I Need a Financial Plan: Taking Control of Your Finances for a Secure Future

Ever find yourself saying “I need a financial plan!” If your finances are in a mess make a plan to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

Start by evaluating your current financial situation and creating a budget. Make sure to account for all of your expenses, including fixed costs like rent or mortgage payments, as well as discretionary spending. Be honest with yourself about how much you can afford to save each month, and make a goal to increase your savings gradually over time.

If you have any outstanding debts, include them in your budget and plan to pay them off as quickly as possible. Working on your debt consolidation plan concurrently with your savings plan will help you stay on track financially.

Last but not least, be sure to review your insurance coverage and make

This article will cover how to make a financial plan that works for you and your circumstances.

I need a financial plan

What is a financial plan

In short, this means a plan of how to manage and grow your financial assets vs your liabilities to achieve your short, medium and long terms goals.

It’s your road map to help you understand where you are now, where you want to get to, and the gap between the two. With this information, you can determine what changes you need to undertake to reach your destination. Without a financial plan, you might be trying to get somewhere in the dark without knowing whether to turn left or right.

Would you try and go on a long journey without some sort of map? I doubt it. You would likely ask people who have been to your destination before, look for directions, get a map, figure out how long it might take and what you might need to take with you.

Stopping now and again to ensure you are still going in the right direction, for refreshments and/or to check if you still want to go there.

Why you need a financial plan

Well if you don’t have one, where will you end up?

Without a plan, you are at significant risk of wandering from one place to the next with little to show for it or idea how to get to where you want to go.

How often have you gone out with or are meeting up with friends, and the first question is “right what’s the plan? When and where are we going to meet? What will we do when we get there, who else will we encounter, and where do we hope to end up.

Yes, some serendipitous nights out are good when crazy things happen with no plan, but are you really saying that that will work for your finances and life?

Much better to have an idea of the things you would like to do. When, where and with whom and then work towards that, leaving it all to chance.

Financial planning for beginners

Financial planning is essential for everyone, regardless of income or age. If you’re new to financial planning, here are some key steps to get started:

StepExplanation
1. Set Clear Financial GoalsIdentify your short-term and long-term financial objectives, such as saving for emergencies, paying off debt, buying a house, or planning for retirement.
2. Assess Your Current FinancesDetermine your income, expenses, assets, and debts to understand your financial situation and make informed decisions.
3. Create a BudgetDevelop a budget that outlines your income and expenses. Categorize your expenses and track them to ensure you’re spending within your means. Make adjustments as needed to align with your goals.
4. Save ConsistentlyStart saving a portion of your income regularly. Aim to build an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months of living expenses. Consider automatic transfers to make saving easier.
5. Manage DebtPrioritize paying off high-interest debt. Create a debt repayment plan by focusing on one debt at a time or utilizing strategies like the debt snowball or debt avalanche method.
6. Protect YourselfReview your insurance coverage, including health, life, and property insurance. Adequate coverage will safeguard you from unexpected expenses and protect your loved ones.
7. Invest for the FutureBegin investing early to benefit from compounding returns. Explore retirement accounts like personal and private pensions and consider diversifying your investments based on your risk tolerance and goals.
8. Educate YourselfContinuously learn about personal finance through books, articles, and online resources. Understand concepts like saving, budgeting, investing, and managing taxes to make informed decisions.
9. Seek Professional helpConsider consulting a financial planner or coach, especially as your financial situation becomes more complex. They can provide personalized guidance and help optimize your financial plan.
Create a personal financial plan

4 steps to start developing a financial plan

So, to prevent potential lack of planning chaos let’s start with a few basic financial planning ideas

  1. Start with a written GAME Plan. Get a pen and paper and write down all the things you would like to achieve in 1, 5, 10 years and the big one in your lifetime. A clear written plan for your goals can keep you from going in the wrong direction. Have a go a figuring out what each goal might cost in terms of time and money to reach it.
  2. Review where you are right now in terms of your net worth, income vs spending, saving and budgeting. Are these under control or all over the place? Do you even know? Do you have any debt, is it being managed or left to get worse? What’s your plan for the debt? How are you continuing to build your financial knowledge?
  3. What could you do to reach your goals and or build your wealth sooner?  Earn more, spend less? Could you save more and invest more or start doing this? Could you automate any of these things to take the decision making and temptation not to do it away?
  4. What could you do right now to set you on the right track? Write a plan, automate your savings, work out how much is enough? Work on a side hustle to earn more money.

