Financial Moves for Your 40s

Build resilience by adding income streams. A side hustle, passive products, or a raise request can help offset layoffs and rapid workplace changes.
Tackle high-interest balances first. An advisor said card debt near ~20% should be cleared quickly because dependable investments rarely outperform costs that steep.
Check retirement progress against salary. Entering your 40s, aim for ~1.5 to 2.5x salary saved; by 49, the guidepost rises to ~3.5 to 6x.
Strengthen your safety net with several mo of expenses, health coverage that fits your needs, and a health savings account for medical costs.
Higher earnings can quietly disappear through lifestyle creep. Automating savings increases and reviewing recurring expenses yearly can keep progress aligned with retirement goals.
Also update your will, powers of attorney, and beneficiaries after major life changes. If assets are limited, insurance can spare loved ones burial costs.