Single, child-free, and staring down the next chapter of life, whether you’re focused on today’s career or tomorrow’s possibilities, comes with a particular kind of freedom. Your time is your own, your decisions are yours to make, and you get to define what “a great life” looks like without compromise. That freedom is a gift. But it also means the responsibility for shaping your future, financially and otherwise, rests squarely with you.
At Abeona Wealth, we see this as an opportunity, not a burden. Financial independence is not a consolation prize for missing some mythical “traditional path.” It’s a power move; a chance to build a life that is unmistakably yours. And it starts with a plan—and a team—to back you up.
Independence Is Your Superpower
When you’re the sole decision-maker, your money can follow your values without negotiation. Want to retire by the coast? Splurge on travel every year? Invest in your community or a cause that matters? You get to set those priorities and make them real.
But independence doesn’t just mean “going it alone.” It means creating a strategy that lets you live life on your terms today and decades from now. That begins with clarity: knowing what you own, what you owe, and what you want the future to look like. From there, you can create a roadmap that reflects what matters most to you, not simply what’s expected.
Build Your “Life Team”
Financial independence works best when you’re not actually doing everything yourself. Think of it like curating your own board of directors: a group of professionals and trusted people who can support you through every life stage. Who should you add you your team?
- Financial Advisor: A partner to help you chart your course, stress-test your plan, and adjust as your life evolves.
- Estate Attorney: To draft essential documents such as a will, power of attorney, and health-care directives, so decisions are made the way you want.
- Healthcare Proxy: Someone you trust to advocate for your medical choices if you can’t speak for yourself.
- Close Friends or Relatives: People who can step in during an emergency, from checking on your home to making sure bills get paid if you’re laid up.
This isn’t about dependence. It’s about building a network you choose—people who respect your independence and help protect it.
Secure the Essentials
Without a partner’s income or children to lean on, you are your own safety net. That means it’s especially important to take deliberate steps to protect your future. Consider the following:
- Retirement Savings: Max out your retirement accounts, explore tax-advantaged vehicles like IRAs and HSAs, and consider diversifying across investments that match your goals and comfort with risk. The earlier you start, the more flexibility and freedom you create for yourself down the road.
- Emergency Fund: Life throws curveballs. Aim for at least six months of living expenses and more if your income is variable. Think of this as your financial trampoline: a buffer that allows you to take risks in your career, travel, or investments without fear of falling flat.
- Insurance & Long-Term Care: Planning ahead doesn’t just protect you but preserves your options. Consider hybrid life or long-term care insurance, or set aside a dedicated health-care fund. Early preparation often keeps costs manageable while giving you confidence that, should life change unexpectedly, you’re covered.
These steps might not be glamorous, but they’re what allow you to live the life you envision without fear that a single setback could undo years of hard work.
Shape a Legacy That Reflects You
Your legacy isn’t limited to heirs. It can be as personal and imaginative as you are. Maybe it’s a donor advised fund that supports the arts. Maybe it’s a scholarship at your alma mater, a mentorship program you champion, or simply the stories and wisdom you share with the next generation.
Your wealth can outlive you, carrying forward the values you care about most. The key is to design that legacy intentionally, so the impact is exactly what you want it to be.
Own Your Next Chapter
Planning for the future solo isn’t about proving you can do everything yourself. It’s about knowing that your independence gives you the freedom to live life on your terms, and having the right plan and people in place to make sure you can.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Abeona Wealth to start building a plan that reflects your goals, values, and the life you want to lead.