How to write a financial plan

Writing a financial plan is crucial to achieving your financial goals and ensuring a secure future. Whether you’re looking to save for a major purchase, pay off debt, or plan for retirement, a well-crafted financial plan provides the roadmap to guide your financial decisions. Here are the key steps to write a comprehensive financial plan:

  1. Assess Your Current Situation: Begin by evaluating your current financial standing. Take stock of your income, expenses, assets, and debts. This assessment will give you a clear picture of where you stand financially.
  2. Set Financial Goals: Identify your short-term and long-term financial objectives. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will help you stay focused and motivated.
  3. Create a Budget: Develop a budget that aligns with your goals. Track your income and expenses to ensure that you are living within your means. Allocate funds for savings, debt repayment, and other financial priorities.
  4. Manage Debt: Prioritize debt management in your financial plan. Create a strategy to pay off outstanding debts systematically. Consider debt consolidation or negotiation with creditors to ease the burden.
  5. Save and Invest: Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Plan for long-term savings and retirement by exploring investment options that align with your risk tolerance and goals.
  6. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your financial plan to track your progress and make necessary adjustments. Life circumstances and financial goals may change over time, so be prepared to adapt your plan accordingly.
  7. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult a financial planner or coach to get expert guidance tailored to your needs. They can provide valuable insights and help optimize your financial plan.

Remember, a financial plan is a dynamic document that requires regular updates. Stay disciplined, stay committed, and use your financial plan as a compass to navigate your journey towards financial success.

Three potential ways to get help with your financial plan.  

  1. Have a go at it yourself – some useful book links here.
  2. Work with a financial coach to help you think through your ideas
  3. Find a financial advisor and get them to help you design a plan for you.

If you are in debt crisis, then Stepchange might be a good place to start.

I need and financial plan: Start now get perfect later

Sitting down with a pen and paper will be a great start. Don’t worry about it being perfect or unsure of exact figures. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of a good enough plan, or even worse, not doing it. Have a go and keep iterating it as you learn more. Start now; get perfect later.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on financial planning if you would like help with your planning sign up for our wealth-building newsletter.

FAQ: I need a financial plan

Can I do my own financial planning?

Yes. You can do your own financial planning by creating a budget and sticking to it, investing in a solid savings plan, and consulting with a financial planner or coach when you have more complex questions.

Creating a budget is one of the most important steps toward effective financial planning. A budget will help you track your expenses to see where your money is going and make adjustments as needed.

It’s also important to save for emergencies; having at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses will give you peace of mind in case of unexpected events.

When you’re ready to start investing, consult with a financial planner or coach who can help you choose the right asset strategies for your needs and goals.

What is a financial plan and how can I make one?

A financial plan is a document that outlines your goals and strategies for achieving them. It can help you stay organized and make informed decisions about your money.

There are many different aspects to consider when drafting a financial plan. Key topics include budgeting, saving, investing, insurance, and estate planning.

The specific steps you take will depend on your situation and goals.
If you’re unsure where to start, many helpful resources are available on this site.

The most important thing is to get started and be proactive about your finances. With a little effort, you can create a plan that will help you achieve your financial goals.

What should be included in a financial plan?

A sound financial plan should include both short-term and long-term goals and a projection of your income and expenses.

It’s important to start by determining your net worth–that is, your assets (property, savings, investments, etc.) minus your liabilities (mortgage debt, credit card debt, etc.). This will give you a snapshot of where you stand financially.

From there, you can create a budget that lays out how much you’ll need to save each month to reach your goals. You should also establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs.

And finally, don’t forget to invest for the future! Retirement savings accounts are great ways to save for retirement.

Why should I have a financial plan?

There are many reasons why you should have a financial plan.

First and foremost, a financial plan can help you reach your short-term and long-term financial goals. Knowing how much money you need to save or what investments to make to achieve your desired results can be difficult without a plan.

A financial plan can also help keep you accountable. Having a written plan serves as a reminder of your goals and acts as motivation to stay on track. Additionally, seeing your progress over time can give you the confidence boost you need to stick with your financial plans.

Another key benefit of having a financial plan is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety surrounding money matters. Money is often one of the most stressful parts of our lives. A financial plan will help take away a lot of these money worries.

How do I make a simple financial plan?

To create a simple financial plan, follow these steps:

Set your financial goals: Determine your short-term and long-term objectives, such as saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund.

Track your income and expenses: Record all sources of income and track your spending. Categorize your expenses to identify areas where you can potentially save.

Create a budget: Based on your income and expenses, develop a budget that allocates funds to essential expenses, savings, and debt repayment. Stick to this budget as closely as possible.

Save regularly: Set aside a portion of your income for savings. Aim to save at least 10% of your earnings, and gradually increase the amount over time.

Pay off debts: Prioritize paying off high-interest debts. Allocate extra funds toward debt repayment while maintaining minimum payments on other debts.

