Five money moves to help secure your future

Building long-term financial security requires more than saving money; it demands strategic planning, continuous learning, and adaptability.

Whether you're looking to optimize your spending, invest wisely, or make the most of your assets, adopting smart financial habits can help set you on the path to success.

Here are five actionable money moves to consider:

• Leverage AI tools for smarter budgeting. The latest AI-driven budgeting apps go beyond simple expense tracking. These tools analyze spending habits, identify patterns, and offer real-time savings prompts. Platforms like You Need a Budget (YNAB) allow you to upload credit card statements for analysis, while apps like Cleo connect directly to your accounts to provide spending reports and friendly, chat-based reminders. AI-powered budgeting apps can help take the guesswork out of money management by pinpointing unnecessary expenses, identifying underused subscriptions, and alerting you to spending spikes.

• Audit your subscription graveyard. Many people unknowingly spend hundreds of dollars annually on unused subscriptions. Auditing your streaming services, apps, and memberships can help eliminate unnecessary expenses. Instead of a one-time purge, implement a 30-day rotation: Cancel any subscription you haven’t used recently and only reactivate it if you genuinely miss it. This strategy ensures you pay only for services that add value to your life.

• Invest in yourself. While traditional investment advice focuses on stocks and bonds, one of the most valuable assets is human capital — your knowledge, skills, and abilities. In an era of rapid technological advancement, staying competitive means continuously improving your expertise. Strengthen your financial literacy, negotiation skills, project management abilities, or proficiency with no-code software tools to enhance your adaptability and earning potential. By prioritizing self-improvement, you position yourself for long-term financial success.

• Give with purpose: Smart charitable giving strategies. Charitable giving can be personally fulfilling and financially strategic. Instead of donating cash, consider gifting appreciated securities to charities to avoid capital gains tax while receiving a charitable deduction. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) allow you to contribute now, take an immediate tax deduction, and distribute donations over time. If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) lets you donate directly from an IRA, reducing taxable income while meeting Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations. Naming charities as beneficiaries of retirement accounts or life insurance policies, or a charitable bequest in your will, can help lower estate taxes while supporting causes important to you.

Preserve, protect, and pass it on

As you shift from accumulating wealth to preserving and distributing it, estate planning helps ensure your assets are protected and transferred efficiently. Beyond wills and probate avoidance, modern estate strategies offer greater control and flexibility. Digital asset planning secures cryptocurrency, intellectual property, and online accounts, while multigenerational wealth planning — such as annual gift exclusions and 529 plans — can reduce estate taxes and support future generations. Keeping your estate plan adaptable allows it to evolve with tax laws and personal circumstances, creating a lasting legacy that aligns with your values.

Final thoughts

True wealth-building involves connecting the dots — combining digital tools, practical investments, and personal growth. Regularly auditing your financial life helps you adapt to an ever-changing economy and work toward long-term financial stability. By incorporating these smart money moves, you can create the financial flexibility and freedom to pursue what matters most to you.

For tailored financial strategies and professional guidance, consider working with a fiduciary financial adviser who can help you navigate complex financial decisions and optimize your wealth-building journey.

• Ritu Jain, CEP, EA, is a financial adviser in Savant Wealth Management’s Naperville office.