3 must-know tips from a local financial expert on growing your wealth in 2024

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Wondering if your local coffee fix is causing a dent in your financial future? (Worth it!) Or are you curious about which Birmingham-area neighborhoods would allow you to pay your mortgage while still saving money?

I spoke with Jessica McDonald, Birmingham native and Financial Advisor of Southern Wealth Builders, to learn some basics on how to be financially secure now and in the future. Here’s what she had to say.

About Southern Wealth Builders in Birmingham

Meet Birmingham native Jessica McDonald—wife, mother and local sports enthusiast (she loves the Barons + Stallions!). 

After spending time as an assistant finance director and in wealth management, she discovered a lack of financial literacy in Birmingham and beyond.

If you don’t know the term, financial literacy is when someone has the skills, knowledge and behaviors that allow them to make informed decisions regarding money.

With a love of helping others and the need for a better work-life balance, Jessica decided to create her own financial planning company—Southern Wealth Builders.

The goal? To help people across the Greater Birmingham Area increase their financial literacy and shape their monetary futures.

The importance of financial planning

If you’re like me, you have a so-so relationship with money.

You understand its value and importance, but sometimes struggle to save and plan as you should. 

This is where Southern Wealth Builders steps in to help guide you in the right direction. 

“Money affects every stage of your life. It will either limit you to certain parameters or give you the freedom to do what you have always dreamed of doing.

When you include financial planning in your life goals, you prepare for a future self to have the tools needed for what is ahead.”

Jessica McDonald, Owner + Financial Advisor, Southern Wealth Builders 

I know the term “financial planning” isn’t the most heart-thumping. But before you tune out, I promise it’s not all stuffy collared shirts, bland office settings and pushing numbers. 

What I learned when speaking with Jessica is that financial advisors can be a whole lot of fun, and they can even make preparing for your future exciting. 

Follow Southern Wealth Builders on Instagram and you’ll see what I mean. You’ll discover tons of great content of Jessica giving worthwhile tips.

Who Southern Wealth Builders serves

• College + Professional Athletes
• Business Owners + Veterans
• Science + Business Professionals

In other words, anyone in need of financial advice or guidance.

Jessica told me her clientele ranges from new college grads to retirees.

Here are some services you can sign up for:

• Cash flow management
• Education + asset allocation
• Investment portfolio diversification
• Risk management
• Regular progress reviews
• Retirement planning
• Tax optimization strategies

3 tips to grow your wealth in 2024

If you’re wondering how to grow your wealth, you aren’t alone. I ponder this question almost daily.

So I asked Jessica for some tips.

Here’s what she said:

1. Start planning for your future now.

“Financial planning is like working with a personal trainer. 

I help my clients define financial success for their lives and we work on a path to get there. 

Financial success looks different to everyone, and realizing what is right for each person is the first step!”

Jessica McDonald, Owner + Financial Advisor, Southern Wealth Builders 

2. Understand your monthly spending habits + set savings goals.

“Automate your savings! 

Even if you start with $20 per paycheck, get in the habit of sending money to your savings account each time you get paid.”

Jessica McDonald, Owner + Financial Advisor, Southern Wealth Builders 

3. Avoid credit card debt.

“High credit card debt will kill any momentum you have in growing your wealth and financial plan.

Credit card interest rates can be around 15-30% and if you aren’t attacking that debt, it can hold you back from where you want to be in the future.”

Jessica McDonald, Owner + Financial Advisor, Southern Wealth Builders 

Ready to grow your weath? Schedule a free consultation with Southern Wealth Builders now.

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