With the present pandemic and challenging economic times, it’s easy to get caught up, especially if you have dependents requiring your time, energy, and finances. A UK survey has proposed that the pandemic has left four out of every five people worried or anxious about their future. Yet, why not take a breather and think into the future what you expect for your family? This way, you’ll realize the need to plan and secure your family’s future to protect against any contingency or surprise. But how do you ensure your family’s financial future? Here are a few ways:
Put yourself first
Contrary to opinions, the most effective means of securing your family’s financial future is to focus on yourself primarily. This implies paying off existing debts and making arrangements for your retirement. Failing to do so will pass on these setbacks to your loved ones, which isn’t what you may want. Furthermore, the sum you lose on debt interests is less likely to be equal to how much you earn on your savings during the current fiscal climate.
Be explicit with your financial future goals
It’s essential to set clear financial goals taking into account not just your earnings but every resource, for example, assets, debts, and your everyday expenses. Compare these goals to what you expect your family’s future to be like by analyzing your current financial strengths. Is there any specific sum you need to save for your children’s future? Begin by setting a goal and how you intend to reach it. These tips should help achieve them:
- Write down your goals – that way, you’re more likely to reach them
- Be specific when setting your goals
- Make goals measurable; break them into smaller bits to keep you motivated to continue
- Set yourself a deadline
- Make your goals personal to avoid unnecessarily comparing them with others’
Make a will
Do you know that approximately 55% of UK adults don’t have a will? Passing on intestate may place your family’s long-term future in a precarious situation where rules outside you and your family will control who, what and how much they receive. Why not make things simpler for those behind by drawing up a will to secure their future? If possible, you may consider getting a lawyer or divorce solicitors to assist with your children’s maintenance in case of any eventuality.
Have an emergency fund
In the current unpredictable climate characterized by several reports of job losses and undesirable incidents, it has become imperative for everybody to have an emergency fund they can fall on. This fund won’t just help you overcome unexpected expenses but likewise support you during a family emergency. As recommended by many financial specialists, ensure to have cash in liquid funds or with your bank, enough to cover your family expenses for, let’s say, 3 to 6 months. Such an asset will help during a job loss since it may take a while before securing a new one.