Financial Health and Wellness

As the New Year starts, all the fresh plans and promises made can come to a screeching halt. As you check your bank balance, the extravagance and exuberance of the Christmas holiday may well have dented your reserves.

Financial health is just as important as other aspects of health and wellness. Indeed, having the right amount of finances can influence your ability to achieve your goals in these areas. One suggestion is to have a financial health check. Once you understand your strengths and weaknesses, you will be in a better place to work with your finances.

January seems a long month

Yes, January has 31 days, but you may have overspent on all the festivities during December. So the month feels longer. It is no surprise that Blue Monday comes in January. However, it is often the month when others want to start new projects, and so you may find new leads of business, though the financial rewards will be a month or two away. So it is also the month full of potential.

Don’t lose your head

Do not panic; making rash decisions under stress can catch you out later. Another piece of advice is to sit down and work out what you have available. Using a credit card or overdraft facility in the short term to tide you over January isn’t a sin, but will only work if you know you can pay it back quickly.  If you find yourself in deeper waters, seek advice quickly, as trouble can escalate rapidly.

Planning

Planning is the key to success with money. Plan now to get it right next year. Perhaps you could put aside some of your earnings towards emergencies and these more expensive events. As many of you work for yourselves, you will know that income can fluctuate throughout the year. By making clear financial plans for the business and personal finances, you will save yourself from future headaches.

Budgeting

As with planning, cutting back on spending and ensuring you only spend what you need. Doing an audit of your spending may highlight areas you can save money. If you are planning a major purchase this year. It is a good idea to have the funds in place first.

Shopping for the right financial products

Before committing to buying financial products, it is worth getting clear advice. You want to be sure of a return on your investments. It is possible to gain financial protection against leaner times. Of course, I can help you with advice, but there is plenty of other help out there. The value of an Investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise, you may get back less than you have invested.

Talk

The best advice I can ever give you is to talk. Do this openly and honestly when talking to your financial adviser and family/friends about money. Talk to your employees about their money woes before they start taking time off with stress. Sit down and talk with your partners about planning and budgeting so everyone is working together.

To find out how we can help support the financial health of your staff call Andrew on 01143984444/07960572287 or email [email protected] www.andrewrogerswm.co.uk

Andrew Rogers Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only

St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.