2018 is on it's way out, and 2019 is on its way in. For many South Africans, 2018 has been rather challenging. The phrase, "ground hog day" has become common, and a questions you may also be asking are "What did I achieve this year? Where did the funds go? Did I make my life better?" Generally, the reason for the answers being no, is due to Time or Money, as in "I had no time" or "I didn't have the budget / funds."
In 2019, you will have the same amount of time as 2018 and most likely a similar budget. So how do we achieve more for ourselves over the next year? How do we turn a potentially "ground hog" year into a year filled with personal growth, magical memories and time well spent?
The answer is PLAN BETTER. There will also be challenging years, they are out of our control, but what is in our control is how we plan for those years. I would also go as far to advise that you plan for every year. So I encourage you to download the attached documents and work through them. 2019 will pass quickly, and before you know it, you'll be sitting in June and wondering where the year went. By downloading and completing the attached, you'll be sitting in June ticking boxes and know exactly where you are and where you are going.
1.) Personal Plan: The attached document, may not be foreign to you and it is encouraged that you do it each and every year, and go back and tick off what you have achieved, then give yourself a pat on the back. Take the 60 minutes that it will take you to work through the document; by writing it down, you can monitor it, make yourself accountable and make it a priority and focus point in your life.
The goals you aim to achieve are important in our planning and advice process, and we are here to help you achieve those goals (I am also happy to sit with you and work on these documents).
2.) Budget: Plan the full year, including everything you plan on spending, and treat your savings as an expenses. Make time on a monthly basis to go through your bank statements and record your actual spend. This will highlight for you where you are spending money as well as where money is being wasted.
Once both are done, make sure your budget is aligned with your goals.
HAPPY PLANNING!