2. Create Your Budget
A well-planned budget helps maintain financial stability, especially when you’re the sole breadwinner. You’ll need to be mindful of how you allocate your resources to ensure that essential expenses are covered while still leaving room for savings and investments. Start by dividing your expenses into categories like fixed expenses (rent, utilities, loan repayments), variable expenses (groceries, transportation, entertainment), discretionary spending (vacations, luxury items, etc.), or any spending related to health issues (for any life insurance plans).
As a rule of thumb, aim to:
Save at least 20% of your income
Allocate no more than 30% to housing costs (rent/mortgage)
Keep your debt payments under 10-15% of your income
Leave room for unexpected expenses by creating an emergency fund
3. Build Emergency Funds:
Emergencies often come unannounced and can leave a lasting impact on your life as well as on the life of your dependents. Under these circumstances, creating an emergency fund helps in handling the exigencies of life with ease. The ideal emergency fund should cover at least three to six months of living expenses.
Begin by setting aside a small portion of your income each month and steadily increase it as time goes on. Once you reach your emergency fund goal, you’ll feel a sense of security knowing you can manage through unforeseen circumstances without derailing your family’s financial future.
4. Prioritise Insurance Coverage:
With rising medical expenses, securing reliable life insurance plans becomes extremely essential. These plans will assist you and your family members in case of a medical emergency. A good insurance plan provides the necessary financial support, ensuring that you don’t have to dip into your savings or fall into debt when faced with medical bills or accidents.
Life insurance plans like that offered by Canara HSBC Life Insurance are some of the reliable and reputable options. We offer affordable and flexible insurance plans that are designed to provide the right protection for you and your family. The policies are tailored to provide robust coverage at competitive prices, with a variety of add-ons and riders to enhance the benefits. This makes it easier for you to choose the best plan based on your family’s requirements, whether it’s safeguarding against medical emergencies, securing life coverage, or even preparing for the unexpected. Also, the life insurance premium calculator available on the website makes it easy for you to compare and find the best premium option for different plans available.
5. Invest in Your Future:
As the sole breadwinner, it’s essential to save and invest diligently to secure your family’s future, which requires both discipline and patience. Prioritising long-term financial planning goals like retirement savings, investments, college funds, etc., is crucial.
Contributing to retirement funds like a provident fund or pension scheme ensures a comfortable retirement.
Considering different investment opportunities that align with your risk tolerance, such as mutual funds, stocks, etc., can help you grow your wealth over time.
If you have children, it’s important to start saving for their education by setting up a dedicated college fund.
By being proactive and consistent with your savings and investments, you can ensure financial stability for both yourself and your family.