As we bid farewell to 2023, a year that brought unprecedented challenges and changes to our lives, we look forward to a new year with hope and optimism. A new year is also a new opportunity to start afresh, to set new goals, and to make positive changes. And what better way to do that than by making some financial resolutions that can help us achieve our dreams and secure our future?
In this blog, we will share 12 financial resolutions that you can make for 2024, one for each month of the year. By dedicating a mere 12 days in 2024 to these resolutions, you can significantly progress toward your financial objectives. However, to set these in place, it is a must to have a clear understanding of your current financial situation, your short-term and long-term goals, and your risk appetite.
Money Management
This means creating a realistic budget, tracking your expenses, paying off your debts, and saving for your goals. You can use a monthly budget planner to monitor your income and spending and identify areas where you can cut costs or increase income. You can also use online tools or apps to automate your bill payments, savings, and investments and avoid late fees or penalties.
Tax Saving Investments
Make a plan to invest in tax-saving instruments that can reduce your tax liability and increase your wealth. There are various options available under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, such as PPF- Public Provident Fund, National Savings Certificate (NSC), Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), etc. that offer tax deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh per annum. You can also claim tax benefits for health insurance premiums, home loan interest, education loan interest, etc., under other sections. You should choose the tax-saving investments that suit your risk appetite, time horizon, and financial goals and start investing early in the year to maximise the returns.
Investment Plan for Retirement
The third most important aspect is to plan for your retirement and secure your future. Retirement planning involves estimating your retirement income and expenses, setting aside a corpus that can sustain your lifestyle and inflation, and investing in suitable products that can generate regular income and growth. You can use a retirement calculator to determine how much you need to save and invest for your retirement and start a systematic investment plan (SIP) in mutual funds, pension plans, annuities, etc., that can help you build a retirement nest egg. You should also review and rebalance your portfolio periodically to align it with your changing needs and market conditions.
Diversified Investment Portfolio
Diversification means spreading your money across different asset classes, such as equity, debt, gold (physical or digital), real estate, etc., that have different risk-return profiles and performance patterns. By diversifying your portfolio, you can benefit from the growth potential of different sectors and markets and minimise the impact of volatility and losses in any one asset. You should diversify your portfolio according to your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial objectives and avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.
12 Financial Resolutions to Adopt
Make 2024 your best year yet by following these 12 financial resolutions that can help you save, invest, and grow your money.
• Resolution 1: Timely Investment Declarations (January)
Start the year on a positive note by filing your investment declarations on time. This will help you plan your taxes better and avoid any last-minute hassles. You will also enjoy more take-home pay in the final months of the financial year, as your employer will deduct less tax from your salary. You can use this extra money to invest in your goals or treat yourself to something nice.
• Resolution 2: NPS Inclusion in Retirement Planning (February)
Give your retirement planning a boost by including the National Pension System (NPS) in your portfolio. NPS is a voluntary, defined contribution scheme that allows you to save for your retirement and get tax benefits. You can also claim an additional tax deduction of ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act, over and above the ₹1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C.
• Resolution 3: Avoiding Insurance-cum-Investment Policies (March)
As the financial year comes to an end, you may be tempted to buy insurance-cum-investment policies to save tax. However, these policies are not the best option for your financial goals. They often have high charges, low returns, and low flexibility. They also mix up two different needs: insurance and investment. You should keep these needs separate and buy pure-term insurance for protection and mutual funds for wealth creation.
• Resolution 4: Start a Systematic Investment Plan (April)
Welcome the new financial year by starting a systematic investment plan (SIP) in a mutual fund scheme of your choice. A SIP is a simple and convenient way to invest regularly in mutual funds. You can start with as low as ₹500 per month and benefit from the power of compounding and rupee cost averaging. A SIP can help you achieve your dreams faster and easier.
• Resolution 5: Prioritize Health and Term Insurance (May)
Protect yourself and your loved ones from the uncertainties of life by buying adequate health and term insurance. Health insurance can cover your medical expenses in case of any illness or injury. Term insurance can provide financial security to your family in case of your untimely demise. You should calculate your ideal health and term insurance cover based on your income, expenses, liabilities, and dependents. You should also compare different plans and features, and buy online to get the best deals.
• Resolution 6: Don’t Forget Gold (June)
Add some sparkle to your portfolio by investing in gold. Gold is a valuable asset that can hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and market volatility. Gold can also enhance your portfolio returns, as it has performed well in the past year. You can invest in gold through various modes, such as gold ETFs, gold mutual funds, sovereign gold bonds, digital gold, etc. You should allocate around 10-15% of your portfolio to gold, and rebalance it periodically.
• Resolution 7: Make a Will (July)
A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death. A will can help you avoid any disputes or conflicts among your heirs and ensure that your wishes are respected. You can make a will yourself or take the help of a lawyer. However, it is not necessary to make a will, you could just take a record of all your assets and update track of each. You should also update your will whenever there is a change in your personal or financial situation.
• Resolution 8: Reduce Home Loan Burden (August)
Lighten your home loan burden by making some extra repayments. You can use your annual increments, bonuses, or windfalls to pay off some of your home loan principal. This will reduce your interest cost, loan tenure, and EMI amount. You can also consider switching to a lender who offers a lower interest rate if the savings are significant.
• Resolution 9: Portfolio Review (September)
Take stock of your portfolio and see how it is performing. You should review your portfolio at least once a year and check if it is aligned with your financial goals. You should also check if your asset allocation is balanced and if your investments are giving you the desired returns. If not, you should make some changes in your portfolio, such as adding new funds, removing underperforming funds, or switching funds. You should also rebalance your portfolio to maintain your original asset allocation.
• Resolution 10: Responsible Credit Card Usage (October)
Enjoy the festive season, but don’t go overboard with your credit card spending. Credit cards are considered to be a useful tool to manage your cash flow effectively and earn rewards. However, credit cards can also lead to debt traps if not used wisely. You should always pay your credit card bills on time and in full to avoid paying high interest charges and affecting your credit score. You should also use your credit card only for essential and planned purchases and not for impulsive or emotional spending.
• Resolution 11: Teach Kids about Money (November)
Make Children’s Day special by sharing important money lessons with your kids. Introduce them to earning, saving, spending, and investing. Include them in budgeting, shopping, and banking decisions. Give them pocket money and guide them to save and spend wisely. Teaching kids about money early on sets the foundation for good financial habits and skills.
• Resolution 12: Build an Emergency Fund (December)
Wrap up the year on a solid footing by creating an emergency fund. It acts as a safety net for unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies, ensuring you don’t need to touch your savings or resort to loans. Experts advise having an emergency fund to cover 6-12 months of essential expenses. Build it up by setting aside a portion of your monthly income, storing it in a readily accessible account, and enjoying financial peace of mind.
By following these 12 financial resolutions, you can make 2024 a year of happiness and prosperity. Remember, the key to success is consistency and discipline. Don’t let procrastination, temptation, or fear stop you from achieving your financial goals. Stay focused, stay motivated, and stay positive. And don’t forget to celebrate your milestones and reward yourself for your efforts. After all, you deserve it!
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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.