July Tips and Tools to Start Living Your California Dream: #CADreamingorStruggling

This past Spring AARP published data that revealed the financial plans of California Gen Xers and Baby Boomers and how prepared they are for their financial future. The survey, entitled “ California Dreaming…or Struggling: Gen X and Boomer Financial Security,” reveals that for the most part Californians are not ready for retirement; and while they remain optimistic, many are struggling with issues of housing affordability and difficulty in saving for retirement. In an effort to combat these statistics, AARP California is sharing tips and tools, bi-weekly on social media that can help you start living your California dream. Here is a summary of what was shared in July!

CUT COSTS NOW

Need help getting your finances in check? You are not alone. “Many Californians are unprepared for a major financial setback,” AARP California State President Patricia Pérez stated in response to the survey findings, which revealed that more than 42% of respondents could not withstand a financial expense of $5,000 or less, and another 22% could not afford an emergency expense of $1,000 or less.

• Determine where your money is going and how you can improve by using AARP’s Home Budget Calculator HERE.
• Take the gas saving quiz and learn how you can cut back on fuel HERE.
• See how much you know about saving money, spending, investing and managing debt HERE.

REDUCE HOUSING EXPENSES

The “CA Dreaming or Struggling” survey also revealed that almost half (42%) of Californians age 36-70 state that housing is the biggest obstacle when it comes to saving for retirement. Are your housing costs holding you back financially?

• Use AARP’s free mortgage payoff calculator HERE.
• Make sure property investments are worth your while HERE.
• Learn what other reporters are saying about California housing costs HERE.

SAVE FOR THE FUTURE:

According to the “CA Dreaming or Struggling” survey, over half (56%) of survey respondents age 36-70 are anxious that they will not have money to live comfortably in retirement. Are you ready for retirement?

• Take the retirement planning quiz HERE.
• Develop a plan and take action now HERE.

Learn more about the #CADreamingorStruggling survey findings by visiting, aarp.org/cadreamingorstruggling. Also, be on the lookout for our August tips, tools and quizzes to help you achieve your California dream!