By Sydney Sekese, CFP® professional and member of the Financial Planning Institute
This time of the year is filled with thoughts of how we are to celebrate the end of the year, among other festivities. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and count our blessings with hope and excitement. So, let us dive into the spirit of the season, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Financial wellbeing is likened to a journey that requires proper planning. Suppose you plan to take a journey to the coast and set out to cover the garden route with family and/or friends. So many considerations should not be ignored. Some of these include the following:
• First of all, you and family need to determine what the desired outcome of this trip is
• Decide on how many breaks you need to take along this long journey
• Will you have sufficient petrol for this journey?
• Are your tyres appropriately inflated for the load you will be carrying? Is there any need for new ones? • Do you need to rebalance and/or align your wheels?
• Do not forget the type of music you need to play to ensure that your passengers are adequately entertained.
The list of things to consider is endless. Similarly, your financial wellbeing journey needs to start with a dream and plan. The old adage: “failing to plan leads to planning to fail” cannot be emphasised any stronger. Here is a concomitant list of issues to consider to make the financial journey smoother:
• You need to create a dream of the type of financial future and independence you wish to have with you and your family (assuming you have or plan to have a family).
• Breakdown the dream into manageable and achievable chunks consisting of short, medium and long- term goals
• How is your monthly cash flow structured? Do you have a proper and realistic household budget? Is there “month after pay day,” or do you still have some cash in your bank account even before payday?
• Along your journey, there will be life-changing events (like child rearing, marriage, divorce, education, vacation, business venture, sickness, death, etc.). Do you need to re-balance your financial position as these events unfold?
Long-lasting success on any journey comes from cultivating healthy habits. Apply this principle to your financial planning experience by practicing good money management habits. This includes consistently tracking your expenses, avoiding impulsive spending, saving regularly, and maintaining an emergency fund. Prioritizing fiscal responsibility will help you stay on track and successfully navigate any financial challenges that may arise.
As you progress toward your financial goals, it is essential to celebrate milestones along the way. Recognise your achievements, whether it is paying off a debt or reaching a savings target. This celebration not only acknowledges your hard work but also acts as a motivational boost to continue your journey with determination and focus.
Navigating a journey is more enjoyable when you have a knowledgeable guide. Similarly, seeking professional advice from financial planners, accountants, or investment advisors can significantly enhance your financial planning experience. These experts can provide guidance, offer strategies, and help you optimise your investment decisions, ensuring you stay on the right path.
Just as journeys encounter unpredictable circumstances, financial plans may face unexpected challenges. Be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Stay informed about market trends, tax regulations, and economic updates. Regularly evaluate your progress and reassess your strategies to ensure they remain aligned with your goals, considering any life changes or economic shifts.
Final thoughts:
Viewing the financial planning experience as a journey rather than an overwhelming burden can make a significant difference in your success. By setting destination goals, carefully planning your route, breaking down your goals into milestones, adapting to changing conditions, seeking professional guidance, cultivating healthy habits, and celebrating milestones, you can embark on a fulfilling and successful financial journey. Remember, the key lies in consistency, persistence, and adapting as needed to stay on track towards your financial dreams.
