[cq_vc_accordion contentcolor=”#333333″][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Decide what you want in the future, set a target and stick to it”]Have you calculated when and how much money you need to retire? Perhaps you want your children/grandchildren to have a university education – have you calculated how much this will cost?[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Shift your focus from spending to investing”]Most millionaires take advice from investment professionals – tax advisers, lawyers, financial planners and asset managers. Don’t be afraid of them; use them.[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”The 24-hour rule”]If you can’t resist spending, apply this rule that many millionaires use. Even if you can afford an expensive purchase, give it a day’s time before actually making the decision. Impulsive shopping occurs from an emotional trigger and is often unnecessary. Do you want it or do you need it?[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Set a budget (yes, even the rich have a budget!)”]Look at your monthly bank statement and categorise everything into the following groups:
Essentials, Personal and Savings. Generally speaking, the split should be 50%, 30% and 20%.
Living essentials – allocate 50% for monthly expenses such as mortgage/rent, transport, utilities, food etc.
Personal spending – allocate 30% of your income for holidays, entertainment, shopping, hobbies – anything that makes you happy.
Savings – 20% of your earned income should go straight into an investment or savings account.
If your own allocations are different, analyse why and consider how changes could be made.[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Cash over credit”]We are living in a near cashless society and credit cards are easy to come by, but this environment is not advisable for people who struggle to keep within their budget. Many millionaires prefer cash over a card for this reason.[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Control”]People who are good at saving and investing are generally also good at controlling their urge to spend. Many people have completed a Dry January or a Meat Free Monday, how about trying a regular ‘no spending’ day – call it Frugal Friday![/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Bills first, the rest later”]Most banks offer the facility to choose the date you want your regular standing orders to be paid. Choose the day after your income/pension is paid in, so you know exactly how much is left for everything else.[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Invest in something that makes you happy”]This could be a classic car, a piece of art, perhaps you have a hobby that you enjoy investing in. Happiness can also be found in the investment arena, as more and more investors are choosing ethical or socially responsible funds. These are funds that have positive social impacts or are involved in climate change solutions. You can now express your values in the financial world.[/cq_vc_accordion_item][cq_vc_accordion_item accordiontitle=”Invest in services that save you time”]Many millionaires don’t hesitate in paying for services that save their time – food deliveries and laundry services for example. The same can be said for investment research – a financial advisory firm will do that for you.[/cq_vc_accordion_item][/cq_vc_accordion]