b'Financial FocusResolutionsM any of us probably felt that 2020 lasted a very longFOCUS ON MOVES YOU time. But now that 2021 is upon us, we can make aCAN CONTROL. In response fresh startand one way to do that is to make someto pandemic-related economic resolutions. Of course, you can make these resolutions forpressures, some employers cut all parts of your lifephysical, emotional, intellectual their matching contributions but have you ever considered some financial resolutions? to 401(k) plans in 2020. Will some future event cause Here are a few such resolutions to consider: another such reduction? No DONT OVERREACT TO EVENTS. When the coronavirusone knowsand even if it pandemic hit in mid-February, the financial markets tookhappens, theres probably a big hit. Many people, convinced that we were in for anothing you can do about it. prolonged slump, decided to take a time out and headedInstead of worrying about to the investment sidelines. But it didnt take long for thethings you cant control, focus markets to rally, rewarding those patient investors whoon those you can. When it stayed the course. Nothing is a certainty in the investmentcomes to your 401(k) or similar world, but the events of 2020 followed a familiar historicalemployer-sponsored retirement plan, put in as much as to boost your savings when your spending was constrained, pattern: a major crisis followed by a market drop followedyou can afford this year, and if your salary goes up, increaseis it possible to remain a good saver when restrictions are by a strong recovery. The lesson for investors? Dontyour contribution.lifted? Probably. The greater your savings, the greater your overreact to todays newsbecause tomorrow may lookfinancial freedomsincluding the freedom to invest, and quite different.RECOGNIZE YOUR ABILITY TO BUILD SAVINGS.freedom from excessive debt. When we reach a post-During the pandemic, the personal savings rate shot up,pandemic world, see if you can continue saving more than BE PREPARED. At the beginning of 2020, nobodyhitting a record of 33% in April, according to the U.S.you did in previous yearsand use your savings wisely.was anticipating a worldwide pandemic and its terribleBureau of Economy Analysis. It fell over the next several consequences, both to individuals health and to theirmonths but remained about twice as high as the rate of theThese arent the only financial resolutions you can makeeconomic well-being. None of us can foretell the future,past few years. Of course, much of this surge in Americansbut following them may help you develop habits that could either, but we can be prepared, and one way to do so is byproclivity to save money was due to our lack of options forbenefit you in 2021 and beyond.building an emergency fund. Ideally, such a fund shouldspending it, as the coronavirus caused either complete or be kept in liquid, low-risk vehicles and contain at least sixpartial shutdowns in physical retail establishments, as wellThis article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local months worth of living expenses. as dining and entertainment venues. But if you did manageEdward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.When it comes toyour to-do list, putyour future first.To find out how to get yourfinancial goals on track,contact your Edward Jonesfinancial advisor today.Sam Buchert edwardjones.comFinancial Advisor Member SIPC581 W Wickenburg Way Suite AWickenburg, AZ 85390928-684-707216 February 2021'