Campbell Wealth Management - September 2024

Many popular hobbies pose barriers to entry. Running marathons requires fitness, skydiving requires nerves of steel, and video gaming requires skill and money. A growing number of adults in their 50s and 60s are embracing a hobby that is perhaps the most adaptable pastime in the world — photography. For those interested in creative expression, mental and social stimulation, or simply a little low-impact exercise, photography offers a path for everyone. At a stage when personal narratives become more important to many people, photography enables adults to document their life experiences in creative ways. Photographers can choose from vast equipment types at a wide range of prices, from smartphone or point-and-shoot cameras to elaborate gear for nighttime or underwater photography. Potential genres range from landscapes and dark skies to street photography or portraits. And subjects can be found almost anywhere, from inside your home to continents on the other side of the world. Photography offers opportunities to learn about complex topics: You can express your artistic vision through a photo’s composition, lighting, and editing. Hunting for new images motivates people to get SNAP HAPPY Discover the Benefits of Photography

outdoors. Some photographers say they are enriched by the constant search for beauty in everyday life. Photography clubs or photo walks bring together individuals with shared interests. Also, a high-quality photo of a family member or friend can be a cherished gift. To produce an image your subject will love, pay attention to lighting. “The golden hour” often occurs right before sunset or after sunrise, when the light is even and casts a flattering glow, says Maddy, a Boston photographer and TikTok influencer.

Maddy says there is no need for a costly light meter to ensure the most flattering light. Simply hold up the palm of your hand facing you and rotate until your palm is bathed either in all sunshine or all shadow, she says. “Whatever light hits your palm is also going to hit your subject,” Maddy says. The result, she says, is “phenomenal photos of your friends, so they’ll love you even more!” SET IT AND FORGET IT Secure Your Future With Automated Savings

for constant decision-making and helps you maintain discipline. Once your system is set up, money is automatically transferred from your checking account to your savings or investment accounts on a regular basis — it’s that easy. No Temptations to Spend When you automate your savings, the money is moved out of your checking account before you have a chance to spend it. By paying yourself first, you prioritize your financial goals and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary spending. Advantage of Compounding Automating your investments allows you to take full advantage of compound interest, making it an effective way to build wealth. By regularly contributing to your investment accounts, you grow your principal and allow your earnings to generate more over time. The earlier you start and the more consistent you are, the greater the compounding impact will be on your portfolio.

Emotional Decision-Making Investing can be an emotional roller coaster, especially during periods of market volatility. Automating your investments helps remove emotions from your decision-making. By sticking to a regular investment schedule, you avoid the pitfalls of trying to time the market, which can lead to mistakes, such as making impulsive decisions based on short- term market movements. Saves Time and Reduces Stress We all know managing your finances can be time-consuming and stressful. Automating your savings and investments frees up time and mental energy, allowing you to focus on other important areas of your life. With automation, you can set it and forget it, knowing your financial future is being taken care of. Remember: By setting up automated transfers today, you’re taking an important step toward securing your financial future.

Automating your savings and investments is a useful strategy that can help you achieve your financial goals with less effort and stress. Setting up automatic transfers and contributions allows you to make sure you’re consistently saving and investing, which is crucial for building wealth over time. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of automating your savings and investments. Consistency and Discipline One of the biggest challenges in saving and investing is staying consistent. Life is full of surprises and unexpected expenses, and it’s easy to miss a month or two of savings. Automating your savings removes the need

2 • CampbellWealth.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator