Disability insurance is often overlooked, often somewhere wedged between health insurance, emergency funding, and life insurance. Yes, cash cushions and health benefits matter. Still, some quietly assume savings alone will carry them through any setback. Others avoid certain insurance policies altogether, believing premiums are wasted if no claim is filed. That logic sounds good until income is interrupted.

Identify the life stage you’re in. Make one adjustment that moves you in a positive direction. Financial independence isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about knowing what comes next and preparing just enough to meet it confidently.

Pick one or two goals to focus on for the first half of the new year. Not 5. Not everything. Revisit them regularly. Adjust as life changes. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about alignment. Adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about making clearer choices, building confidence step by step, and giving yourself access to a future that truly fits your life.

Understanding when copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums occur helps you grasp your bills and, hopefully, boosts confidence in navigating the healthcare system, especially as you start managing your own coverage.

Health, auto, and renters insurance create a solid foundation that helps prevent a single unexpected moment from becoming a costly setback. The goal is straightforward: stay safe, stay covered, and stay confident as you embrace your independence.