Personal finance is a term that is used to refer to how individuals spend, save and invest their money.
When a person earns he or she either spends, invests or saves the money.
did you know that banks and other institutions are also involved in boosting personal finance. these financial institutions do so through retirement schemes, saving plans, education plans,offering insurance and mortgages. All of this is done in order to help customers meet their personal goals.
In addition to these schemes they also offer financial advice to their clients. Therefore personal finance is an individual obligation.
The following are some of ways which an individual can develop himself financially;
Save
Most people go on spending all they have earned without thinking of saving a percentage of it.
10% of one’s income is a good portion to save however, this depends on the individual’s income. The more one earns the more he or she can save. Makes sense, doesn’t it.
Saving is not easy and calls for sacrifice. It should therefore be done before spending. This is because there will always be needs and wants which can make one spend all his or her money.
An individual can save his or her money through a bank, a SACCO or micro financial institutions. The saving schemes differ in different banks as well as the interest rates. therefore, do your research before saving in any institution.
Use of a budget
A budget is a list of how to spend money. stating what to spend on first and what to spend on last.
Budgeting should come after saving.
A budget will enable you to know how your cash is to be used.
Bills such as rent, electricity and other basic needs (food and education fees) should come first on the list. After the basic needs other important needs such as buying a business machine or a home sofa should follow the list. However this depends on the level of income.
Individuals with small incomes may find themselves spending on the basic needs alone. To learn more about budgeting click here
Have a Medical Cover for your family
In Kenya NHIF is the most common medical cover used.
It is a compulsory deduction on employment income. However you can make arrangements for other more secure health insurance covers. This is through private insurance firms like Jubilee, Britam among others.
This is important especially for a family. Since sickness is uncertain and regardless of the level of hygiene, the unexpected may occur.
When the worse occurs without this cover the family or the individual may be forced to sell important business assets or use all the savings which were to be channeled into an important investment.
Emergency Fund
Life is full of unexpected occurrences such as being sacked from employment, business failure or other disasters. In these trying times an emergency fund will ensure that you still survive before regaining your economic stability once again.
Click here to find out some mandatory savings accounts you should have.
Use Loans where Necessary
Borrowing is easy but refunding may not. True, isn’t it?
Borrowing is advisable in case of viable business. Not to borrow and spend on luxuries. In addition to this, debt level should be limited according to ones level of income .The question is do you have a way to repay the loan?
Have a pension Plan
Old age usually comes with heath complications. At this time one lack both energy and skills.
The old who have no pensions normally suffer. This especially occurs where their children are not financially stable.
To avoid old age full of anguish, start making plans for a pension scheme. Right from a young age.
Investment
Investment is one way that ensures personal financial growth when done wisely.
A viable investment will generate more cash inflows than cash outflow either in short run or long run.
Investment is impossible without saving, the two go hand in hand.
Banks offer advice on viable investment projects. You can choose to invest in agriculture, real estate, transport industry etc.
If you would like to find out more about personal finance and financial literacy, follow this blog and click here
As i pen off, i’d like to say that every investment has a risk. However, there is no need to fear for the risk takers are the ones that make it in life.