What is financial wellbeing and how can you achieve it?

Key takeaways

• The key elements of financial wellbeing, including income management, investments, and financial education.
• The practical steps you can make towards achieving financial wellbeing, including smart debt management, achievable goal setting, and investment strategy development.

Financial wellbeing is a concept that extends beyond simply building wealth. It involves achieving a state of financial stability, security, and contentment.

In a world where financial stress is a common concern, understanding and actively pursuing financial wellbeing can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Here, we’ll explore what financial wellbeing truly means and provide practical steps to help you get there.

Understanding financial wellbeing

Financial wellbeing is a holistic approach to managing your finances that goes beyond the traditional metrics of income and savings. It involves various aspects of your financial life, including income, expenses, debt, savings, and investments. Achieving financial wellbeing involves striking a balance in those areas to help ensure a secure present and a prosperous future.

Key elements of financial wellbeing

Below are the foundational elements to consider when working towards achieving your own financial wellbeing.

• Income management – Financial wellbeing starts with a steady and sustainable income. This involves not only the amount you earn but also the stability and reliability of your income source. Having one or more additional income streams, and investing in skills development, can increase your earning potential.
• Expense control – Tracking and managing expenses is crucial for financial wellbeing. Creating a budget helps you to identify unnecessary spending and live within your means. It’s all about making conscious choices that meet your financial goals.
• Debt management – While some debts – like mortgages or student loans – may be necessary, it’s essential to keep them at manageable levels. Developing a repayment plan that doesn’t leave you overstretched – and avoiding high-interest debt – can reduce financial stress.
• Savings and emergency funds – Building a strong savings habit and having an emergency fund can provide a safety net during unforeseen circumstances, removing the need to rely on credit cards or loans.
• Investments – Growing your wealth through investments is an integral part of financial wellbeing. Understanding your risk tolerance, setting investment goals, and diversifying your portfolio can help you negotiate the financial markets smoothly.
• Financial education – In finance, as in other key areas of life, knowledge is power. Continuous learning about personal finance, investments, and economic trends can empower you to make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to your financial wellbeing.

Practical steps towards financial wellbeing

Now that you understand the basic elements of financial wellbeing, it’s time to put the following building blocks in place:

• Assess your financial situation – Begin by taking stock of your current financial standing. Calculate your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Understanding where you stand provides a clear starting point for improvement.
• Set realistic goals – Establish short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a holiday, paying off debt, or building a retirement fund, having clear objectives helps guide your financial decisions.
• Create a budget – Develop a realistic budget that meets your goals. Distinguish between your needs and wants and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget as your circumstances change.
• Build an emergency fund – Prioritise building an emergency fund to cover at least three (but ideally six) months’ worth of living expenses. This fund acts as a financial safety net, providing peace of mind during unexpected challenges.
• Manage debt wisely – Work out the combined total of your existing debts and create a repayment plan. Prioritise high-interest debts and explore debt consolidation options if necessary. Avoid building unnecessary debt and use credit responsibly.
• Invest for the future – Develop an investment strategy that fits your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes to manage risk and help achieve healthy returns over the long term.
• Embrace continuous learning – Stay informed about personal finance and investment trends. You can do this through attending workshops, reading books, and following reputable financial news sources. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make informed decisions.
• Regularly review and adjust – Regularly assess your financial plan and make adjustments as needed. Life circumstances, economic conditions, and personal goals evolve, and your financial strategy should adapt accordingly.

Summary

Financial wellbeing is within everyone’s reach, but it requires effort and commitment. By focusing on income management, expense control, debt management, savings, investments, and continuous learning, you can pave the way towards a secure and fulfilling financial future.

Remember, achieving financial wellbeing is a journey, not a destination, and adapting to changing circumstances is key to long-term success. Take control of your financial destiny today and embark on the path to financial freedom and contentment.

This article has been prepared by NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited ABN 80 008 515 633 AFSL 236465 (NULIS) as trustee of the MLC Super Fund ABN 70 732 426 024. NULIS is part of the Insignia Financial group of companies comprising Insignia Financial Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (‘Insignia Financial Group’). The information in this article is current as at April 2024 and may be subject to change. This information may constitute general advice. The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions based on this information. It is recommended that you consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before you make any decisions about your superannuation. You can obtain the latest copy of the PDS (or other disclosure documents) and TMD by calling us on 132 652 or by searching for the applicable product at mlc.com.au. You should not rely on this article to determine your personal tax obligations. Please consult a registered tax agent for this purpose. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue. The case study examples (if any) provided in this article have been included for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon for decision making. Subject to terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, neither NULIS nor any member of the Insignia Financial Group accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the information in this communication.