5 Money Milestones You’ll Regret Ignoring in Your 40s

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1. Invest in Income-Producing Assets

You’ve probably realized by now that saving alone won’t cut it.

Money sitting still doesn’t grow. It just waits while inflation slowly eats it up.

The real game changer? Putting your money to work so it earns while you sleep.

Here’s what income-producing assets can look like:

• Dividend-paying stocks that give you cash every quarter without lifting a finger.
  
• Rental properties that send you passive rent checks while building equity.
  
• Peer-to-peer lending or REITs that let you earn income even without managing real estate.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Start small by setting up automatic transfers into an investment account every payday, and use the “set it and forget it” rule to stay consistent.

Make It Easy: Use Betterment to automate your savings and start investing effortlessly with goals built right in.

2. Protect Your Family with Life and Disability Insurance

This one’s not fun to think about, but it’s crucial.

If something happened to you tomorrow, could your family maintain their current lifestyle?

Insurance is like a financial seatbelt. boring until the moment it saves you.

Here’s what matters most to cover:

• Life insurance that replaces your income and pays off debts if you’re gone.
  
• Disability insurance that keeps your bills paid if an accident or illness stops your income.
  
• Term coverage that’s affordable and effective for your earning years.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Call your employer or an independent agent this week to review your current coverage and fill in any gaps.

Make It Easy: Use Insurify to easily compare affordable life and disability insurance plans side by side before deciding.

3. Boost Retirement Savings to Catch Up Quickly

If your 40s have you realizing retirement isn’t that far away, you’re not alone.

The good news is, this decade can be your “catch-up” era.

You’re likely earning more now. So funnel that extra income into your future self’s pocket.

Here’s how to give your retirement account some love:

• Max out your 401(k) or IRA, especially if your employer matches contributions (free money alert).
  
• Open a Roth IRA if you qualify. It’s tax-free withdrawals later in life.
  
• Set a savings target of at least 15–20% of your income, and automate it monthly.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Log into your HR portal or brokerage app today and increase your contribution rate by just 1%. You won’t even feel it.

Make It Easy: Consider Boldin to explore better retirement options and learn simple strategies to grow your savings faster.

4. Have a Solid Plan for Health and Long-Term Care

If your health takes a hit, so will your finances.

Healthcare costs in your 40s can sneak up on you. especially if you’re not planning.

A good financial plan includes protecting both your wallet and your well-being.

Here’s what to lock in:

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for tax-free medical savings and future expenses.
  
• Long-term care insurance that covers you if you ever need assisted living or extended care.
  
• Preventive care routines. because staying healthy is still the best financial move.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Schedule an annual “health audit” to check insurance coverage, HSA contributions, and preventive appointments all at once.

Make It Easy: Set up a Lively HSA account to save pre-tax dollars for health expenses now and in retirement.

5. Own a Home or Build Substantial Equity

You don’t have to be mortgage-free yet. But your home should be working for you.

Equity is one of the biggest wealth builders in your 40s, and it’s often overlooked.

Every payment you make adds to your financial foundation.

Here’s how to make it count:

• Pay a little extra toward your principal each month to build equity faster.
  
• Refinance if rates drop, lowering monthly payments and freeing up cash flow.
  
• Treat your home like an asset, not an expense. Maintain it well to boost value.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Add one extra mortgage payment per year or round up monthly payments. It cuts years off your loan.

Make It Easy: Grab a home maintenance planner journal to stay on top of repairs and value-boosting projects.

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