December is here and this officially marks the start of the festive season. It’s a time to make merry and enjoy yourself with friends and family. Most especially, pupils and students will be back home for the break as well. It has become a norm to over indulge during the holidays such that when January arrives, it becomes a problem to make up for those unnecessary purchases we made during the festive season.
The burden is in fact heavier for parents or guardians who have to send their children back to school. They have to pay school fees, buy stationery, new school uniforms, pay for auxiliary services such as school transport, dining at school and so much more. Many are often faced with a dilemma considering the rest of their usual expenses remain the same. As such, it is important to know this early just how beneficial financial planning is so that you get right to it.
A financial plan is a guide that enables you to be in full control of your income, your expenses as well as the investments you make. This way, you will be able to manage your money wisely and achieve your goals with ease.
Here are the benefits of financial planning for a better start off next year:
It enables you to define your goals
Before you get into any kind of financial planning, it is necessary that you define your financial goals. During this time of the year, the goals for your finances should already include school fees for January and any other costs you may need to incur to facilitate a smooth return to school by your children or anyone whose school going process you handle. Financial planning sees to it that you do not skip this important step.
It helps with income management
With financial planning you will be able to manage your income effectively since you will have a properly defined plan. You will be able to create a good budget so that you don’t experience any panic or surprises as you will always know how much money you have. It enables you to plan and monitor your budget, eliminating wasteful expenditures that might make it difficult for you to pay your children’s school fees or meet their needs when time comes for them to return to school.
It facilitates easier measuring of the progress on your goals
The moment you have done your financial planning you are better placed to set up goals that are more measurable. The financial plan will allow you to seamlessly remain disciplined towards working with your set targets so that come January, you are able to cover your expenses without struggling. You will subsequently be able to enjoy a better standard of living.
It significantly increases your savings
A lot of people save money without a financial plan. Although it’s possible, it certainly isn’t the smartest or most effective way to go about saving. When you use a financial plan, you get a lot of insight into your monthly income as well as just how much you spend. It allows you to keep track of what you often spend on or what you will be spending on specifically this December and will help guide you on how to cut down some costs for a better January.
It gives you peace of mind
With proper financial planning, you will have adequate funds to cover your expenses for December, to cater for school going young ones in January and a better plan for future investments. When you have proper control of your money, you gain a sense of peace that is needed for you to enjoy the holidays and the month of January will not be packed with stress over just how much you need to spend.
That said, for you to carry out financial planning in the best way, you might require assistance from a reputable financial institution. At Gulf African Bank, we offer personal finance solutions that enable you to meet your financial needs in an effective and timely manner. We offer you the most competitive profit rates, quick turnaround days and flexible repayment tenure.
We also make it a point to provide you with sound financial advice through our financial advisory services so that you have a clear idea on how to proceed. We personalize everything to suit you so that you enjoy the best experience in your financial journey. Reach out to us today and we’ll help make January a breeze for you. No more “Njaanuary.” SMS ‘Personal Finance’ to 21981 to get started.
