Financial Basics How to Save and Invest Your Disability Benefits A Guide for Warriors in

Post on: 14 Апрель, 2015 No Comment

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Benefits vs. Windfall

Your benefits may feel like a windfall at first. But understand that they’re meant to compensate you for your service-connected injuries and help guard against the potential loss of future earning power. If you’re the one who’s injured, you might not be able to take on a job that pays what you would like. If you’re the spouse of someone who’s injured, you may have to cut back your work, or even leave your job, to care for your loved one. You should realize that you’ll need to rely on these benefits and use them carefully.

Benefits can come in a lump-sum payment or in monthly payments. If it’s a lump sum, don’t buy that fancy car yet. Take a few months or even a year to decide how to use it wisely. In the meantime, be sure to put your money in a safe place, such as an interest-bearing savings account, until you decide what to do with it.

With monthly payments, think about whether you could save and invest part of the payments for future goals or expenses. You may be surprised how much those monthly payments can grow due to the power of compound interest. Of course, compound interest can also do wonders for lump sum payments that are invested wisely.

Steps to Smart Money Management

Step back and take a deep breath. Take some time to think. Resist the urge to splurge on a car, wide-screen TV or other expensive items or gifts

Take stock of your financial situation. Gather your personal and financial documents together so that you can assess what you have, what you owe, what benefits you will receive, and when any of the benefits will end. Be sure to include discharge papers, personnel and medical records, compensation and entitlement packages for you and your spouse, and statements from your financial institutions (including banks, credit unions, credit card companies, other lenders, brokerage firms or mutual funds).

Build a budget or spending plan. Chart out what benefits you will receive and build a budget or spending plan. Ask yourself and your family what may be some tough questions, such as:

How long must my benefits and funds last?

If my spouse or I can’t return to work, to what extent do these benefits replace our former income?

Have I paid off my high-interest debt, such as credit cards?

What are my monthly income and expenses? What can I save on? You can use the worksheet below to help you.

What are my future goalsto pay off debt, a down payment for a house, a comfortable retirement, a car? Write them down and rank them in order of importance. You can use the worksheet below to help you.

How much do I need to save and invest in order to meet my goals?

Think about whether you need help. Some people feel comfortable researching investment options and setting up accounts on their own. Others prefer getting help from financial professionals. If you decide you need some help, your first stop should be with your case manager and personal financial manager (PFM) or command financial specialist. To obtain contact information for your installation’s PFM, visit militaryinstallations.dod.mil .

When you are ready to invest, get some unbiased guidance from your installation’s PFM on approaches to investing and the elements of risk versus return that might affect your investment decisions. Then, you can begin to look at investing on your own or by using the services of an outside investment professional, such as a broker, investment adviser, accountant, insurance agent or financial planner. You can ask family, friends and colleagues for recommendations about these professionals. Try to get several names and, if possible, meet with them face-to-face before engaging them. Be sure to ask lots of questions, including:

What licenses, professional qualifications or designations do you have?

Have you or has your firm ever been charged with wrongdoing or disciplined by any kind of regulator? For accountants, any actions by a state board of accountancy?

How long have you and your firm been in business?

How do you get paid? Do you receive commissions on products I buy? A percentage of the amount of my assets you manage? A flat fee? Any other method?

Beware of frauds and scams. Your benefits may make you a target for scams. Often, you can avoid fraud by asking questions and researching any investment professionals or investments you are considering. Beware of the warning signsincluding promises of quick profits, guaranteed returns or pressure to send money immediately. Visit Tips for Avoiding Fraud to learn more.

Always do a background check if youre considering an investment professional.

A legitimate investment professional must be properly licensed. Heres how to make sure they are:

For a broker or investment adviser, use FINRA BrokerCheck or call toll-free: (800) 289-9999.

For an investment adviser, you can also use the SECs Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website or call toll-free: (800) SEC-0330.

For an insurance agent, check with your state insurance department. Youll find contact information through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or by calling toll-free: (866) 470-NAIC.

For all sellers, be sure to call your state securities regulator. You can find that number at the North American Securities Administrators Associations website or by calling (202) 737-0900.

Wrapping It All Up

Your new benefits may feel like a windfall, but think of your needs before you splurge. When you receive benefits, remember to:

take your time;
take stock of your financial situation;
build a budget or spending plan;
seek help if you need it; and
beware of predators with deals and schemes that promise too muchthese are likely to be frauds and scams.

Ask plenty of questions, and don’t feel intimidated. Make sure you understand the answers to the questions you have asked. Remember, your benefits are at stake.

More help on planning your finances and investing is available.