But, it’s sometimes easier to avoid thinking about our future than to confront it and take action, even though we know it’s good for us.
In this guide, we look at:
Why do we avoid planning ahead?
In many ways, it’s in our biology to want things now and focus on the present moment, rather than plan for the future.
If there’s a delicious meal in front of us, our instincts tell us to eat as much as we can, in case we don’t have food again for a while. But, in the modern world, we have to fight some of those instincts and think ahead about things like our health.
It’s the same for our finances. We don’t get cravings to save money or stop spending – it’s not instinctive behaviour. So, we have to take conscious steps to make things happen.
The modern world of the internet and social media only makes things harder – particularly for younger generations who’ve grown up with technology in their lives.
There’s social pressure to compare our lives to our friends and celebrities that we follow on social media. Usually, the things people flaunt revolve around spending money on:
And with interest rates having been generally low over the last decade, there hasn’t been much incentive to put money away in savings accounts.
This ‘want it now’ lifestyle can even be seen in the investing habits of the younger generation, with high-risk, volatile assets like cryptocurrencies gaining popularity.
Our finances are personal, and it’s normal for money to affect our emotions because it’s so important to us. But this can also hold us back from managing it properly.
You might feel:
It’s not always that we don’t have the information or education to make the right decisions – we have it at our fingertips through the internet – but it’s our human nature that can sometimes get in the way.
Because money is so personal, it can feel difficult to talk about. It can be seen as taboo to talk about your salary, or how much you’ve invested, with your colleagues and friends.
But it’s an important step to take. And when you do talk about money, there are plenty of benefits:
Whether it’s learning about investment accounts or getting tips on how to budget, talking to others about your finances can help you get perspective on your own situation.
You might learn that your colleague, who earns the same amount as you, is saving twice as much. Or perhaps you have a much higher interest rate on your mortgage than your friends, and you need to shop around for a new deal.
The more you talk about money and share your experiences, the more you’ll learn.
When you deliberately avoid thinking and talking about something, it creates pressure that could build into stress and anxiety.
The thought of your finances might pop into your head, but you may find yourself forcing it out and thinking about something else – and this isn’t healthy.
Even if things aren’t going great financially now, getting it out in the open and talking about it will be a huge stress-relief, and you can then start to take steps towards positive change.
The ultimate benefit of having conversations about your financial health, is the goals you can achieve by doing so.
Whether it’s saving for a holiday, putting money aside for retirement, or saving for a down payment on your first home, talking about where you are now, and where you’re going next, is the first step.
Explore: Registered Retirement Savings Plans[@tax-advice2]
Nowadays, there’s a bucket load of technology, apps and tools to help you manage your money more efficiently.
For example, if you’re concerned about how much you’ll need for retirement, check out our Retirement Planner[@retirementplannerdisclaimer].
Or use our investment calculator tool [@retirementplannerdisclaimer] to visualise the difference investing your money could have on your financial future.
Planning ahead makes achieving your goals simpler and easier to keep track of.
Depending on what stage of life you’re at, you’ll have different goals and steps to start taking. But regardless of whether you’re just starting your professional career or approaching retirement, a financial plan has lots of benefits.
You can ask us about our integrated approach to goal planning and set a course to reaching your retirement goals so you can plan for the future you’ve always dreamed of. Goal planning is an exclusive service we offer to our HSBC Premier[@premierwealth] clients. Your HSBC Premier Relationship Manager will help you take a holistic view of your financial needs and develop a customized goal plan unique to your situation.
If making financial decisions – such as choosing whether to save or invest – feels overwhelming, you might benefit from professional advice.
Talking to a professional can give you comfort that you’re making the best financial decisions. So, you don’t have to worry about making a mistake or being inefficient with your own planning.
Review important information related to Funds Information, Regulatory Reports, and more on our Investor information page.
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