Chances are you'll change jobs more than once during your career. A job change can be exciting and daunting at the same time – and it will probably have financial implications.
Our financial advisors are here to help you consider all of the financial implications along the way. We are always available to talk about your goals and offer customized solutions to help you reach them as you prepare for a new endeavour.
Considering a career change? This checklist can help you be prepared.
Review your financial situation
- Save six months' worth of living expenses for emergencies.
- Review your budget and increase the amount allocated to saving and investing, if possible. Use our investment calculator to see the potential outcomes of different investing scenarios.
- Develop and adhere to a monthly budget to help stay on track toward your goals.
Evaluate financial considerations
- Consider establishing direct deposit for your paycheques.
- Participate in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or pension plan. Sign up for payroll deduction so it's automatic. Invest at least enough to earn an employer match, if applicable.
- If you're relocating for a new position:
- Determine who will pay relocation expenses.
- Consider differences in the cost of living.
- Determine whether you will rent or buy.
- Consider transportation costs to your new job. Will you need a new car? How long is your commute?
Understand your benefits
- Understand coverage and eligibility requirements for health insurance.
- Discuss disability insurance needs and eligibility for individual coverage, if applicable.
- Enroll in appropriate benefits and cancel any overlapping coverage, if necessary.
- If you don't qualify for insurance right away, consider private medical insurance or enrolling in your spouse's plan (if available).
Review your investment strategy
- Review your investment strategy and potentially new financial situation with your financial advisor.
- Set up systematic investing (automatic contributions) to investment accounts.
- Evaluate your options for money in your previous employer's retirement plan, such as an RRSP pension or stock options and consider consolidating your accounts from your previous employer.
- If you're earning more, discuss increasing contributions to retirement or education savings or general investment plans.
Income tax considerations
- Discuss the following with your tax professional:
- Tax bracket changes
- Relocation and job searching expenses
- Severance and unused vacation pay and unemployment compensation
Estate considerations
- Review your existing life insurance coverage to ensure it meets your current needs. Make sure your beneficiaries are up-to-date, too.
- Work with an estate-planning lawyer to consider whether the following would be appropriate for your situation:
- Will(s)
- Living will
- Durable power of attorney for property
- Health care power of attorney
- Trust
Start working with a dedicated financial advisor
If you have yet to work with a dedicated financial advisor, or if you're looking for a new financial advisor in your community, we invite you to meet with one of ours. Edward Jones financial advisors are dedicated to creating a personalized investing strategy based on your situation and your financial goals. Let's do this.