11 Characteristics of a Sound Financial Plan

Advertisement

The financial plan refers to predicting the future economic course of action for efficient operating procedures and effective fulfillment of the company's purpose. The financial program begins with the production of strategic plans that lead to operating plans and budgets. The financial plan provides a roadmap for leading, coordinating, and controlling a firm's financial actions to achieve its objectives.

While finalizing a financial strategy, a financial manager should consider the following factors:


Simplicity


A financial plan should be as simple as possible to comprehend even a layperson. Complications and uncertainty result from a convoluted financial system. Additionally, it is simple to create a simple financial plan.


Based on Specific Objectives


The planner should always consider the 'today' needs and the 'future' needs to develop a healthy financial plan. It should strive to obtain financing at the lowest possible cost to increase profitability.

Reduced reliance on external sources


Long-term financial planning should strive to minimize reliance on external sources. Effective capital management is as critical as capital acquisition. Financial operations are conducted through the generation of personal funds. A good balance between fixed and operating capital should exist.


Flexibility


The financial strategy should not be dependable. There should be some room for flexibility in the economic process to accommodate changing conditions in the future. Flexibility in a plan will aid in meeting future demands.



Solvency and Liquidity


Financial planning should safeguard the enterprise's solvency and liquidity. Solvency necessitates that both short-term and long-term payments be made on time. The level of liquidity required is influenced by the size of the business, its age, credit rating, the nature of its operations, and its turnover rate, among other factors.


Cost


When deciding on a financial strategy, it's critical to take the cost of acquiring funds into account. To keep costs down, it's best to use various resources. Should surrender interest-bearing securities as soon as possible to lessen this burden.


Profitability


The profitability of an organization should not be adversely affected by adjusting various securities in a financial plan. To boost profitability, interest-bearing guarantees and other liabilities need to be restructured.


Management of Risks


You need to obtain the appropriate insurance coverage to safeguard yourself and your family from dangers associated with the possessions you own, our activities such as owning and driving a car, and potential financial loss.


Investing for the future


The tax advantages of retirement savings are better than those of other investment firms. As soon as possible, you should start saving for your retirement. One of the best job benefits is a company-sponsored 401K.

It would help if you seized this opportunity as quickly as possible. As a long-term investor, you're setting aside a portion of your pre-tax salary toward a comfortable retirement. It would help to let you live your life as you planned and want to live in your golden years.

That may be too abstract for your twenties. It's never too early to start saving tiny amounts to your employer-sponsored 401K. You gain tax benefits, and if you contribute enough, your company may match your contribution, which is like "free money.



Taking Care of Your Taxes


Anyone who owes taxes should not wish to pay more than the government. Tax planning is when you work with a team of tax experts to find legal strategies to lower, eliminate, or delay your taxable income. Instead of illegal tax evasion, this is tax avoidance.

Tax preparation should be essential for your financial strategy, depending on your holdings. Taxes can significantly impact your financial planning, so don't overlook them.

Capital gains methods, charitable giving, tax-free and tax-deferred retirement savings, as well as health savings accounts can all be used to decrease your tax burden.


Create a Contingency fund for unexpected Expenses


It is critical to set aside money for an emergency fund. If you don't already have one, you should prioritize establishing a fully established emergency fund. Life is unpredictable; you don't know when you might be faced with an unexpected occurrence such as dental surgery or a job loss, which could result in unanticipated bills for which you do not have the necessary finances on hand.

It becomes a financial problem for you to pay your monthly expenditures, such as rent, mortgage, and utilities, without resorting to using your credit card to pay for these expenses. Preparing money ahead of time for this specific reason provides you with a financial cushion in the short run.


To Sum Up


Financial planning is essential for achieving your short-term and long-term objectives, as well as for supporting your family's morals and values. Review your plan regularly, mainly when substantial changes occur in your home, the economy, tax legislation, or ensure it remains consistent with your goals.

Advertisement

Copyright © 2022