Most of us are partial to the odd New Year Resolution but financial resolutions are really about goal setting. We suggest getting serious and writing them down if you want to see a successful outcome at the end of the year.
Psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews, at the Dominican University in California, led a study on goal setting with nearly 270 participants. The results showed that you are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.
Writing your goals down not only forces you to get clear on what, exactly, it is that you want to accomplish, but doing so plays a part in motivating you to complete the tasks necessary for your success. The process of putting your goals on paper will force you to strategise, to ask questions about your current progress, and to brainstorm your plan of attack.
Paying down debt, contributing to your retirement plan, and making a sound budget are all ways to ring in the new year with better financial health. Here are our top five recommendations for your new year plan:
1. Pay off a debt
Commit to paying off your debts so you are less likely to have defaults listed on your credit report, which may risk potential loan rejection when you apply for credit. Pick one big one you'd like to get rid of and decide how soon you want to pay it off, setting up automatic payments to ensure it happens. Alternatively, choose a small debt you know you can pay off. This will give you a sense of accomplishment that will propel you through the rest.
2. Put a budget in place
Putting a budget in place is very straightforward. You can do it yourself with Microsoft Excel, or, use any of the multitude of online tools or smartphone apps to help you out. We recommend using the 50/30/20 method:
• 50 per cent of your income to essential costs such as rent, bills, transport and food • 30 per cent to spending and personal expenses • 20 per cent to savings, paying off debt or investing
It’s also important to be realistic, and to allow flexibility to adjust where necessary. Account for unexpected events that may crop up from time to time by having a buffer in place.
3. Make a savings plan
Set aside a specific amount from every pay to go into a savings account and try not to touch it. Or put some money into a term deposit to lock away for a certain amount of time and accrue more interest or invest in shares or managed funds. This is where a financial adviser comes in handy, as they can help you put your money where it will perform best.
4. Increase your superannuation contributions
By contributing extra, you can grow your super. Even small amounts add up over time. You can ask your employer to pay a portion of your pre-tax salary as an extra contribution to super (concessional contribution). This is commonly known as a salary sacrifice. It can be tax-effective if you earn more than $37,000 per year.
5. Check your credit rating
If you've never seen your credit report, it's time to find out what's in there! If you are wanting to make a big purchase like taking out a mortgage or buying a new car, it will pay to find out what is included in your credit history. It's important as it is what lenders can use to help them decide on whether to give you credit you apply for.
Keep in mind that ticking off your resolutions requires a certain amount of paperwork - not everyone’s favourite thing to do. A good financial planner will do a lot of the admin for you. If you need help with your goal setting get in touch for an obligation free meeting with one of our advisers.
