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Financial stability implies several things. For instance, you have adequate financial resources to not stress about the next paycheck. Or you can comfortably pay your bills and maintain your standard of living besides living your hobby-filled dream life. It is all about affording the lifestyle you have envisioned now and in the future. Financially stable people are confident and sure about their finances. It means that they are debt-free and have stashed funds for any arising emergencies.
However, financial stability is not about being filthy rich. Instead, it is a psychological state of contentment where you do not stress about tomorrow and its economic uncertainties. While many Kenyans struggle, it is not impossible to reach this state. Here are the habits you can build to achieve financial stability.
Tailor your financial decisions to your needs
Each financial decision you make will affect your financial health. It shouldn't hurt to crunch the numbers to know your net worth and needs. This calculation should lead you to a personal budget that enables you to plan your expenses, eliminate unnecessary costs and save for your future goals and aspirations. The key is to spend ever so wisely while saving for emergencies.
The most important investment you can make is in yourself
Most people would rush to invest in stocks or real estate, not knowing that they themselves are an invaluable asset. You are the most important financial asset worth investing in, so take care of your personal development. Continuous learning is vital; upgrade your knowledge and skills. Take extra care of your health too. You do not want medical bills to drain your savings. Then again, to remain valuable and attract endless employment opportunities and higher pay, you require excellent skills and health. Personal development is something you have to do continuously. It is a lifetime endeavour.
Make money doing what you love
Sometimes people find themselves in jobs or businesses that they do not have a passion for. They struggle and hang in there because they need the money and a regular paycheck. But the key to financial stability is identifying and doing what you love, even if you have to begin from the depths. It will make working much easier and more enjoyable. Often, you might have to change your career or employer to follow your passion. Yes, it may be challenging, but your life balance can lead to tremendous financial success than if you worked at a job you hate.
Make and stick to a budget
Being a budget freak might be what you need to make amends to your financial situation. While at it, you also need the discipline to stick to that budget. A budget helps you track your expenditure, knowing where every dime goes. A budget also outlines non-negotiable spending and unearths unnecessary costs. You can streamline your spending and have any spare change go to an emergency or retirement savings fund. Within no time, you will begin to see your account grow.
Spend less than you earn
Did you know that you can craft your lifestyle according to your means irrespective of how much you earn? As you do so, ensure that you are not spending the entire monthly paycheck on your needs. It becomes challenging to accrue wealth if you do not shelve a percentage of your money towards a savings/emergency fund. You are also likely to borrow if you need to make a more significant purchase, sending you right into a debt cycle that could take months, even years, to settle.
Set money aside for unanticipated expenses
Life is unpredictable, and an emergency fund is a must-do for financial stability. An emergency fund guards you against life's volatility. Say you lose your job, or you need to undertake home repairs. You'll have a fallback plan instead of having to borrow.
Make a dent in your accumulated debt
Often, debt might be inevitable, but it can also hinder financial stability and create loads of stress in your life. Budgeting can help you focus on savings, emergency funds, and paying your debts. Whether it is a HELB (Higher Education Loans Board student loan) credit card, bank or family/friends' loan, your most critical plan should include payment of the same. You can create a minimum payment plan with a strict completion timeline.
To ensure a comfortable retirement, you must save and invest wisely
Most people do not get the logic behind saving for retirement, significantly when still younger. But time flies by so swiftly, and you find yourself ageing, exhausted, and needing financial security. That is where retirement savings come in handy. The time to start growing your retirement savings and investments is now. It doesn't matter how little you earn. It will still make a massive difference in your later years. Remember, the longer you wait, the more challenging it becomes to build this nest egg. Financial responsibilities tend to increase as you grow older and your loan options may shrink.
Enjoy yourself as much as possible
Saving for financial stability doesn't imply self-deprivation. Life is for the living, so indulge in that coffee, date, vacation, and team retreat. Fun is also a key motivator to saving. It beats the stress and provides a mindset to save even more and enjoy life. But fun activities have their share of money costs too. Hence, create a savings account specifically for fun and enjoyment.
Ensure you stick to your long-term budget
While situations change and you could come into a windfall, you might as well ignore the excitement and continue with your financial discipline. It means sticking to your longer-term spending habits, come what may. A long-term budget includes money into your retirement savings account. If you committed to 15% of your monthly paycheck, that should continue for your lifetime.
Wrapping up
Financial stability is critical for a stress-free life. It enables you to enjoy life right into your sunset years. You can pay bills, go on vacation, and engage in your hobbies without worry. Never wait, without taking action, to be financially secure. You can start with the steps mentioned above and see your money beginning to grow in no time.
Also Read: 6 Steps You Can Take To Help You Achieve Financial Freedom and Success
