 70 to Claim Social Security
Waiting until 70 to file for Social Security benefits comes with a higher check, but there could be financial consequences to consider for you and your family.
By Patrick M. Simasko, J.D. Published
-
Now Could Be Time for Private Investors to Make Their Mark
The venture capital crunch may be easing, but it isn't over yet. That means there could be direct investment opportunities for private deal investors.
By Thomas Ruggie, ChFC®, CFP® Published
-
How to Stop Boredom From Ruining Your Happy Retirement
Retirees who explore new interests and have an active social life are more likely to find joy — and even greatness — in the newfound freedom of retirement.
By Richard P. Himmer, PhD Published
-
The Life-or-Death Answers We Owe Our Loved Ones
How our life ends isn’t always up to us, but that question too often must be answered by loved ones and health care workers who don’t know what we would want.
By Joel Theisen, RN Published
-
Hot Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers Right Now
Real estate looks to be especially hopping this spring, thanks to pent-up demand and buyers adjusting to higher mortgage rates. Here’s how you can prepare.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
Is 100 the New 70?
Eating well, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and managing chronic stress can help make you a SuperAger. Funding that long life requires longevity literacy.
By Phil Wright, Certified Fund Specialist Published
-
Nine Lessons to Be Learned From the Hilton Family Trust Contest
Disclaimers, good communication, post-marital agreements and more could help avoid conflict in a family after the owners of a wealthy estate pass away.
By John M. Goralka Published