If you have been procrastinating managing your finances then now is a better time than ever to stop that behaviour and get all your (financial) ducks in order.
In this article, you will discover four steps that will help you to stop procrastinating when it comes to managing your personal finances.
Stop procrastinating and get your finances in order.
1. Create a Clear Plan
Firstly, you need to set up a detailed financial plan. This plan should include how much you much debt you need to pay off, how much money you can put aside each month as saving or to invest, your monthly spending budget, etc.
The best way to create your financial plan is to use the S.M.A.R.T. approach, which makes you set specific measurable achievable goals that are realistic and time-specific. Having a clear plan can help you to prevent procrastination as it provides a framework you can stick to.
2. Set up a Timeline
Your financial plan should be accompanied by a timeline. For example, if you have around $5,000 worth of credit card debt to pay off, you can set a goal to pay it off within the next ten months by putting $500 aside each month for this purpose.
By adding a timeline to your financial goals, you are much less likely to procrastinate taking action.
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3. Prioritise from Most Important to Least Important
Prioritise the actions you need to take in relation to your finances from most important to least important and start with the most important. If debt is a big issue in your life, tackle your debt first by setting up a debt repayment plan. If you are earning a good salary but are worried about your financial future, then making investments may be on top of your agenda.
By knowing what is the most important, you will be more likely to take the necessary actions as opposed to being overwhelmed by all aspects of managing your finances.
4. Celebrate the Successes
A great way to overcome procrastination is to celebrate your successes. Every time you reach a financial goal or take action on something important you have been procrastinating, such as meeting with a financial advisor to explore new investment opportunities, celebrate by treating yourself to a meal at your favourite restaurant or grab a drink with a friend.