Financial stability does not always mean wealth, but financial sufficiency as defined by each person. In order to build a financial stability, it normally takes time by collecting enough funds for general living in the future and emergency incidents that may occur. Here are 7-step instructions.
Having further education, more knowledge, and required skills for work can support your career advancement. Financial knowledge is also essential for your living. In addition, having a good health and always maintaining healthy lifestyle will give you more time for income earning opportunities.
To earn a living with what you like is a good start, as you tend to be happier, bear with it longer, and be eager to learn more about it.
Recording your expenses regularly is necessary. This is to monitor your spending pattern and use it for further financial planning. For the basic cost of living such as housing, utilities, food, and transportation, this should to be controlled to not over 50% of monthly income. Saving and emergency budgets should be set at least around 10-20% a month. Lastly, other expenses should be less than 30% of income.
Even though you earn more, it does not mean that you have to spend more, especially on unnecessary and too luxurious stuff. The surplus you have should be saved and invested so that you can be financially free even faster.
Economic uncertainty, illnesses, and accidental incidents can be happened at any time. To set an emergency fund for yourself, it is a must. The amount for this fund should be around 6-12 months. Furthermore, health and accident insurance are recommended too, as it will secure your bank account when you face with expected events. You then can live at ease and do not to bother your closed ones.
Loans with high interest rate such as personal and credit card loans should be paid off as quickly as you can and stop making these kinds of debt again. Furthermore, non-performing liabilities should be kept at minimum. After clearing all debts, try to be more financially disciplined. You need to limit spending budget for each month, and then set aside required monthly expenses and saving amount.
Some may think it is too far to plan. However, the earlier you can save for retirement, the faster you can be financially free. This is because the savings and returns can be accumulated and continuously reinvested for longer period of time. For office employees, it is recommended to save as much as allowed by the company in provident fund. In case of moving to new companies, it is better to transfer this fund with you, not withdraw it before the retirement for your own utmost benefit. Additionally, pension insurance is another interesting saving tool for retirement, since it will guarantee your regular fixed income when you retire. Moreover, you can get a personal income tax deduction benefit too.