Financial freedom starts with protection—not investing.

Before you begin investing, paying down high-interest debt, or building long-term wealth, the first step is protecting yourself from unexpected financial setbacks. That’s why Milestone One of Apriem’s 10 Smart Money Milestones is “Protect Against the Unexpected.”

This foundational step helps ensure that a single emergency doesn’t derail your financial plan before it even begins.

Unexpected expenses—medical bills, home repairs, accidents—can happen at any time. Without cash set aside, these moments often force people to rely on credit cards or loans, creating high-interest debt that interrupts financial progress.

Milestone One exists to:

Prevent financial emergencies from becoming long-term setbacks

Reduce emotional stress during already difficult moments

Create stability before moving on to investing or debt reduction

In short, this milestone is about financial resilience.

Milestone One is simple and actionable:

Save either $1,000 or the amount of your highest insurance deductible—whichever is greater.

This money is not meant to be invested or optimized for growth. Instead, it serves as a dedicated financial buffer—available immediately when life happens.

An insurance deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Think of it as the entry cost before insurance steps in to help.

Common deductibles include:

• Health insurance deductibles

• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance deductibles

• Auto insurance deductibles

• Pet insurance deductibles

When an emergency occurs, deductibles often need to be paid quickly. Without savings available, many people are forced to borrow—turning a temporary issue into lasting financial strain.

Your highest deductible represents the largest immediate financial risk you face.

For example:

• If your health insurance deductible is $2,500 and you don’t have cash available, that expense may end up on a credit card.

• Interest charges begin immediately.

• Financial stress compounds at the worst possible time.

By saving enough to cover your highest deductible, you protect your entire financial plan from being disrupted by a single event.

Milestone One isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind.

When you know you can handle an emergency:

• You make better decisions under pressure

• You sleep better at night

• You move forward with confidence

Financial confidence begins with knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.

This milestone is intentionally:

• Simple

• Achievable

• Fast to complete

Unlike later milestones that involve investing strategies or long-term planning, this step can be completed quickly—and it creates momentum for everything that follows.

Think of it as laying the foundation before building the house.

Protecting against the unexpected is not flashy—but it’s essential.

Without this milestone, emergencies can undo years of progress. With it, you gain stability, confidence, and the ability to move forward without fear of being knocked off course.

This is where financial freedom begins.

If you’d like help protecting against the unexpected, I’m always here!