Your 30’s are the perfect time to take on board some money tips and get serious about your finances.
These steps will help keep you organised and on track for life.
1. Budget
Get yourself an online app and track how much you’re spending each month, match this to your monthly income, and see how much you’re saving.
2. Have emergency savings
There will always be rainy days. Start with $1,500 and work up to 3 months’ total household wage.
3. Find good health insurance
Health insurance shouldn’t be something you have to have to avoid the Lifetime Health Cover loading – choose a policy that actually makes a difference to your lifestyle.
4. Have a house deposit of at least 20 per cent
When saving for a home loan, aim to have a deposit of at least 20 per cent to avoid having to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
A larger deposit may also help you get a better interest rate because you are considered a lower borrowing risk.
5. Check out new investment opportunities
Not sure how to invest your money?
Let the tech geniuses of the world handle that for you with mobile apps like Acorns.
The app automatically invests your spare change into exchange traded funds (EFTs).
6. Get earnings straight into a savings account
If you don’t have the control to put aside money each week, simply send those earnings to a secure savings account by setting up a direct debit facility.
7. Find your lost super
Making small changes now can help to boost your retirement income without too much change to your current lifestyle.
Roll your super accounts into one so you’re only paying one fee.
8. Have some autonomy over your money
Having a personal savings account, even if you only put $20 in there a week, is a powerful tool; financially and mentally.
9. Be smart with your credit card debt
Limit your reliance on credit.
If you notice your debt levels are rising, consider an 0 per cent balance transfer and repay your debts during the interest-free period.
Or, get a personal loan to roll up credit card debt into a single repayment with a lower interest rate.
10. Build a good credit history
You need a solid credit history.
Pay your financial commitments on time, keep your debt levels low, and only apply for the credit you need.
11. Quit wasting money
Stop buying $5 coffees every day, these types of expenses add up and interfere with your savings goals.
12. Be prepared for the inevitable
Update your will and powers of attorney (POA) to prevent financial and legal problems down the track.
13. Review your insurance policies
Don’t just settle for the insurance policy you have now because it seems like too much effort to find another one.
Shopping around could get you a better deal and may save you money.
14. Bundle everything
Bundles can often save you money – combine your internet and mobile phone bills, or bundle your home loan with a credit card or home insurance policy.
15. Protect your income
There are many expenses that keep coming regardless of whether or not you’re earning money, and having the right insurance can make a big difference if you need to rely on it.
Being ‘financially fit’, that is having a good understanding of your own financial situation and goal setting, is a great starting point to setting yourself up best for the next 30 years of your life.
