← 042 Neontra Newsletter Issue #041 040 →
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Some 56% of Americans are unable to cover an unexpected $1,000 bill with savings, according to a telephone survey of more than 1,000 adults conducted in early January 2022 by Bankrate.
Most Americans are still struggling to build solid savings accounts →Your personal cash flow is your income minus your expenses over a certain period of time — typically a month. To analyze your personal cash flow take your monthly income after taxes and subtract all your monthly outflows - items like rent, mortgage, credit card payments and other expenses. That number tells you if you’re living within your means.
Balancing lifestyle costs with regular saving and investing is the toughest part of personal finance →The word "budget" means different things to different people. You might think of budgeting (or "living on a budget") as living below a certain standard or not being able to afford the things you want. On the other hand, you might think of budgeting as a tool to prioritize your spending, and to help determine and reach your financial goals.
Northwestern University on Financial Wellness and Money 101 →"Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are."
- James W. Frick
Many Americans believe that you need $1.2 million to reach financial happiness. So, it follows that 71% of Americans feel more money would solve their problems. This leaves us to wonder: how happy are Americans with their finances?
What makes people financially happy? →Meeting a big financial goal can feel daunting and confusing. How do you make an effective plan when life gets in the way?
NPR Life Kit Podcast: How to save for a financial goal →Longevity, decarbonization and technology disruption could provide long-term investment opportunities.
Michael Zezas of Morgan Stanley on investing trends for 2024 →Money Anxiety Is Common, But You Don't Have to Handle It Alone
Read on to learn more about money anxiety, including key signs, causes, and tips to handle it →Which artist is #1 on our Neontrack playlist this week?
Listen to our Neontrack playlist when you have music and money on your mind.