Dussehra 2023: 10 Financial Habits to Kill This Dussehra

Dussehra or Vijayadashami, the festival symbolising the triumph of good over evil, is a perfect time to reflect on your financial habits and eliminate those that may be impacting your financial well-being. It’s time to conquer your financial demons. In this article, we’ll explore 10 common financial habits that you should bid adieu to this Dusshera to ensure a prosperous financial future.

1. Overspending – The Impulse Buying Monster

Overspending might provide momentary satisfaction, but it comes at a high cost. The consequences can include financial stress, debt accumulation, and savings decline. This can lead to financial stress as you struggle to meet your basic requirements and may fall into high-interest debt traps. Also, overspending leaves little room for savings or investments, potentially leading to missed opportunities for your money to grow and secure your financial future. 

This Dussehra, overcome your overspending habit with diligence and commitment. Create a budget and recognise triggers for your overspending habit. Set new savings goals and embrace a new financial mindset.

2. Neglecting Emergency Funds – Facing Financial Vulnerability

A lack of an emergency fund can leave you financially vulnerable. Life’s unexpected events like medical emergencies, car repairs, or job loss can strike anytime. During such unplanned situations, not having a financial cushion can push you into debt. 

Only an emergency fund can come to your rescue during such difficult times. Maintain an emergency fund to shield yourself from financial crisis. You must have at least 3 months of your monthly salary set aside as an emergency fund. This financial shield will protect you during unexpected adversities.

3. Ignoring Debt – The Burden Beast

Neglecting debt can have severe consequences. The longer you ignore it, the more interest accrues and the harder it becomes to manage. Late payments can damage your credit score, making it challenging to get essential loans like home loans or business loans in the future. 

You can overcome this by listing down your existing debts. Sort these debts according to their interest rates. Create a structured repayment plan, set a budget to clear the debts, and consider seeking professional help if necessary. Most importantly, stick to your plan without any distractions. 

4. Neglecting Investments – The Opportunity Evader

When you neglect investments, you miss out on the opportunity to grow your wealth over time. Your money remains idle, not working for you to generate returns. This inactivity can hinder your financial goals, especially long-term objectives like retirement planning, wealth accumulation, and financial security. 

Therefore, don’t neglect investments anymore. Start by setting clear financial goals. Develop an investment strategy aligned with your objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consider consulting a financial advisor to create a diversified investment portfolio that suits your needs. Regularly review and adjust your investments to ensure they align with your goals. By taking a proactive approach to investing, you can secure your financial future and work towards your aspirations. You can start investing in mutual funds with an SIP of just ₹100. 

Download the Angel One app and learn about various investment options like stocks, mutual funds, SIPs, etc.

5. Avoiding Financial Education – The Ignorance Demon

Understanding financial matters is very important to lead a peaceful life financially. Neglecting to educate yourself about financial matters can have bad consequences. You can make wrong decisions concerning your finances, which can lead to money loss. 

Start by dedicating time to learning about personal finance. Know how you can make your money work for you. You can seek guidance from professionals. Gradually, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

6. Not Setting Financial Goals – The Aimlessness 

Lack of financial goals can lead to aimless financial decisions. You may struggle to save your money and end up with unnecessary expenses. Without any target, you may not be able to understand how much money you need and how to spend. 

Define clear objectives for saving and investing, such as buying a home, funding your child’s education, or planning for retirement. These goals will guide your financial journey.

7. Ignoring Insurance – The Risk Neglector

Neglecting insurance is like leaving yourself exposed to risk. During unforeseen circumstances, you will end up spending your savings or emergency funds due to the lack of insurance. It’s crucial to address your insurance needs to shield yourself and your family from unexpected financial burdens. 

This Dussehra ensures you have adequate health, life, and property insurance to protect your family and assets in case of unforeseen circumstances.

8. Neglecting Retirement Planning – The Golden Years Ignored

Many people tend to overlook retirement planning, believing it’s too early to think about it or that they have time. However, neglecting retirement planning can have serious consequences. Without a proper retirement savings strategy, individuals risk outliving their savings, compromising their quality of life in their golden years. 

Though there is no specific time to start planning for your retirement funds, it is always better to start early. Therefore, learn about retirement options and start contributing regularly to retirement accounts. Proper retirement planning ensures a comfortable and worry-free retirement phase.

9. Not Monitoring Your Finances – The Neglectful Nuisance

Ignoring your financial situation is akin to allowing problems to grow unchecked. Regularly monitor your financial progress by reviewing your bank statements, investment portfolio, and credit reports. Make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

10. Procrastination – The Demon of Delay

Delaying your financial decisions can have disastrous consequences. Avoid procrastination when it comes to investing, saving, or paying off debts. Start today to reap the benefits in the future.

Conclusion

This Dussehra, eliminate the given financial habits and start on a new financial journey that can help you achieve financial success. Make this festive season a turning point in your finances, and let prosperity be your ultimate reward.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations.