What Is a Financial Strategy? | Importance, Types, and Steps (2024)

A financial strategy is a clear path for what you are trying to achieve with your money. It can range from short-term goals like saving up enough for a new computer in the next three years, to lifetime goals like how much you would need to save up in order to retire at 65.

It is also important to have a financial strategy because it can help you stay organized and make better financial decisions.

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Why Do You Need One?

A financial strategy is beneficial because it will help you save more money in the long run.

Having a plan for your money can also help you stay organized, instead of spending frivolously with no end goal in mind.

When things are disorganized, it's easy to make poor financial decisions -- but when you have a plan in place, you are less likely to buy that shiny new phone just because it's the latest gadget.

The Five Main Types of Financial Strategies

• Retirement Strategy - A plan for how you will save up for retirement and sustain yourself once retired.

• Investment Strategy - A financial strategy to help you grow your investments quickly, rather than putting your money into a savings account where it won't increase much in value over time.

• Debt Reduction Strategy - A plan to pay off your high-interest debt, like credit cards and loans, quickly so that you can save more of your money in interest payments.

• Emergency Fund/Savings Strategy - A plan for how much you need to set aside monthly in order to have enough money for emergencies, like car repairs or medical bills.

• Financial Security Strategy - A plan that will ensure you are financially secure if something were to happen to you or your family, like life insurance or long-term care insurance.

How to Create Your Own Personal Financial Strategy

Step 1. Decide what you want your money to do for you.

This means rather than spending money on things that will only add to your stress, like eating out all the time or buying clothes you never wear.

You need to prioritize what is important in your life and spend money on those items rather than constantly spending it on more materialistic items that won't actually make you happy in the long run.

Step 2. Track your spending.

Once you have decided what your priorities are, then you can start to save more because you will be able to see where all of your money is going.

This way, you can identify if there are areas where you could save more money.

Step 3. Organize your expenses into categories.

This will help make it easier to see how much you are spending on each category, like rent, groceries, and transportation.

Step 4. Make a budget and stick to it.

Creating a budget is one of the most important aspects of having a financial strategy.

It will help you make sure that you are not overspending in any one category and that you are saving up for things that are important to you.

Step 5. Set goals for yourself.

Make sure your goals are realistic, if they aren't, it will be less likely that you stick to them.

Start with small steps toward reaching a larger goal and make sure to reward yourself when you reach smaller milestones along the way.

Step 6. Talk to a financial advisor.

If you are still struggling with creating a financial strategy that works for you, then talking to a financial advisor can be extremely helpful.

They will be able to look at your specific situation and create a plan tailored just for you.

The Benefits Of Having A Financial Strategy In Place

• It's easier to save money when you have a financial strategy in place because it gives you a clear path to follow.

• It's easier to make better financial decisions when you have a plan in place, because it can help keep track of your goals and how much progress you are making towards completing them.

• When things are organized, it's easy to see what you can cut back on in order to save more money.

• Having a financial strategy will help you be more prepared for emergencies, which can help minimize the amount of money you have to spend on unexpected costs.

• A financial strategy can help give you peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are financially secure in the event of an emergency.

Resources For Creating Your Own Personal Financial Strategy

Here are some suggestions that could start you off with your own financial strategy:

The 50/30/20 Rule

A budgeting guideline suggests you spend 50% of your income on necessities, 30% of your income on discretionary spending, and 20% of your income on savings or debt payments.

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

A nine-week course that helps participants create a budget and plan for their financial future.

The Get Rich Slowly Guide to Personal Finance

A comprehensive guide to personal finance, covering topics like budgeting, investing and reducing debt.

Mint

A free online tool that helps you create a budget, track your expenses and see your bank account balances at a glance.

Personal Capital

A free online tool that helps you track your budget, plan for retirement and see your financial goals within minutes.

The Future of Money

There are many benefits to having a financial strategy in place, so it's worthwhile to create one for yourself.

Even just spending 20 minutes on your finances every month can help you meet your goals and keep yourself financially accountable.

Having a plan in place will also make it easier to save money, pay off debts, and reach other personal financial goals. After all, what is life without proper planning?

The Bottom Line

Creating a financial strategy is beneficial to your personal finances, because it keeps you on track, helps you save more money, and makes reaching your goals easier.

The first step toward creating any strategy is to set attainable goals for yourself.

Then organize all of your expenses into categories so you can see where more of your money is going or what changes you can make to save.

Finally, talk with a financial advisor if you are having trouble creating your plan or if you just need some extra help getting started.

After all, it's better to be prepared than left in the dark!