Now before I get started – I want to be really really clear. This is not a politically charged post, as in…I don't care who you voted for. I've always tried to keep this site as far away from specific political opinions because I think you can have a great money site without them!
Actually, at the time of writing I have no idea who is going to win the election. When it comes to the basic foundation of personal finance I don't think it really a ton matters anyways.
Whoever ended up winning isn't going to change my mindset even if it forces me to change strategy somehow.
You need to have your own $$$ plans for the next 4 years. Don't rely on politicians for your planning.
The point of this post is that I want all of you to avoid being distracted from your upcoming financial goals. It's SO easy to get caught up in what we think certain politicians are going to do/not do for your financial future, when in reality it's you and I that make the most important decisions for ourselves when it comes to basic money practices.
Here are a few things I want you to stay focused on now that the election is over:
Increase your savings rate
All of us could get better at saving money. Whether it's spending less money on food or setting aside a larger portion of your paycheck to create a killer emergency fund…there's no way we can't all be better.
If you have a 3 month emergency savings built up, work towards 6! If you have that, consider an 8 month…especially if you are planning on making a career change or starting your own business soon.
Find investments that you are passionate about
I get so many emails from readers asking what they should specifically invest in. I always try to give as broad of an answer as possible because 1) I'm not a financial advisor, and 2) It's such a personal question.
I really think that if you find an investment you love, you'll be more willing to research the crap out of it and become really strong in that area. If you like real estate, cool. If you want to become a dividend investor, awesome. All I care about is that you start doing your research.
START YOUR SIDE HUSTLE
I will continue to preach this until the day comes that I sell the site for $10,000,000 (just kidding…not selling haha). I think anyone who wants to earn extra money should try a side hustle, even if it's as simple as going to garage sales and selling on Amazon or eBay.
Everyone thinks you need some kind of crazy business model or to quit your job like I did. Straight up – you don't. Making money on the side doesn't have to be hard.
If you want to do something like driving for Uber, you should! I've even got an exclusive link to give you $100 extra when you complete your first drive. Now you don't have an excuse. 🙂
Develop a long term dream
That's right, not a strategy. A freaking dream. My journey with personal finance got started when I decided I wanted to live in a mansion on a lake someday. It sounds superficial, but I'm not a minimalist either. I want to be rich and have nice stuff.
But that dream sparked a strategy and a business that, in my mind, has unlimited potential. Now it's just a matter of having time in the game and making wise choices on how I grow the company.
Above all, don't rely on politicians for your future.
I truly truly believe that every person has the ability to change their life. Too many of us spend our time hoping that politicians will spark some massive change, when in reality we are the ones that make change the fastest.
Don't give away control of your future to someone who hustles votes for a living. Stay focused, keep hustling, and make your own change.
Question for you:
What do you want to achieve in the next four years?
Just FYI – don't even bother with politically charged statements in the comment section. I'll just delete them. We've all endured enough of that noise over the past few months for an entire lifetime, right?
Extremely timely post! Many people keep complaining to me that we aren’t going to have any social security when we retire, but each individual is responsible for their own plan not the government. If you create a plan that disregards SS and still gets you to your goals, then you will still be okay regardless of whether you get the benefit or not.
Thanks! My plan is to not depend on social security either. If it’s still around by the time I retire, cool. If not, oh well!
Excellent post! I know this is unrelated, but Bobby do you have any sources that could educate me to learning how to understand and research particular mutual funds or indexes? I know HOW i want to invest and HOW to budget. I just do not understand WHERE or WHAT to research, and WHICH funds/stocks/indexes are the best to choose from. That aspect of investing has been very challenging for me. I’m only 22. Thanks man, I love your site!
Hey Kurt, shoot me an email! 🙂
Great point on side hustling. Finding a way to make more money is something anyone can do, regardless of the political climate. With all the sharing economy and on-demand economy apps out there, you can literally get started making money right away.
Absolutely! So many ways to make money.
There is definite good in focusing on what we can control. Still, for many people, this election (and EVERY election) will have a significant impact on their lives, including their finances. Health insurance has been heavy on my mind lately, especially thinking of people with pre-existing conditions. Waiting and watching to see how that unfolds.
Oh I totally agree (my health insurance went up 68.3% for next year) – but I think it’s good for people to focus on what they CAN control now that the election is over.
Great post!! I wrote on this same topic yesterday and the message is the same. Success or failure is up to us – politicians don’t control how our lives turn out. We hold the keys and hard work is the one element we can control.
For the super basic personal finance stuff – yes!!!!!
Great post MMM, a timely reminder of where our focus should be! We’ve come to expect so much from our governments, which really aren’t there to supply our every need.
Thanks! Yeah you’re exactly right – I think the focus (when it comes to making your life better financially) should always be on what you can do first.