TNR Wealth

Make this year a financially healthy one

For more information or to speak to one of our Financial Advisers please contact TNR Wealth Management on 02 6626 3000.

Another year is over – how was it for you? Did you achieve everything you’d hoped?

Are you better or worse off financially than you were this time last year?

With a new year in front of you, what can you do to make the most of every moment?

We’ve put together a guide to get you started.

January to March

Make a start by turning wishes into goals. Some might be long-term like becoming debt-free, saving a home deposit, or retiring in a few years’ time. What can you do this year to support those goals? Write it all down and give it a name – something you can own.

At the same time, don’t forget living for now. Prepare a month-by-month budget that makes room for the fun times – holidays and celebrations – as well as covering the necessities.

Anticipate spikes in your spending. Do your car, home and life insurance premiums all seem to fall due at the same time? Investigate monthly premium payments, or spreading renewal dates across the year.

Use this first quarter to bed down the budgeting habit and track your actual spending against your plan.

At the end of March, do a quick review of your progress so far and make adjustments if necessary.

April to June

It’s time to prepare for the end of financial year (EOFY). By June 30 you will want to have made any intended additional superannuation contributions (make sure you stay within relevant limits) and finalised donations to your favourite charities.

Is there any other tax-deductible expenditure you can bring forward?

June is also the month for EOFY sales – an opportunity to grab some bargains on early Christmas shopping and birthday gift purchases. Don’t forget to include these in your budget.

July to September

If you’re expecting a tax refund for the financial year just finished, lodge your tax return early.

What are you going to do with the windfall? Whether you put it towards one of your goals or blow it on a big night out is up to you. Just make sure it’s part of The Plan.

With your tax return out of the way, the third quarter is a good time to start a bit of financial spring-cleaning. Review your super and savings, insurance and will, loans and credit cards, power of attorney, and overall financial strategy. Is everything up to date?

How’s your super doing? Would salary-sacrificing help?

Can you consolidate debt or refinance at a lower rate?

October to December

Into the final strait and how are you tracking? Are you ‘on plan’?

Maybe the plan you came up with back in January wasn’t realistic. It’s not too late to adjust both your strategy and your expectations.

If things are looking good, it’s important to stay focused. Christmas is looming with its temptations to over-spend.

Once the turkey and plum pudding have settled, it’s time to review the year just gone and to give yourself a pat on the back for what you’ve achieved. Then take a deep breath, check your goals, and update your plan for the coming year.

Invaluable help

Your financial adviser is an expert in working out the financial details of how you can achieve your goals. Just as important is the regular encouragement they can provide along the way.

Ready to start planning? Give your adviser a call and make a date to nut out your plan for the coming year.

For more information or to speak to one of our Financial Advisers please contact TNR Wealth Management on 02 6621 8544.


Disclaimer
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.