Creating a Solid Financial Plan for Yourself - A Step-By-Step Guide

Many of us have spent countless hours trying to track our expenses or struggled with curbing impulsive spending habits. This can be especially hard for those who don’t follow a proper Financial Plan. A clear Financial Plan will help you achieve your short and long term goals. It will also aid in improved cash flow, boosted your savings, tracking your debts, and open opportunities for you to begin investing.

If you’re not sure about how to decide between your short, medium and long term plans, take a look at these different types of Financial Plans. 

1. Insurance Planning: This will include the total expenses, throughout the span of your life cover. Additionally, you also need to determine which type of insurance plan will better suit your needs.
2. Investment Planning: Choose how you would like to distribute your assets, and then select the right investment instruments. Ensure to assess the risks, rewards and liquidity associated with this plan.
3. Tax Planning: It’s crucial to ensure that your tax investments fall into the larger scheme of things. This weighs the outcome of post-tax returns on your investments, including new assets, withdrawals and other administration charges.
4. Real Estate Planning: Prudence requires you to invest in real estate eventually, especially since it’s important to diversify your portfolio with financial and real estate assets.
5. Retirement Planning: Lastly, you need to create a secure plan for your post-retirement life. Primarily focusing on the rising standards of living and inflation, along with possible medical emergencies.

Your Guide To Creating A Financial Plan 

Follow these simple steps to create an efficient and effortless Financial Plan.

Step 1: Set Your Financial Goals 

Before creating a Financial Plan, you need to assess your current fiscal situation. Start creating attainable short, medium and long term goals. This could be to buy your first vehicle, house, or perhaps, you could set goals for family planning like marriage and children.

Step 2: Begin Budgeting Towards Your Goals

Create a budget that will accommodate all your expenses and debt repayment. Understanding where all your income is spent is crucial to developing a stable financial plan that will cater to all your different needs.

Step 3: Plan Your Taxes 

Now that your budget can adapt to your needs, look for further prospects for savings like tax exemptions or benefits. This will free up extra income that could be diverted towards your goals. Go through your receipts and current investments, if any, and look for potential income tax benefits and deductions.

Step 4: Pre-Plan Your Emergency Fund 

Start putting away a part of your savings for unpredictable situations. These funds should be able to cover emergencies like medical bills or medications, home or vehicle repairs, etc.

Step 5: Begin Investing Your Money 

As you save your money, don’t let it sit idle! Multiply your savings with smart investment choices. Begin with simple investment objectives, if you’re a beginner, and based on your risk appetite, choose the right investment instrument.

Step 6: Insure Your Life & Assets

While making sure your family isn’t thrown into financial toils after your demise, insure your assets as well. There are various types of insurances that cover your life, vehicles, and property, among others. Choose one that will benefit you and your family the most.

Step 7: Don’t Neglect Your Retirement Plan

The later you start saving, the lesser you will have during your retirement. Much like investing, put your money into a secure investment plan that will grow your savings for a wholesome retirement fund. Consider things like medical assistance, stable income and the rising inflation while creating a retirement fund.

If you haven’t begun planning your finances yet, then this is the sign you’ve been looking for! Curate your very own Financial Plan, and start pre-planning your fiscal future.