6 Smart Financial Steps to Take Before the End of the Year
It’s a new year, and that means it’s time to look at your financial situation with a fresh perspective. For some, this means getting rid of credit card debt and establishing an emergency fund. For others, it means creating a budget and setting SMART financial goals. Regardless of your goals, the new year is the perfect time to make smart financial moves.
Saving as much as you can
If you’re on a budget, the best way to save money is to create an end goal and stick to it. Whether it’s a down payment on your dream home, an emergency fund, or even a vacation budget, having a clear goal makes it easier to stay on track. You can use a pen and paper, a spreadsheet, or a free online spending tracker to keep track of your expenditures and determine how much you can save each month.
Many people have a near-term goal in mind, such as saving for a down payment on a house. But, this can be a difficult task in today’s real estate market. In order to qualify for the lowest mortgage rates, you should have at least 20 percent of your gross income saved. However, there are other near-term goals that you might also want to accomplish this year. When you create your savings plan, list all of your goals and determine the amount you need to save by a certain date.
You may be wondering where to start saving your extra cash. The best place to start is your emergency fund. The goal should be large enough to cover all of your core living expenses, such as transportation, food, and utilities. If you save just a little every month, you’ll be able to achieve your end-of-year goal sooner.
Setting SMART financial goals
The first step to financial success is setting SMART financial goals. These goals are specific and measurable, so you can track your progress over time. To create your SMART financial goals, brainstorm about your future needs and aspirations. After coming up with a list of goals, use the SMART goal strategy to break them down into specific steps.
Your SMART financial goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Remember, the deadline for setting SMART financial goals is January 30. Having these goals will help you track your progress and evaluate your overall success. Also, make sure your goals are time-bound and flexible enough to allow for some unforeseen circumstances.
Once you’ve written down your goals, you can put them somewhere visible. A sticky note or a note on your phone is a good place to keep them. Having a visible reminder is crucial in keeping yourself on track. You can also narrow down your goals by focusing on a specific area. For example, if you have too much debt, you should focus on reducing it.
Increasing your income is one way to reach your financial goals. For example, if you want to reach a goal of $100,000, you need to make 7% more each year. This will take 10 years, and some years will be easier than others. It’s important to make sure you increase your income on a regular basis and keep it consistent.
Creating a budget
One of the best things to do before the end of the year is create a budget. A budget will help you keep track of your expenses, such as the amount of money you spend on groceries and eating out. It will also allow you to make some room for unexpected expenses. It takes three months to get into the habit of creating a budget, but the benefits are worth the time and effort.
You can create a budget by using your bank and credit card statements. You can also create a spreadsheet that categorizes your expenses. This helps you stay focused on your financial goals. A budget will also allow you to set and execute SMART goals.
Make a list of all the expenses you incur each month. Include both fixed and variable expenses. These expenses are those you can’t avoid, such as the gym membership or eating out. It is best to create a budget that includes these expenses.
Creating a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. You can make a budget using an Excel spreadsheet or an online tool. Spreadsheets allow you to track your spending habits and set monthly and yearly limits. There are also free budgeting apps like Mint, which will help you keep track of your spending. Once linked to your credit card or bank account, Mint allows you to set spending limits and category expenses. You can specify how often you want to make certain expenses, and you can even set up a budget checker for each month.
Creating an emergency fund
An emergency fund is a way to protect yourself in case of emergencies. Unlike a regular savings account, this one is dedicated solely to emergencies and not for everyday expenses. This means that you must keep it separate from your regular bank account. Moreover, you should avoid linking it to any type of bank card. Instead, you can link it to your financial institution’s online banking service.
The goal of an emergency fund is to cover at least three to six months’ expenses. However, you should not set your emergency fund too high. The goal should be realistic and based on how much you can afford to save and the amount you’re comfortable with. You can start by setting aside a small amount each month.
You can add to your emergency fund by selling any items you don’t use. Whether you sell things locally or online, you can make money to build up your emergency fund. You can also take up a part-time or seasonal job or even a freelance gig to earn extra money.
Most employers offer direct deposit, and some even allow you to deposit into more than one account. You can set up an automatic deposit account for an emergency fund with your bank or employer. The key to creating an emergency fund is not to access the account often. It’s also important not to constantly check the account balance, as this slows down the growth.
Investing in tax-saving investments
Investing in tax-saving investments is a smart move if you want to minimize taxes. The end of the year is an excellent time to review your investment portfolio and your overall approach to saving and investing. You can also use this time to review your tax bill. By doing so, you’ll be able to save more money in the long run.
Before investing in tax-saving investments, be sure to analyze the risk profile of each fund. The risk profile of each fund is different, and some may have higher risk profiles than others. In addition, not all investors may be comfortable with such a risk profile, so it’s best to compare the risk profile of each fund before making a final investment decision.
While taxes should not be your primary driver of your investment strategy, you should always make an effort to reduce your tax burden. Investing in investments that have lower tax rates will help minimize your tax burden and maximize your bottom line. This is especially important for investors who are in a higher tax bracket. Additionally, you can reduce your tax burden by donating appreciated securities to charity or putting money into a 529 plan to pay for your child’s education. Also, if you’re working, take time to learn about employer stock plan tax implications.
Another option to invest in tax-efficient investments is life insurance. This type of investment doesn’t have any mandatory minimum distributions, which means you can continue to invest after the year ends. It can be a great way to boost your retirement savings or pursue financial goals.
Creating a cash flow forecast
Cash flow forecasting is a key part of business planning, as it helps businesses to budget better. It also helps them plan for cash shortages and surpluses. This is especially important for product-based businesses, which often must purchase large amounts of inventory and invest them throughout the year.
To prepare a cash flow forecast, businesses need to keep track of their incoming and outgoing cash. This includes keeping track of their clients’ payment terms, projected costs, and sales. Additionally, they must document any loans or new capital. Without accurate information, businesses may end up in a situation where they cannot meet their payments on time.
Before the end of the year, it’s important to have a clear understanding of cash flow. In addition to the balance of cash in the bank, it’s also important to calculate net profit. Net profit is the amount of profit minus expenses. This figure can be calculated for any period, and it is an important factor when creating a cash flow forecast.
A cash flow forecast is essential for business owners, as it provides an accurate picture of a business’s financial health. It can help determine if a business will be profitable or run out of cash. It can also help business owners hedge against financial hardships by enabling them to make more informed decisions.
