Welcome to the Financial Security Playbook

It’s Friday night. You’re scrolling through Instagram, sipping your go-to drink, when you stumble across a post that says, “If you don’t secure your financial future now, you’ll regret it later.” Dramatic, right? But here’s the thing—it’s true. Financial security isn’t something you luck into; it’s something you build, step by step.

And the best part? You don’t need to have a six-figure salary or a finance degree to get started. Financial security is built on five key pillars, and no matter where you’re at today, you can start strengthening them. Let’s break them down.

1. Build an Emergency Fund: Your Financial Safety Net

Life loves to throw curveballs—your car breaks down, you lose your job, or an unexpected medical bill pops up. Without a financial safety net, these moments can quickly spiral into a full-blown crisis.

That’s why building an emergency fund is the first step to securing your finances. Ideally, aim to save three to six months’ worth of essential living expenses. Don’t overthink it—this doesn’t need to cover every single splurge, just the basics like rent, groceries, and utilities.

Start small if you have to. Even setting aside $20 a week can add up to over $1,000 in a year. To make it easier, automate your savings. Most banks and apps let you schedule automatic transfers to a separate account, so you don’t even have to think about it.

Here’s some motivation: A recent Bankrate survey found that 56% of Americans wouldn’t be able to cover a $1,000 emergency. Be part of the 44% that can.

2. Master Debt Management: Crush the Debt Drag

Debt can feel like a financial anchor, keeping you from moving forward. Whether it’s student loans, credit card debt, or car payments, managing what you owe is essential for building financial security.

The first step is to get clear on your debt. Write it all down—how much you owe, the interest rates, and the minimum payments. From there, you can tackle it with a strategy.

One popular method is the debt snowball approach, where you pay off your smallest debt first to build momentum. Knocking out that first balance feels like a win and motivates you to keep going.

Alternatively, the debt avalanche approach focuses on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, saving you the most money over time. Whichever method you choose, the key is to stay consistent and avoid taking on unnecessary new debt.

Imagine this: Instead of stressing over minimum payments, you’re freeing up cash to invest, save, or even splurge guilt-free. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

3. Invest Early and Consistently: Compound Interest Is Your Best Friend

If there’s one thing that separates financially secure people from everyone else, it’s their commitment to investing early. Starting early gives your money time to grow exponentially through the magic of compound interest.

Here’s how it works: When you invest, your money earns returns. Over time, those returns also start earning returns. The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow.

Let’s say you invest $100 a month starting at age 25. By 55, assuming an average annual return of 8%, you’ll have nearly $150,000. Wait until 35 to start, and you’ll have just $65,000. That’s the power of starting early.

The best way to ensure consistency is to automate your investments. Platforms like Surmount make it simple by connecting to your brokerage account and implementing automated strategies that work in the background while you focus on other things.

4. Get Insured: Protect What You’ve Built

Let’s talk about something no one likes to think about: insurance. It might not be exciting, but it’s critical for financial security. Think of it as a safety net that protects your income and assets when life takes an unexpected turn.

At a minimum, consider health insurance, disability insurance, and, if you have dependents, life insurance. Health insurance ensures you’re not drowning in medical bills if something happens, while disability insurance can replace part of your income if you’re unable to work.

Here’s a relatable scenario: You’re 30, active, and healthy, so you think, “I don’t need insurance.” Then you tear your ACL during a weekend basketball game, and now you’re looking at a $10,000 surgery bill. That’s the kind of financial hit insurance can protect you from.

5. Automate Your Finances: Stress Less, Save More

Let’s be real—life is busy. Between work, family, hobbies, and trying to stay fit, managing your money can feel like another full-time job. That’s where automation comes in.

When you automate your finances, you take the guesswork out of saving, investing, and paying bills. Set up automatic transfers to your savings account, schedule payments for your recurring bills, and use platforms like Surmount to automate your investment strategy.

Here’s how automation changes the game: Instead of manually saving or investing every month, it happens in the background. You wake up one day and realize you’ve built a solid safety net, paid off a chunk of debt, and grown your investments—all without stressing over it.

Putting It All Together

Building financial security isn’t about hitting some mythical “rich guy” milestone—it’s about giving yourself options, freedom, and peace of mind. Start small. Open a savings account, knock out that credit card balance, or make your first investment. Each step you take today gets you closer to the financial future you want.

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Surmount is here to help you automate your investments, so you can focus on the bigger picture—building a life you love.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only and not an offer or solicitation for any specific investments. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Consult with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.