As we embark on 2024, take a moment to reflect on the past year and identify areas for improvement in work, health, and finances.
Now is the opportune moment to take control of your financial goals for the upcoming year. Assess your financial health and set meaningful goals, and empower yourself to make informed financial decisions through New Year's resolutions. In this article, let's explore eight financial resolutions to guide you through 2024 and propel you forward on your financial journey.
1. Craft a Budget:
Begin by meticulously tracking your income and expenditures to understand your spending habits. Develop a practical budget that assigns funds for essential expenses, savings, and debt settlement.
Set aside some funds for emergencies, use the rest to develop your budget, and try to stick to it as much as possible.
2. Allocate Funds for 2024 Goals:
New Year's resolutions come with new aspirations. Whether it's travelling to a new destination, starting a business, purchasing a car, or even a house, your list of goals can be extensive.
The common denominator among these aspirations is the requirement of funds. Allocate approximate amounts to these objectives to determine precisely how much you'll need at the time of purchase. This proactive approach allows you to plan your purchases and save in advance.
3. Debt Repayment:
Take a few moments to establish fresh savings objectives for the approaching year, including contributions to your retirement fund, your children's education fund, or funds for a down payment on a home. Recalculate the amounts you intend to allocate toward any personal loans and EMIs.
Also Read: Know all about Personal Loans
If you have a monthly mortgage payment, consider repaying it with extra principal payments. This action yields a risk-free return equivalent to your mortgage interest rate and reduces the time required to settle your mortgage.
4. Boost your Credit Score:
Prioritize boosting your credit score if it's below 670. You can improve your credit score by paying bills on time and in full, reducing debt, limiting the opening of new accounts, and practising responsible spending.
5. Reevaluate your Investment Portfolio:
Financial markets exhibit fluctuations, with certain sectors outperforming while others underperform. The sectors that excelled in the previous year might not replicate their success in the current year. Therefore, it's prudent to rebalance your investment portfolio, aligning it with your original or updated asset allocation.
This strategy helps secure profits from sectors with good returns and acquire shares in sectors that lagged behind the previous year's leaders.
6. Establish a Retirement Plan:
Set long-term financial goals, such as retirement planning. Establishing a financial cushion that covers your retirement expenses is the initial step towards ensuring a comfortable and secure retirement.
Determine your monthly retirement expenses and explore various retirement account options.
Consider government-initiated plans like the National Pension System (NPS) which can help you during your golden days.
Also Read: How to build a robust retirement corpus with NPS?
7. Enhance Financial Literacy:
Enhancing your financial literacy is a resolution that can pay dividends throughout your life. Read books, take courses, and follow financial news to make informed financial choices.
8. Monitor Your Progress:
Regularly assess your financial progress by reviewing your budget, tracking savings and investments , and measuring debt reduction. Celebrate small victories and adjust financial strategies as needed.
Conclusion:
Improving your financial situation demands commitment and dedication, but the rewards are worth it. By setting and following through with these New Year's resolutions, you can achieve financial stability and a brighter financial future. Start today, and watch your financial transformation in the coming year.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision
