Discover the critical financial elements to review yearly, particularly net worth and withdrawal rates. The hosts dive into personal savings strategies and the importance of tailored approaches to achieve financial independence. Hear insights about international investments, managing expenses, and rebalancing portfolios. They stress the value of budgeting for travel and adapting spending habits. Finally, reflect on the evolving mindset from pre to post-financial independence and the optimism for future goals.
Conducting a year-end financial review is essential for both pre- and post-FI individuals to track their financial health effectively.
Setting realistic savings targets and measuring them against income percentages is crucial for building and maintaining wealth over time.
Effective portfolio management requires regular evaluations and rebalancing to ensure alignment with financial goals and investment efficiency.
Deep dives
Year-End Financial Review
Conducting a year-end financial review is crucial for individuals on their financial independence journey, whether they are building wealth or sustaining their post-FI lifestyle. This review typically encompasses various aspects like net worth evaluation, goal-setting, and assessing savings targets. The speakers emphasize the importance of tracking net worth consistently, as both pre-FI individuals and those who have reached FI can benefit from monitoring their financial health. This process not only allows individuals to gauge their progress but also helps in identifying any necessary adjustments to their financial strategies moving forward.
Savings Targets and Income Tracking
Setting and achieving savings targets is essential for building wealth, and it can be measured in different ways. The speakers share that common advice is to save a certain percentage of income, which can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and financial goals. Tracking savings as a percentage of income—whether gross or net—provides valuable insights into financial habits and areas for improvement. Some individuals may find themselves under-saving despite believing they are doing well, highlighting the need for realistic assessments of saving practices.
Net Worth Roll-Up Insights
The net worth roll-up process involves evaluating various assets, including after-tax accounts, retirement funds, and liquid assets, to gain a comprehensive view of one's financial status. This includes tracking real estate equity, college savings plans, and other financial commitments, making it easier to communicate financial progress with partners or family. The speakers discuss how focusing on liquid net worth and retirement assets allows for greater clarity in financial decision-making. Year-on-year comparisons of net worth growth provide a benchmark for assessing overall financial health and making necessary adjustments.
Portfolio Management and Performance Tracking
Effective portfolio management involves regular evaluations of investment performance and rebalancing to align with financial goals. The speakers highlight how monitoring portfolio performance in relation to benchmarks, such as the S&P 500, is critical for understanding investment efficiency. Additionally, they discuss the importance of managing cash reserves and understanding the implications of different investment strategies on overall portfolio health. Regular check-ins about performance allow individuals to reassess investment allocations and make informed decisions as they move further into their financial independence journey.
Spending Habits and Budget Adjustments
Tracking spending is essential for maintaining financial health post-FI, and it involves evaluating expenses to prioritize essential versus discretionary spending. Both speakers agree that major expenses like housing, transportation, and food should be focal points for budgetary assessments, especially in light of rising costs. They emphasize the value of using budgeting tools and credit card statements to monitor expenses, ensuring alignment with lifestyle goals. Adapting spending habits can enhance the post-FI experience while allowing for more significant investments in areas that bring joy and fulfillment.
What are the critical financial elements to track and review each year pre- and post-FI? In this episode, Eric and Jason share their processes and learnings from their 2024 annual review. Topics covered include tracking net worth and withdrawal rate, portfolio management, taxes, and much more.