Getting on track financially is among the most popular New Year’s resolutions, and for good reason. It’s certainly a worthwhile goal, as long as you stick with it! We are in April now so let’s see how we are doing.

Unfortunately, about 80% of people who make resolutions drop them by the second week in February. But take heart: this doesn’t mean your resolutions are doomed or that you lack follow through. Most goals aren’t achieved simply because they’re too generic or large (i.e. unrealistic).

First of all, let’s acknowledge that dreaming big is a very good problem to have! You just have to be more specific and break things down into targeted, obtainable milestones to get there.

So let’s make it happen. The following are our views of 10 worthy personal finance goals and how to actually follow through on them for the rest of the year.

Personal Finance Goals to Conquer

1. Face your finances head on

Okay, facing your finances is scary, but it’s absolutely necessary. How can you expect to level up your finances if you don’t know where they currently stand? Taking an honest assessment of your situation and owning it will help you put a plan in action that’ll actually deliver results. Take stock of your entire profile: your net worth, debt-to-income ratio, housing, investments, the whole thing! Then, set some goals. What do you realistically hope to achieve in the near future?

2. Make a budget—and maintain it

Budgeting is one of those things that people begin with enthusiasm, and then often it just…fizzles. Must we mention all those blank planners that are going to waste a quarter of the way through the year? Why is this level of organisation so difficult to maintain?

One common reason: you may be jumping into action too quickly. It’s important to actively choose a budgeting method that aligns with your resolutions, and then check in often. Using a budgeting app allows you to easily assess progress, or if you’re going the manual route, set a time on your calendar each month to revisit and adjust as needed.

3. Cut expenses

Many of us commit to goals without understanding that reaching them involves some sacrifice. In the world of personal finance, this means minimising unnecessary expenses. This isn’t as bad as it seems—in fact, eliminating costs can be pretty satisfying.

Track recurring payments, like streaming subscriptions that you might not know are being taken out of your account on a monthly basis. Then there are simple places to cut. Shopping more strategically for regular expenses, like groceries, can help to develop money-saving habits over time.

Finally, there are the bigger commitments—restaurants, entertainment, even fitness. While some recreational spending is a given, make sure your financial health isn’t suffering as a result. Overall, allocating fewer dollars to the fun jar just means you’re closer to reaching your milestones.

4. Pay down debt

Those with debt are often too overwhelmed to know where to start. Just remember: an object in motion stays in motion. Once you get going with a plan that works for your unique circumstances, it gets easier.

There are many methods to achieve this. One is known as the snowball technique which starts with making minimum payments on all debt, then using extra funds to pay off the smallest debts first. Meanwhile, the avalanche technique uses extra funds to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate. Explore them all first to understand which one will work best for your specific debt profile. Experts such as a financial adviser can help you with debt reduction strategies.

5. Automate savings

The best approach to saving is the one you don’t have to think about. Automate savings by having a certain amount transferred every payday, and consider a high-yield savings account.

6. Create an emergency fund

It’s an alarming stat that almost 1 in 5 Australians don’t have any emergency safety net and just 1 in 3 have enough savings to last them more than 6 months were they to lose their job¹.

If you have kids or pets, creating and contributing to an emergency fund is even more important. Accumulating enough to cover you in case of illness or hardship is critical. It's a good idea to make small deposits and if you expect any windfalls, direct them here or toward outstanding debt.

7. Ask for a raise

We love that workers have felt professionally empowered this year. Employees have shaped a new hybrid workplace, prioritised health, and been more vocal about work/life boundaries. Make sure you’re advocating for yourself and requesting regular reviews and a raise as well, if you’re in a situation to do so.

8. Take on a side hustle

Not everyone has the time or resources to maintain a side hustle, but if you do and you’re willing to put in the work it can really pay off. Dedicating these non-9-to-5 hustle funds to a particular goal, like paying off high-interest debt, can build momentum and motivate you to further succeed.

9. Start investing

If you’re ready for this next step, it could be worth doing a deep dive on the fundamentals of investing. There are so many options to choose from with no one size fits all approach, so it can help to do some research on what works best for you. For beginner investors starting with simple investment strategies may be an option to help you build wealth long term.

10. Invest in financial education

Good news with this one: by reading this blog you’re already on your way! Our personal finance hub exists for the sole purpose of equipping you with some info to help you reach your goals and gain control of your financial future, any time of year.

Banking on You

Whatever your money goals this year, remember that the time and energy you put in will be more than just an investment in your finances—it’ll also be an investment in you. A bit of organisation, maintenance, and sacrifice in exchange for personal wellbeing? Totally worth it.

This content is for information purposes only and does not consider your personal circumstances and situation. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice. Zip is not a financial adviser. We recommend you seek independent advice from a qualified professional such as an Australian Financial Adviser. Zip is a product provider and does not have any relationships with Financial Advisers.

Zip is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided in this website.

*Source: Finder