Five ways to spring clean your finances
Spring is here. The weather is getting warmer, days are getting longer, and the colder months are behind us.
As we come out to enjoy the warmer months, it's also time to look at ways we can get our money matters in order.
1. Review your cashflow
Don't worry, I'm definitely not going to bore you with "spend less, save more" speech.
However, having a healthy cashflow allows you to maintain your current lifestyle - be it eating out, holidays, or buying that dream car.
It also gives you the opportunity to start thinking about the big things such as buying a home or investment property, investing in shares or even starting a small business.
Understanding your money is essential for long-term financial success.
- Start a budget, if you don't have one already. If you have one, go through it again and this time, compare your actual spend with your budgeted spend.
- Review your utility bills. Spend time to compare different rates, you may be surprised.
- Review your loan repayments. There are several comparison websites that may be useful to get the best deal for you.
2. Salary sacrifice your income
If you have an employer who allows you to salary sacrifice your income, this may be something worth considering.
Simply put, salary sacrificing is an arrangement between you and your employer where your employer allows you to pay for certain items or services straight from your pre-tax income. This strategy can reduce your tax payable and give you more disposable income.
You may salary sacrifice to pay for child care expenses, computers, cars and in some cases entertainment including dining out.
3. Protect what you cannot afford to lose
If something is important to you and you cannot afford to lose it, then protect it. The question to ask yourself is: "what will happen to my hopes and dreams if I cannot earn income due to sickness or injury?"
Your income is important to your long term financial freedom. Ensure it is adequately protected!
4. Pay attention - it's your money!
Every pay day, almost 10% of what you earn is invested for your future financial needs.
The question is, where does it go? Who takes care of it? Whose responsibility is it to ensure your money works harder for you?
These are all important questions you must seek answers to.
Superannuation is your money. It is time you pay attention to what happens to it!
5. Get a mentor and get started
You might dream to attain your financial freedom but that dream remains a dream until you start doing something.
To be successful with your money, it is important you seek appropriate advice from a qualified financial adviser who will work with you to achieve your dreams and aspirations, whatever they may be.
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