Save 10% of Income         

Saving anything is better than nothing, but aiming for a goal of at least 10% is enough to actually jumpstart your retirement fund, get you into a good habit and maybe even make room for some other savings. But, before you start worrying about where to put it, how to start a retirement plan or any other types of investments, just save 10%. Get it in motion. If you can save some or all of this as tax-deferred through an employer’s retirement savings program, do it. The sooner your money is saved, the sooner it starts to grow and compound. Your future self will feel pretty smart, because no one ever looks back and wishes they had saved less.

Get the Family on Board         

There’s nothing “personal” about your finances unless you’re single and completely independent. If you’re married, living with a partner or have children, your financial moves affect everyone in your family and vice versa. Silence kills when it comes to money and family. Talk to your spouse or partner about money issues. And whether it’s bill-paying, check balancing, budgeting, or long-term planning, be sure that each person understands their own role, Involve your kids early and show them that money is about choices.