Some of us may have well forgotten the financial goals we set out to achieve for 2022. Take a breather, grab a drink, and ponder if you are still on the right track. Often, we mentally visualize how our plans would unfold into meeting our goals, but rarely following through with it as the year progresses. Having a checklist allows us to better craft a thorough and practical plan which can guide us ahead and keep us on track to our financial goals for 2022.
Last year, according to a UOB’S ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study, over 6 in 10 respondents expressed uneasiness around rising household expenses and meeting long-term financial commitments. At the same time, Singaporeans have been growing their investments, with 38% of respondents putting in more money into investments in the last 6 months.
In uncertain times, we seek to protect what we have and prepare for challenges ahead. Planning for the year can help us better weather uncertain times and grow our wealth. Here is our checklist to keep you on track!
1. Know exactly where your money went
Pen down your monthly expenses, which helps to provide clarity on your spending and allow you to review your spending habits. For annual expenses, simply divide them by 12 into monthly amounts, which work the same nonetheless!
Break your spending down into these major categories: - Loan repayment (Housing, Personal and Car) - Insurance payment - Food & drinks - Transport - Fixed subscriptions (Phone Lines, Internet) - Entertainment (Include streaming services here!) - Savings /Investments (You may want to split these 2 into distinct categories)
2. Plan a monthly budget for the remaining year
A budget helps you to be discipline with your spending and serves as a reminder to be prudent and not overspend your means.
Trim the fat! With your past spending broken down in clear categories in (1), let’s review them and identify between needs and wants. We can always cut down on unnecessary ‘wants’ or even review what do we really ‘need’.
3. Ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate
Often, our protection needs changes as we progress in life, so make sure your insurance coverage is inline with your needs in your current stage of life.
For instance, as you progress in your career and increase earning power, you may also wish to increase your insurance coverage to match your new spending habits to ensure that your quality of life can be sustained in the event of unforeseen events.
4. Review your investment goals
The market has been on a strong bull run last year, and the start of this year have been mired in uncertainty. Perhaps consider readjusting your exposure for 2022. Are you still comfortable with the same risks as before?
Ensure that your investment goals are still aligned with your life goals, which changes time to time.
For instance, newlyweds planning for children can consider switching down high risk investments for lower risk, stable investments.
5. Review your payment habits
Compare across credit cards and digital wallets to ensure that you are making the biggest bang for your buck.
With the explosion of digital and card payment, we often get confused over the numerous new promotions and advertisements. Take the time and meticulously find the card or digital wallet which fits best for your spending habits. There are numerous free guides online which compiles such information as well!
Don’t be afraid to seek help from experts!
Going through the checklist will help us better understand our financial health and needs, and even identify areas of concern which was previously unnoticed. Often, involving an expert in the process can help us identify areas you missed and assist you in crafting a comprehensive plan. Speak to one of our friendly advisors today!