A Parent’s Guide to Financial Planning by Sara Bailey

Whether you`re just starting a family, adding to it, or thinking about the future, it`s never too soon to set financial goals because they keep you focused on the end goals, help you measure and manage your progress, keep you on track and help identify adjustments to make. Many financial planners will tell you that when you`re setting your goals and creating your plan, you should save for a rainy day or emergency, retirement and college expenses. Experts also recommend including your kids in financial planning and encouraging them to set their own financial goals too. Protect Your Family’s Financial Future Don’t have a will? Get one. Use online programs or visit a local attorney to name your child(ren)’s guardian, set up financial plans and allocate the age for payouts, savings, and investment distributions. And if your employer offers a flexible spending account (FSA) to help cover the cost of childcare, take advantage of it. Most states allow you to use these pre-ta...