Build an emergency fund: Save a portion of your income in an easily accessible account to cover unexpected expenses, aiming for at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

Review and adjust: Regularly review your financial plan, track progress toward your goals, and make adjustments as needed.

Celebrate achievements and reassess your plan if circumstances change.

Remember, a simple financial plan should be easy to understand and implement.

Focus on basic principles like budgeting, saving, and debt management, and gradually expand your plan as you gain more financial knowledge and experience.

How do I get a good financial plan?

To create a solid financial plan, set clear goals for your future, such as saving for a house or retirement.

Assess your current financial situation by analyzing income, expenses, debts, and assets.

Create a realistic budget, track expenses, and prioritize saving.

Build an emergency fund and manage debt responsibly. Review insurance coverage for adequate protection.

Plan for retirement by contributing regularly to retirement accounts.

Consider seeking guidance from a financial panner or coach for personalized advice.

Regularly review and adjust your plan as circumstances change. Stay committed and disciplined to achieve financial success.

Who is the best person to talk to about finances?

When seeking guidance about finances, there are several professionals who can provide valuable assistance based on your specific needs:

Financial Advisor/Planner: Certified financial advisors or planners offer comprehensive advice on various financial matters. They can provide personalized recommendations for budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and tax strategies, helping you create a holistic financial plan.

Accountant: An accountant specializes in tax planning, filing tax returns, and ensuring compliance with tax laws. They can offer advice on financial record-keeping, business finances, and help with accounting-related matters.

Estate Planning solicitors: Estate planning solicitors or lawyers offer legal advice on complex matters like creating wills, establishing trusts, and ensuring smooth wealth transfer.

Financial Coach: Financial coaches focus on improving your financial behaviors and habits. They can provide guidance on budgeting, debt management, and financial goal setting, helping you develop a healthy relationship with money.

When seeking professional assistance, consider their qualifications, experience, and expertise in the specific area you need help with. Additionally, seek recommendations or conduct research to find professionals or coaches who align with your financial goals and needs.

Can I do financial planning myself?

Yes, you can certainly do financial planning yourself. While seeking professional guidance can be beneficial, managing your finances independently is also possible.

Here are steps to create your own financial plan:

Define your goals: Determine your short-term and long-term financial objectives, such as saving for a house, paying off debt, or retirement planning.

Assess your current situation: Evaluate your income, expenses, debts, and assets. Understand your cash flow, budget, and net worth.

Create a budget: Develop a realistic spending plan that aligns with your goals. Track your expenses, prioritize saving, and allocate funds accordingly.

Save and invest: Establish an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Explore different saving and investment options based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Manage debt: Develop a strategy to pay off high-interest debts systematically. Avoid unnecessary debts and use credit responsibly.

Protect yourself: Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for health, life, property, and disability.

Plan for retirement: Contribute regularly to retirement accounts and consider other retirement planning options.

Educate yourself: Continuously learn about personal finance through books, online resources, and courses to enhance your financial knowledge and decision-making abilities.

Remember, self-directed financial planning requires discipline, research, and ongoing review. Stay proactive, monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed to stay on track toward your financial goals.

What Is the Purpose of a Financial Plan?

The purpose of a financial plan is to provide a roadmap for managing and achieving your financial goals.

It outlines strategies for budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt to help you make informed decisions about your money.

A financial plan helps you assess your current financial situation, set realistic objectives, and develop actionable steps to reach those goals.

It also serves as a tool to track progress, make adjustments as needed, and stay on course towards financial success.

By having a financial plan in place, you gain clarity and control over your finances, reduce financial stress, and increase the likelihood of achieving your desired financial outcomes.

What Are the Key Components of a Financial Plan?

The key components of a financial plan include: setting financial goals, assessing your current financial situation, creating a budget, saving and investing, managing debt, evaluating insurance needs, planning for retirement, and regularly reviewing and adjusting the plan as needed.

Need a Helping Hand with Your Finances? 🤝💰

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re already taking steps towards a healthier financial future. But maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe the thought of budgeting, saving, and investing still makes you break out in a cold sweat. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and help is available.

At Financially Happy Money Coaching, I understand that money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about emotions, behaviours, and life choices. That’s why we’re here to help you take the stress out of money and build wealth in a way that aligns with your values and lifestyle.

Whether you’re just starting out on your financial journey or you’re looking to take your finances to the next level, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. I’ll help you understand your financial behaviours, set realistic goals, and create a personalized plan to achieve those goals.

So, why wait? Start your journey towards financial happiness today. Remember, the best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.

Click here to schedule your consultation and let’s make your money work for you, not vice versa. 💪💰


Remember, financial freedom isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And every journey is easier when you have a guide. So, let’s embark on this journey together and create a financially happy future. 🚀💸

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