Four ways to plan for your financial future

When you are in the buzz of daily life planning for your financial future can seem like something that can be put off until another day. However, beginning to plan in this way is extremely important whatever age you are. In fact, the earlier you start the better as it gives time to build the saving and pension income streams needed for later life.

But why is this so critical? The positive choices made around your finances now will help to secure your future, both in the short and long term. It will not only give you money to enjoy life and follow your immediate dreams but also to enjoy your retirement when that time arrives.

Here are a few ways to begin planning your financial future.

1 Investment makes sense

Many UK investors still favour putting their money into stocks and shares. It is a relatively easy to understand and access investment vehicle that can bring handsome returns in the medium to long term. The key to successful stock market investment is getting the latest stock news and info so you can see how your stocks are faring and which others present attractive investment opportunities.

2 Start to save

While investing in areas like shares can give a better return than putting your money into a UK savings account, that does not mean you should not have cash deposits. It is always wise to keep building up your bank savings, so you have cash to use in an emergency or to fund major purchases.

3 Pay into a pension scheme

The current UK state pension is just over £160 per week. That is not going to be enough to live on for most people. That is why paying into a private pension scheme is now essential. Taking out a private pension plan allows you to invest money towards your retirement over many years, so that you can use the income it will provide to supplement the state provision when the time comes.

4 Protection cover

Planning for our financial future is not just about when we retire. Making provisions for what may happen in the shorter term is also a very good idea. Insurance income protection cover is something worth thinking about. It can include mortgage payment protection which covers you against income loss due to serious illness that prevents you from working. Many take this kind of insurance out to guard their financial future. This form of insurance has received a bad press in recent years due to misselling by the banks, however, it is still a useful financial safeguard for many people.

Start planning for your financial future today

Although the financial arrangements for when you finish work are very important, planning for your future can be about what happens in the next 10 or 20 years. All through your life you need to be planning what will happen in the next phase and how your finances can help you achieve the standard of living you aspire to. By taking on board some of the above tips, you could have financial security in place for things like moving to a new house or the kids going to university, along with sufficient funds for a comfortable retirement.

from Finance Girl http://www.financegirl.co.uk/four-ways-to-plan-for-your-financial-future/