Financial Fitness: What does it mean and how do I achieve it?
Financial fitness goes beyond what’s in your bank account – it’s an all-round approach to saving, investing and striking a balance in your financial wellness journey. Imagine! You're on top of your monthly expenses, you’re prepared for emergencies, you’re on track to meet your financial goals… All the while enjoying the freedom to make choices that enhance your life.
You don’t have to be extremely frugal, amassing wealth at the expense of your happiness. No! It's about creating a manageable approach that allows you to meet your current needs, save incase of unexpected expenses, invest for the future and enjoy the present.
Start vaulting your way to financial fitness with Vault22!
The Vault22 app shows you all of your finances in one place. You can track your income, expenses, investments and create a monthly budget to keep you on track.
Here’s how to get started:
- Link your accounts. With Vault22 it’s easy to sync your bank accounts, credit cards, loans, investments, retail accounts and even rewards. Seeing all your money stuff in one place simplifies budgeting.
- Track your income and expenses. Vault22 automatically categorises your transactions, giving you a real-time view of your income and expenses. This helps identify spending patterns and areas where you can save.
- Set up your budget. Now that you have a clear understanding of your income and expenses, you can create a budget that reflects your financial fitness goals. Allocate funds for necessities, savings, investments and life's pleasures. Remember, each financial decision impacts others, so aim for a balanced approach.
- Set financial goals. Whether it's building an emergency fund, saving for a dream holiday or investing for retirement, having clear objectives keeps you pumped up, focused and motivated.
- Monitor your spending. Vault22’s reporting features provide a visual representation of your income, expenses and net worth over time. Keep an eye on your spending to ensure it aligns with your budget. Be flexible: if you overspend in one category, adjust your remaining budget for others to stay on track.
- Review your progress regularly. The app’s tracking features allow you to monitor your progress towards your financial wellness. Use it! It’s an easy way to stay motivated and you’ll quickly see if you need to make any changes to your budget or your goals. Your financial plans should be flexible and evolve as your life changes.
Final word
Financial fitness isn’t about depriving yourself. It's perfectly fine to budget for hobbies, entertainment, self-care and other activities that enhance your life, as long as these expenses are planned and you balance them with your saving and investing goals so that you have all your bases covered.
Remember, everyone’s journey to financial fitness is different. What works for one person might not work for another. If you’re unsure about your financial goals, or if you need help with budgeting, seek the assistance of a qualified financial planner. With the right tools, some patience and discipline, you’ll find the path towards being financially fit in no time!