10 Money Moves to Empower Your Future for Financial Planning Month

By: Sarah Wasaff, Wealth Manager at Creative Planning and Dress for Success Austin Board Member.

My name is Sarah Wasaff, and I’ve proudly served on the board for Dress for Success Austin for the past five years. I’m also a Wealth Manager with Creative Planning, an independent firm dedicated to helping clients create customized financial plans that support their goals and values. In my work, I guide families toward financial freedom, and through DFSA, I help women gain the tools and confidence to achieve economic independence. Both roles share the same heart — empowering people to take control of their futures. Over the years, I’ve seen that when women feel confident about their money, it opens the door to new opportunities in every area of life. That’s why I’m excited to share these financial tips and a decade-by-decade playbook to help you build strength, stability and freedom at any stage of your journey.

Financial confidence isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about the freedom to make choices that align with your dreams. Whether you’re negotiating your first salary, saving for a home or planning for retirement, you deserve a plan that works for you.

Here are ten ways to take charge of your money and your future:

1. Create Your Personal Plan
You wouldn’t start a road trip without a map. The same goes for your finances. Decide what matters most — in life and in money — then chart your path.

2. Budget With Intention
Budgeting isn’t about cutting out every coffee. It’s about making sure your money goes toward the life you want. Try the 50-30-20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings or debt payoff.

3. Break Free From Bad Debt
High-interest credit cards can hold you back. Focus on paying off debt that costs you more than it earns you. That’s money you can put toward your goals instead.

4. Supercharge Your Retirement Savings
Contribute to retirement accounts and, if possible, take advantage of health savings accounts for their triple tax benefits. Your future self will thank you.

5. Start Now, No Matter How Small
The earlier you save, the more time your money has to grow. Even $25 a month can build momentum.

6. Invest and Stay the Course
Markets will rise and fall — that’s normal. Instead of trying to guess the perfect time to invest, diversify your portfolio, keep costs low and stick to your plan.

7. Protect Yourself With the Right Insurance
Life, disability and long-term care insurance aren’t just paperwork — they’re safety nets for you and your loved ones.

8. Put Your Wishes in Writing
A will or trust, plus powers of attorney and medical directives, makes sure your loved ones know your wishes. It’s a gift of clarity during hard times.

9. Plan for Education Wisely
If you’re saving for a child’s college, look into 529 plans — but don’t let college savings derail your retirement. Your kids can get loans. You can’t.

10. Give Yourself More by Waiting
Delaying Social Security benefits until your full retirement age — or later — can mean a bigger check for the rest of your life.

Your Money Journey: The Decade-by-Decade Playbook

• In Your 20s: Build credit, start investing and learn to love your budget.

• In Your 30s: Crush high-interest debt and ramp up your retirement savings.

• In Your 40s: Revisit your plan and rebalance your investments.

• In Your 50s: Max out contributions and explore long-term care coverage.

• In Your 60s: Delay Social Security and, if possible, fine-tune your withdrawals.

The most powerful step you can take is the one you take today. Every dollar saved, every goal set and every smart choice you make is a vote for your future self. Yesterday’s gone, but today is wide open for you to invest in the life you want. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see what’s possible.

This commentary is provided for general information purposes only, should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice, and does not constitute an attorney/client relationship. Past performance of any market results is no assurance of future performance. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed