Five expensive (but avoidable) financial mistakes
The road to financial freedom can have many potholes but knowing how to avoid them is simple if you know what to do. Here’s some tips on what to look out for.
When it comes to your retirement, planning is crucial. The first step, however, is understanding how to make the most of your financial position by avoiding the mistakes many people make when it comes to planning for the future.
Here’s a few tips from wealth management firm BT Financial Group on how to avoid the speed bumps you may find along your financial journey.
Too little too late
The government has deliberately set up the superannuation system to favour those who start early and stay on track. Those who leave it to the last minute often do so at their own peril. Start as soon as possible and map out your road to financial freedom.
Pay unnecessary taxes
There are many simple, legal ways to make sure you’re not paying more tax than you need. Check with your financial planner or accountant if you’re making the most of the tax incentives offered by the government.
Fall for investment fads
This probably poses the greatest single danger to your prosperity. Technology stocks in the late 1990s and speculative miners in the late 2000s were very tempting when they were rising fast. Your best weapon against this temptation is to develop a disciplined investment plan and stick with it.
It won’t happen to me
Wealth management is just as much about protecting your assets as it is about building wealth. Make sure you have a “Plan B” to pay off your house and look after your family if you were to die or be permanently unable to work. Your ability to earn money is actually your most valuable asset, so it’s vital to protect that asset with income protection insurance.
Fail to plan
As the old adage goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. If you can articulate your goals and visualise what achieving those goals looks like, you are well on your way to achieving them. Write down your three most important goals and keep them in a safe place to review at least once a year.