APRIL 2019: A MONTH OF LIFETIME

Before everything, please do not tempt to think that April is my birth month or anniversary of something, nope, it is not. But trust me, I think we should all be celebrating April. You know why? Just stick with me till the end.

Honestly, April as the beginning of the 2nd quarter of 2019 kicked in with a number of things that implored my attention. From works, attending my personal activities, coffee meetings with my friends, me-time and you can name it.

However, in the middle of it, I was able to engage myself with the community gatherings for learning and network, there is where I got to a memo regarding financial issues. It has been great on my side getting the platforms to learn, share and discuss on how better we can leverage the available opportunities to reaching our financial goals.

Well, I hope we all know that April is a financial literacy month. Opportunely, in this 2019, I have got so much time to work and meditate on my personal finance stances as well as discussing with some of my friends some issues about it.

So, here is the simple piece to remind us of our financial growth journey since we all aimed to make the most of it and close 2019 in an outstanding way. I have learned imperative things about personal finances for young people and I would like to emphasize and pass them to you too.

So, grab your pad and pen, and take a note to the following 3 important issues;

As we are assuming that we all have our 2019 money goals, financial goals and whatever you can name it. Here I can brag because most women are having high discipline with money plans although I am not so sure about the execution part of it.

• Personal finance is personal behavior

It’s true that you need to keep learning and equip yourself with tricks and know-how of improving that behavior. But hey, in the middle of your lessons, do not ever forget to practice. Remember, practice, practice, and practice! Let no one intimidate you! I remember grabbing one book to another, watching Tv-shows and attending workshops that regard on how to meet my personal finance goals. And I am happy to know that, this game is almost a reverse of other games, it needs to get involved. Again you need to practice more. So, revisit your vision board and see how far you have managed to work on it. If you are out of the track, do not give up, make the most of it by practicing in this 2nd quarter of the year.

• Save then spend accordingly!

As it is stated, save first then spend, because, It’s incredibly easy in this consumer-driven world to live beyond our means but a good rule of thumb is to try to save at least 15 percent of your income first then proceed with your whatever you budgeted for. Withdrawing a fixed amount every month helps you be more aware and make better spending choices. After all, if you don’t have a set destination to work towards it can be hard to find the motivation to save. So have a plan whether it’s a house you’ve been eyeing or your retirement, carefully define these goals and figure out how much you’ll need to save so you can craft a plan to get there.

• Do not start as soon as possible. Start now!

We always try to make a plan of starting to save after your done with school fees or buying furniture for your new house. But guess what, saving can sometimes be like preparing for the unexpected, that means all you should do is to prepare for everything. You never know what tomorrow will bring so you better start now, and after all, there will never be a perfect time for you to start saving or acting upon your finances goals. The time is now, make it work.

The most valuable thing we learn in our lives as young people is that our very best investments are long term, and we should involve making ourselves the best people we can be.

Reduce your stress, make yourself exultant, and you'll see huge benefits in the quality of your life and your longevity. Investing in becoming better towards who you want to be, buying things you love that will last, and taking small steps to secure your financial future every day will pay off in the long run.

It is so good for young people as we're not as experienced and still hopeful. We're energetic and so ambitious. We're grounded and still dreaming. Kindly use these financial lessons well and you'll find the financial foundation you've laid-in fuels all of your days ahead.

Cheers to a new you!

Tully