Don’t neglect your own financial plan
Don’t neglect your own financial plan
If you’re responsible for the financial health of a company, it’s easy to neglect your personal wealth management goals. Finding the time to create a personal financial plan, however, is critical. A good plan documents your current financial picture and enables you to make the best spending, saving and investing decisions going forward.
In and out
Financial planning is the process of selecting and applying specific strategies to reach your goals. So if you haven’t already, identify what’s important to you. Do you hope to retire early and sail around the world? Establish a charitable trust? Ensure your grandchildren’s financial security?
You won’t know if any of this is possible until you assess your current income, assets and expenses, including:
- Income from all sources,
- Investments and other assets,
- Basic, recurring expenses,
- Major, periodic expenses,
- Funds available for nonessentials, and
- Expectations about future income and expenses.
A personal financial snapshot can make it easier to see whether you’re on track or need to revisit your current spending habits. For example, you may decide to cut back on luxury vacations to devote more money to your retirement plan or forgo a new car to send your child to a private school.
Big picture
Financial planning isn’t only about cash flow. It’s a “big picture” plan that also accounts for factors that affect net worth, such as insurance coverage and tax obligations. If your home or a vacation property isn’t adequately insured, a fire could ruin an otherwise well-crafted financial plan. And overpaying federal or state income tax will leave you with less capital to invest.
For this reason, estate planning goes hand in hand with financial planning — particularly for business owners. It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want to leave your heirs, including how you’ll transfer your business to the next generation.
A crystal ball
Keep in mind that financial planning is a process. You’ll need to review and update your plan at least annually to reflect new life events and changes in your income. Your financial advisor can help you design your plan and conduct periodic reviews to track your progress and make necessary adjustments.Tax checklist
Living within your means
It’s human nature: No matter an individual’s income, it’s never enough. If you’re having trouble paying current expenses and saving for future financial goals such as retirement, you need to take a long, hard look at your spending habits. For example, consider your:
Credit cards. Even if you enjoy a low interest rate, carrying a large balance — and worse, paying late fees — is an expensive practice. Prioritize paying off credit card balances and buying only what your cash balance allows.
Mortgage. One rule of thumb is that your mortgage shouldn’t exceed more than 2½ times your family’s annual income. Mortgage rates are still relatively low, so consider refinancing if you haven’t done so in the past few years.
Utilities. Installing energy-efficient appliances and a programmable thermostat requires an initial financial outlay. But with lower utility bills, you’ll quickly recoup that money and potentially save thousands of dollars over the years.
