Posted on March 8, 2009 - by Helmi Hakim

Savings’ Objectives If You Are In Your Early 20’s…

Photo from Helmi Hakim Blog

As you know, in my profession as a financial associate, I get to do financial planning for a lot of people.

It is a special privilege for me, as directly or indirectly, I get to see EXPLICITLY on how the rich and the poor managed their finance.

I realised, its not really how much you earned, that matters. Rather, it is how much you SAVED. One of the tools that enables me to see vividly, interpret the current financial standing of my clients, is the usage of cashflow statement.

I feel sad that a lot of people out there, GROSSLY mismanaged their finance…especially the young ones…. (my age group)

They got the concept, “Why need to save? Got money…ENJOY first….Savings? Do it later!”

They dine REGULARLY at places like Swensen, like Eatzy where it is “normal” to pay $30 for a single meal and drink coffee at places like Starbucks, like Coffee Bean where average cup of coffee cost $7. (You can go on weekly basis with your friends and families, but certainly NOT AND NEVER everydayla)

It is OKAY for them to pay to club, enjoying the occasional “booze”, yet “savings” seems like a jargon to the ear.

These detrimental pitfalls are really doing BAD for many. If you are in your 20s, let me elucidate to you, what will soon be your IMMEDIATE financial commitments in the NEAR future. You got to start planning!

1) Marriage

You need to set aside (depending on your race), at least $30,000 for marriage.

2) House

You need to set aside 20% downpayment for your house. For a 4 room HDB flat which cost $300,000, you need $60,000. You gotta asked yourself, how long will you want to stay with your parents? Read more…

Related posts:

1. Life time savings
2. Insufficient savings? No wonder with poor insurance returns
3. Financial Planning (1) – How much to save?