The financial planning process can seem overwhelming. With so many financial decisions and strategies to consider, it's easy to feel lost on where to start. But like any big project, the key is to break it down into more manageable steps. Understanding the essential first step lays a solid foundation for building your financial future.
Financial planning and wealth management aren't just about having a written document. More importantly, it's about having a living strategy that evolves with your changing circumstances. The agile nature of personal financial planning means that it's not a one-and-done process. Instead, it requires consistently revisiting your goals and priorities.
While the idea of planning every financial move can seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. Financial planning is simply a way to thoughtfully direct your money in a way that supports your values. By taking it one step at a time and focusing on what matters most, financial planning can actually give you more confidence and control over your finances.
The first step in any journey is figuring out where you're starting from. With financial planning, that means taking stock of your current financial situation. This involves an honest assessment of what you own (assets), what you owe (liabilities), and the difference between the two (net worth).
Understanding where you stand financially gives you a baseline for measuring progress. It also reveals where you may need to make changes to align your finances with your goals. Perhaps you need to reduce credit card debt, increase savings, or reallocate your spending. It's impossible to chart the right path forward without knowing your starting point.
Make a comprehensive list of your assets, which is anything of value that you own. This includes:
Next, list out all of your liabilities - any debts or financial obligations you owe. These include:
To determine your overall financial net worth, subtract your total liabilities from your assets. This net worth calculation summarizes your current financial situation on paper.
After assessing your starting point, the next step is setting financial goals to provide direction. Vague goals like "save more" or "get out of debt" don't offer much guidance. That's why it's crucial to define SMART financial goals:
Prioritizing your financial goals is also key. List your goals in order from most important to least. This helps focus your energy on making progress toward top goals first.
A budget is the backbone of solid financial stability. It helps direct your limited income toward your priorities. Budgeting gives you visibility into where your money is actually going each month. This awareness reveals opportunities to save more and spend less.
Start by adding up all of your monthly income sources. Then list your fixed expenses like housing, debt payments, insurance, utilities, etc. Variable expenses like food, gas, and entertainment should also be tracked. Subtracting total expenses from income shows how much is left over for goals like debt payoff or retirement savings.
Pay attention to spending habits that may be draining your funds unnecessarily. Little tweaks can free up more cash flow. Brew your own coffee instead of stopping at the café. Eat out less and cook at home more often. Unsubscribe from services you don't really use. Small changes add up.
Residual income is the money left after regular expenses are paid. Increasing this number accelerates your financial goals. Say you cut monthly costs by $200. Over a year that's $2,400 extra toward goals. Residual income compounds, so consistency pays off over time.
Life often takes unexpected turns. Financial detours like job loss, illness, or major home repairs can derail your financial plan. That's why exploring alternative courses of action for reaching your goals is prudent.
Maybe you plan to pay off debt rapidly with a side hustle. But if that income dries up, having a backup plan to trim expenses can still make progress. Or if the market tanks, shifting investments to more conservative assets preserves capital. Built-in flexibility keeps you moving ahead despite changing circumstances.
There are usually multiple ways to achieve financial objectives. Your aim is to identify strategies that match your risk tolerance and time horizon. An openness to adapting your methods gives your financial plan the agility needed to navigate life's curveballs.
Trying to objectively assess your own financial situation can be difficult. Emotions often cloud financial judgment. A financial planner or advisor provides an outside perspective to help you gain clarity. Their expertise in areas like budgeting, debt management, taxes, and investing can illuminate blind spots in your financial plan. Often just talking through scenarios with a professional can surface more options.
The collaborative nature of working with an advisor helps take the stress out of financial planning. Their guidance allows you to offload the burden of strategizing and decision-making. Together you'll create a tailored plan aligned with your financial life and priorities. Rather than going alone, you'll have a partner to help you confidently take control of your money.
Revisiting your comprehensive financial plan regularly ensures it adapts to your evolving circumstances and goals. It's essential to review at least annually, adjusting for significant life events like marriage or job changes. Consistently monitoring factors such as market dynamics and tax regulations allows for timely shifts, ensuring optimal financial positioning.
Financial planning is a continuous journey that demands foresight. Starting with a clear understanding of your current financial status provides a solid foundation. Incorporating key elements like retirement planning and an emergency fund, and seeking insights from financial advisors, can significantly enhance your plan's effectiveness.
For tailored guidance on your financial journey, consider the team at SevenBridge Financial. Their expertise can offer the personalized direction you need for financial success.
