How to Build Financial Strength as a First Responder Couple

This post is sponsored by Financial Cop. All opinions are honest and my own.

If you are reading this then chances are high that you or your spouse are a first responder. And let’s be honest, first responders don’t do the job for the money. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t build a solid financial future with the money that you do have.

Personally, my husband has been in law enforcement for 15 years and I don’t want him to have to work in this high-stress job forever. I would much rather we make smart financial choices now so that we can enjoy retirement early and together. If you feel the same way, then check out these financial steps that can help you now and well into the future.

How to Build Financial Strength for First Responder Couples:

Life Insurance

Regrettably, my husband and I went without life insurance for way too long. When in reality, it should have been the first thing we signed up for when he went into law enforcement. I think I just didn’t want to think about the worst happening to my husband, so I ignored it altogether. Not thinking that by ignoring it, my children and I would have absolutely no protection if something did happen to him.

Term life insurance is a MUST for any first responder family. It is an affordable way to ensure that your family is taken care of if heaven forbid, the worst should occur. If monies are due to you, then that money is tax-free.

First responders protect citizens they don’t even know on a daily basis so why not make sure your family is protected, too? We know the job all first responders do is inherently dangerous so having the right protection in the event of a death is critical.

Financial Cop can help you see how much life insurance you actually need and get you a quote quickly or see if the plan you already have is the right plan for you. Check that out here.

Financial Planning

I’ve talked with so many first responder couples that rely on overtime to get by, are struggling financially, and aren’t planning for retirement. My question is: do you want your spouse (or yourself) to work as a first responder forever? If the answer is no, then making smart financial choices starts right now.

Financial planning is just as it sounds, planning for your future. But you can’t wait to plan for your future until retirement, you have to take steps towards that now.

I personally find what my husband is offered at work confusing. Pensions, retirement plans, health savings accounts, investments; it is all hard to keep track of and most days I have no idea what I am looking at. I don’t like talking to one financial representative one time and never again. How do we know if we can trust that person with our financial future?

Financial Cop employs current and retired cops and knows how important it is to be transparent with you. Not only regarding your financial picture but also about fees and compensation regarding financial plans.

If you are ready to have a solid financial future, you can schedule a discovery call with someone from Financial Cop here.

Financial Cop also offers a free Legacy Go-Bag which is a downloadable packet to help you organize your financial documents- find that here.

Online Financial Wellness Training

Feeling rather lost regarding your finances or eager to hit the ground running with a new financial picture?

Then check out Financial Cop’s Wellness Training. It is an online, self-paced course with 10 video modules. You will learn all about: budgeting, will and estate planning, retirement accounts, pensions, debt, life insurance, financial dangers that many first responders fall into, and more!

If you are ready to gain more knowledge in all areas of financial wellness you can sign up for Financial Cop’s Online Wellness Training with my 25% off link here.

As a first responder spouse myself, I get it. It feels like there is never a good time to talk about finances. It is easy to get into a routine and do the same thing with your money every single month. Make money, pay bills, repeat.

But how would you feel if the worst happened and you weren’t prepared? Do you want to work yourselves into the ground and have no clue what the future will look like? I am guessing no.

A first responders’ job is stressful enough. Take away that stress, be confident in your financial future, and check out Financial Cop to help you get started.

This is so important, in fact, that I bring the owner of Financial Cop, Nick Daugherty, to take part in the Annual Police Wife Conference every year. He brings valuable knowledge to thousands of law enforcement families every year and he is always our most requested speaker.

Disclaimer: “Investment advice offered through IFP Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Independent Financial Partners (IFP), a Registered Investment Adviser.  IFP and FinancialCop are not affiliated.”