Today’s Financial Message Just for you, {{ first name | friend}}
Back in the day, the scariest thing in your wallet was an embarrassing school photo. Now it's opening your bank app.
Gen X outlived New Coke and dial-up internet—we can handle looking at our finances without hiding under the covers like it's a Poltergeist movie.
Financial fear is real, whether it's:
avoiding your credit score
ignoring retirement planning
pretending that "insufficient funds" notification never happened
But naming your money monsters actually makes them less scary.… Continue Reading
We’re Scared.
Earlier this week, I stumbled on a 2025 survey that captures something a lot of us Gen Xers are feeling - terrified that whatever money we’ve managed to save for our future won’t last as long as we will.
A whopping 70% of those asked said they feared that gap more than dying…a number that, on its own, points to a desperate need for guidance and solutions. (Source: AllianzLife)
Helpfully, the survey adds some sage advice - staying scared and worried isn’t going to help you. The results also pointed to a gap between being concerned and actually finding help/solutions for our financial issues.
61% said that they think the top resource for financial guidance is a financial professional
But only 38% said they were actively working with one
The path is clear: Whether you decide to:
seek out a financial professional
educate yourself
research books, podcasts and expert advice
make a solid plan to solve one issue at a time
…whatever the case may be - you need help to identify your financial fears - AND in laying out your individual options to beat them.
Whether you are also one of the 70% with a fear of running out of money, or spiralling into debt, or inflation eating into your investments, the key is to pinpoint the issue - and then work on how you’re going to face it and overcome it.
Start somewhere.
Fear #1: Running Out of Money in Retirement
The Worry: "Will I be eating cat food in my golden years?"
This fear tops the list for many, and it's no wonder. With longer life expectancies, inflation and the uncertainty of social security, retirement can seem like a financial tightrope walk.
Tools to Overcome:
Start as Early as You Can: The magic of compound interest is real. Even small contributions can grow significantly over time.
Maximize Employer Matches: If your company offers a 401(k) match, that's free money. Don't leave it on the table!
Diversify Your Investments: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different asset classes.
Consider a Roth IRA: This can provide tax-free income in retirement. (And catch-up options as you get older.)
Pro Tip: Use retirement calculators to estimate how much you'll need and adjust your savings plan accordingly.
Fear #2: Debt Spiraling Out of Control
The Worry: "Will I be buried under a mountain of debt forever?"
Whether it's student loans, credit card debt, or a mortgage, owing money can feel like a solid weight on your chest.
Tools to Overcome:
Create a Debt Repayment Plan: Methods like the debt snowball or debt avalanche can help you tackle debt systematically.
Negotiate with Creditors: You might be able to lower interest rates or set up a more manageable payment plan.
Consider Debt Consolidation: This can simplify payments and potentially lower interest rates.
Increase Your Income: Look for ways to earn extra money to put towards debt repayment.
Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins along your debt repayment journey to stay motivated.
Fear #3: Financial Emergencies
The Worry: "What if my car breaks down/I lose my job/I get sick?"
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and without a financial safety net, these surprises can be terrifying.
Tools to Overcome:
Build an Emergency Fund: Start where you can, but aim for 3-6 months of living expenses saved in an easily accessible account.
Get Adequate Insurance: Health, auto, and disability insurance can protect you from major financial shocks.
Develop Multiple Income Streams: Side hustles or passive income can provide a buffer if your main income is disrupted.
Pro Tip: Start small if saving seems overwhelming. Even $20 a week adds up to over $1,000 in a year.
Fear #4: Making Poor Investment Decisions
The Worry: "What if I lose all my money in the stock market?"
The world of investing can seem like a complex maze, leaving many paralyzed by the fear of making a costly mistake.
Tools to Overcome:
Educate Yourself: Take advantage of free online resources to learn about investing basics.
Start Small: You don't need a fortune to start investing. Many apps allow you to begin with just a few dollars.
Consider Index Funds: These provide broad market exposure with lower fees than actively managed funds.
Seek Professional Advice: A financial advisor can help you create a personalized investment strategy.
Pro Tip: Remember, time in the market beats timing the market. Consistency often bests trying to pick winners.
Read the whole article, and all 6 Financial Fears👇
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Most people are never taught personal finance, yet feel shame for not knowing the solutions to their financial problems in adulthood.
Jake Cousineau's Face Your Financial Fears addresses these issues by making personal finance personal. The book:
aims to help you to understand your financial situation
provides actionable steps to address your money problems
sets measurable goals that are relevant to you
Go Deeper.
Pick up extra strategies for kicking your financial fears in the face with these Wealthy Thinker articles:
“It’s time for some repair work on my money issues.”
“I Worry About Money All the Time.”
Money insecurity is a huge issue for a lot of people. Naming your past trauma can pinpoint the problem so you - and your finances - can get healthy.
“Sure happy we got our pensions in time.” (Evil Boomer laugh)
“Is Old School Retirement Advice Still Valuable?”
Some tenets are timeless (*cough* compound interest) and some are best left in the dust with your cassette collections.
“Listen cable company, I’ve been with you longer than my girlfriend...”
“How Do I Lower My Interest Rates to Get Ahead?”
Call your creditors and ask. Some of them reward loyalty and consistency, and even getting a bit of a break can add up on your bottom line.
Money Mindset Message
Carol Anne also saw her financial future in the light. (Poltergeist, 1982)
Just for fun!
I don’t know about you, but 2025 felt like a LONG decade, and I’m having trouble remembering stuff that happened even last year.
So I figured it’d be fun to reminisce about a simpler time, and play a game I like to call “what decade was it!?” (very original, I know). Below are a number of events, you just have to say in which decade did they occur in. Simple!
Acid-wash jeans became a huge fashion trend
Nirvana’s Nevermind Album was released
The fall of the Berlin Wall
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched
Sega released the original Sonic the Hedgehog game
The Walkman became a must have for every teen
Answers below!
What did you think of today's newsletter?
Answers!
oh, this was DEFINITELY the 80’s, but if you didn’t show up to school wearing a sweet pair of these, you were definitely not ‘radical’.
Nevermind came out all the way back in 1991. That teen spirit is long gone. ☹
This was in ‘89, blowing with the wind of change.
The Hubble was launched in 1990. It didn’t get it’s new pair of glasses until ‘93
Sonic first hit the scene in ‘91. rushing into our hearts? I dunno, I’m running out of cheesy dad jokes.
Sony released the Walkman in 1979! Who else had the big industrial yellow hard case one?