Cash flow is king when thinking about your financial future

Cash flow is like the water in the moat surrounding a successful retirement. It’s an essential element of financial planning that can help you defend your castle against unexpected expenses, coffer-raiding or overspending. Cash flow planning combines five interdependent activities: setting goals, establishing an emergency fund, calculating your net worth, recording expenses & communicating your wishes to your loved ones — the five elements of cash flow planning.

Look from the Tower: Set Goals
It’s impossible to plan without having a goal in mind. When it comes to your future finances, start with the basics, whether it’s to pay down school loans or to establish a three-month emergency fund. (more…)