Chris Knight talks common-sense saving (and why it’s cool)

W hen people hear “financial planning,” they often feel panic or dread. But financial representative Chris Knight of Omaha’s Northwestern Mutual is here to tell you that it can be cool, satisfying, and relatively simple if it’s done right.

Common-sense saving

Minimizing expenses to maximize saving potential is a cornerstone of Knight’s approach. He says this is important because “you want your money to last just as long as your life.”

Tailoring the approach

Knight mentioned that saving isn’t as easy as a Google search. It’s important to tailor the approach to the person, which is where financial representatives come in.

He says he looks at each person’s individual situation and takes into account things that the internet can’t—like taking care of aging parents, paying for school, and other human variables—to create savings plans that are practical and comfortable for each person.

Re-imagining your paycheck

Knight also mentioned that many people get a paycheck, pay their bills, and spend the rest on fun. That’s a good start, but he says that “the first thing you should always do is pay yourself. Look at yourself as a business. Pay yourself a salary so you continue to flourish.”

That means taking a fixed amount from every paycheck and putting it in a separate account or even a safe—then tackling your bills and then having some fun.

Chris Knight with one of his mentee

Re-think money

We often think of cash as a means to get something better—but Knight says money can be good in its current form.

As he put it, “Have an attitude of gratitude and think of money as a gift, not just something to get more stuff.”

About Chris Knight

Chris Knight is a financial professional who loves helping people achieved their financial goals. He is also a mentor with the 100 Black Men of Omaha. He finds joy in making a positive impact in the lives of many young men in North Omaha.
Chris is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and is a proud dad to Naomi Rose.

Which of Knight’s tips do you find most useful? — and if you haven’t yet, I encourage you to check out our full interview. here