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Tips to improve financial literacy BY METRO Financial planning is a key component of successful money management. When fi- nancial plans are estab- lished and put in place, individuals are in a much better position to achieve both short-term goals, such as financ- ing a dream vacation, and long-term aspira- tions, like retiring with enough money to live out your golden years without worry. No one is born knowing how to handle and manage money. Financial literacy is an acquired skill, which means anyone can learn how to manage money effectively. The following are a handful of ways in- dividuals from all walks of life can improve their financial literacy. Crack the books (and magazines) A wealth of resources are available to anyone looking to become better at managing money, and many of those resources are books and maga- zines. Printed works are available for people with varying levels of financial literacy, so it's unlikely that any single publication will benefit everyone equally. Find a text that speaks to your level of literacy and build from there. Pay attention to financial news The days when finan- cial news was limited to industry insiders or a handful of industry pub- lications are long gone. Various online enti- ties and cable televi- sion channels are now exclusively devoted to financial news. Anyone can benefit from paying attention to financial news, which can shed light on investments, real estate and financial industry trends that can help people better un- derstand their portfolios and assets. Read your emails Adults who already have retirement ac- counts and other invest- ments may also have an invaluable resource right inside their email inboxes. Investment manage- ment firms such as The Vanguard Group, Inc., routinely host online information sessions and discussions for inves- tors that are promoted through email and other lines of communication with account holders. When promotional emails announcing these sessions are announced, take note and resolve to participate. Many don't require active participation, but they often provide insight into financial products, markets and strategies to successful investing. Ask questions It seems simple, but one of the most effective ways to gain greater fi- nancial literacy is to ask questions. If you work with a financial planner or are interviewing profession- als to help you manage your money, ask that person to explain their financial strategy and the strategy espoused by their firms. When a new short-term or even long-term goal pops up on your radar, ask your financial adviser to ex- plain ways in which you can achieve that goal. Such discussions can re- veal strategies that even well-informed individu- als may be unaware of. Financial literacy can help people achieve their life's goals. Vari- ous strategies can help people from all walks of life improve their finan- cial knowledge and take greater control of their finances and futures. SPECIAL EDITION NEW HOMES Beyond the Bay Featuring New Home Communities Beyond the Bay Area UPCOMING 2023 PUBLISHING DATES: Discover what it's like to live in areas outside of the Bay Area. Our special section includes information on property taxes, school rankings, average home value and more for all California counties and beyond! Sunday Bay Area News Group Readership 664,100 * (print + e-Edition) Beyond the Bay For advertising info about Beyond the Bay, please contact Sandy Lek at (925) 847-2135 or slek@bayareanewsgroup.com For more info, visit NewHomeFinder.news The Mercury News | East Bay Times Marin Independent Journal Community Weeklies and *Source 2022 R1 Scarborough Research June 25 & Sept. 24 June 23 & Sept. 22 22 nd H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section