Streamlining Your Personal Finances Post-Summer Holidays
A back-to-school financial checklist ...
Posted by Sam Bradford on 07/09/2023 @ 8:00AM
Ah, the back-to-school season, with its bustling energy and drive for fresh starts, is not only a reset for our kids, but also an ideal time for adults to take a closer look at their financial health ...
Streamlining your person finances is a great idea post-summer holidays (chickens optional)!
As the kids dive back into their educational pursuits, we can leverage this momentum to streamline our personal finances. Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you through a post-summer financial evaluation:
Revisit Your Budget and Evaluate Spending
While summer often means splurging on family trips and activities, now is a time to tighten those purse strings. Reassess your expenses, looking for areas to save. Those unused gym memberships or forgotten app subscriptions? Time to cut them loose!
Check Your Emergency Fund
Financial experts often advise keeping 3-6 months' worth of expenses as an emergency fund. Evaluate your fund and top it up if necessary, ensuring you have a cushion against unexpected events.
Debt Management
Are you maximising your debt repayments? Consider strategies like the snowball or avalanche methods to efficiently reduce your debt.
Automate Your Savings
Consistency is key. Setting up automatic transfers to your savings account ensures you continue to build your nest egg without a second thought.
Tax Planning
Are you making the most of your tax allowances? Ensure you're not leaving money on the table and are aware of any tax credits or deductions applicable to you.
Review Your Protection Arrangements
Life's dynamic nature means your protection needs change. Review insurance policies and ensure they align with your current life stage and needs.
Review Your Investments
Periodic checks on your investments are essential. Assess performance and, if necessary, consider rebalancing to align with your risk tolerance and goals.
Retirement Plans
Simplifying pension plans can ease management. Are you maximising contributions to avail of employer matches or tax benefits? If not, it might be time to adjust.
Re-Evaluate Financial Goals
Goals evolve. Maybe once you dreamt of buying a vacation home, but now you're leaning more towards world travel. Sit down, reflect, and adjust your financial strategies accordingly.
Boost Your Financial Education
The financial world is always evolving. Stay updated. Consider reading a recent finance book or attending a webinar. The more informed you are, the better decisions you'll make.
The end of summer and the start of a new school year can be the catalyst for significant financial strides. With kids heading back to the classrooms, take this opportunity to give your finances the attention they deserve.
By following my checklist, not only will you feel more in control, but you'll also be better prepared for the future. Embrace the back-to-school spirit, and give yourself the financial clarity you need for the upcoming year.
Until next time ...
SAM BRADFORD
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to talk about your own personal finances, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 07887 832222 and let's see how I can help.
I have been advising private individuals and businesses as a Financial Planner for over 20 years. I am a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Certified Money Coach.
As a Chartered Financial Planner, I hold the highest level of qualification available in the Financial planning profession as well as gaining a masters in Finance in 2021. I set up my own financial planning practice in 2020 to follow my passion of bringing straight forward, honest and easy to understand financial advice to those who need it.
I live in a 400 year old cottage with my husband, 2 dogs (Maia and Greg), 6 chickens and 3 beehives!
I love being outside and in nature and feel right at home digging in the veggie patch or going on road trips to the amazing UK countryside in our trusty camper van! I love being part of our local community and have volunteered as a scout leader for over 15 years as well as being the current President of the Rotary Club of Milton Keynes.
For fun, I also love all things creative from playing my accordion and guitar to painting and knitting! My most recent hobby has been to learn how to ring church bells at our local church (but this is still very much a work in progress!)
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