
Two of the most important financial steps you can take are building an emergency fund and contributing to a 401(k) plan. A solid emergency fund can help you take care of life’s little unexpected adventures without going into debt. A 401(k) plan helps you build long-term wealth in a tax-efficient manner in addition to garnering “free money” in the form of employer matching contributions.
But if you get the feeling that you need to do more than simply have a savings account and a retirement plan, you’re absolutely right. Once you’ve got these basics in place, it’s time to strengthen your safety net, maximize additional investment opportunities and protect your assets, both for yourself and for your heirs and dependents.