Whether you're an intern just starting out or established and settling into a new role, managing your finances is key to securing your confident future. Check out these essential tips and strategies from Gallagher's financial experts to help you navigate your financial journey.
Start by identifying short-term, medium-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals might include paying off student loans or saving for a vacation, while medium-term goals could involve purchasing a home or starting a family. Long-term goals often focus on retirement planning and wealth accumulation.
Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to define your goals clearly. Regularly review and adjust your goals as your circumstances change.
Begin by tracking your monthly income and categorising your expenses into fixed (e.g., mortgage, utilities) and variable (e.g., dining out, entertainment) costs.
Allocate a portion of your income towards savings, education and investments. Utilise budgeting tools and apps to simplify the process and ensure you stay on track. Remember, a well planned budget helps you avoid unnecessary debt and ensures you have funds available for emergencies and future investments.
Superannuation, or retirement savings, is a critical component of your financial plan. Take advantage of employer contributions and consider making additional voluntary contributions to boost your retirement savings.
Regularly review your superannuation fund's performance and fees and consider seeking advice from a financial adviser to ensure your superannuation strategy aligns with your retirement goals.
As a medical professional, you're exposed to unique occupational risks, it's important your insurance is tailored to address those risks, e.g., bloodborne disease and needlestick injury.
Income protection insurance can provide financial support if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Life insurance and total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance are also important to ensure your family's financial security in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Work with an experienced financial adviser who understands these unique challenges and can find policies that are specifically designed for medical professionals and offer comprehensive coverage.
Investment bonds are a popular option, offering tax advantages and flexibility. They allow you to invest in a range of assets and benefit from tax-deferred growth.
Additionally, consider incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into your investment decisions. ESG investments focus on companies that prioritise sustainability, ethical practices and social responsibility, aligning your investments with your values while potentially offering competitive returns.
Securing a confident financial future means planning for what lies ahead tomorrow and being proactive with strategies you can implement today. By considering a few practical strategies you can build a solid financial foundation and pave the way for success in your medical career, for more tailored advice, reach out to our team of expert advisers.
The information and any advice in this article does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. When considering whether to acquire a financial product, before making any decision, you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement.
This article may contain material provided by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. To the maximum extent permitted by law: no guarantee, representation or warranty is given that the information or advice in this newsletter is complete, accurate, up-to-date or fit for any purpose.
