Three friends named Daina, Nadia, and Dani started a financial journey to attain their dreams. They realised the importance of setting financial goals early on, and they were determined to make their dreams a reality.
Significance of financial goals
Financial goals are like guiding stars that lead us toward a brighter future. They endow us with a purpose for investing and saving surplus funds. Financial goals can be classified into three kinds – long-term, mid-term and short-term.
Long-term Goals
These are dreams that take more than five years to achieve. Nadia aspired to buy a house, and Daina planned for her children’s higher education.
Mid-term goals
Such goals have an investment horizon ranging anywhere between three and five years. Dani envisions buying a new 4-wheeler within this time period.
Short-term goals
Such goals can be attained within three years. For example, Daina’s short-term financial goal was to go on a trip to Kerala while Nadia aimed to renovate her kitchen.
Benefits of creating a corpus for financial goals
Before diving into how they used online financial calculators to achieve their goals, let’s explore why building a corpus is essential –
Mental peace
It reduces financial stress and brings peace of mind.
Financial security
Having a corpus provides a safety net during emergencies.
Retirement planning
It helps secure your retirement years.
Wealth accumulation
A corpus grows over time, allowing you to accumulate wealth.
Asset acquisition
You can buy assets like a house or a car.
Education funding
Provides for your children’s education.
Fulfilling dreams
It enables you to fulfil your dreams and aspirations.
Travel adventures
Funds for travel adventures like Daina’s trip to Kerala.
Financial independence
You become financially independent.
Home renovation
Allows for home improvements like Nadia’s kitchen renovation.
Now, let’s see how Daina, Nadia, and Dani leveraged the power of online financial calculators to achieve these goals.
Using online financial calculators –
Daina, Nadia, and Dani discovered the incredible benefits of using online financial calculators to chart their financial path –
Goal customisation
You can customise calculations for your specific goals. Each person’s financial goals are unique, and online calculators allow you to tailor your calculations accordingly. Whether you’re saving for a child’s education, a dream vacation, or retirement, you can input your specific parameters, such as the target amount and time frame, to get a personalised plan.
Accuracy
Online financial calculators provide accurate calculations, ensuring you stay on track. This accuracy is crucial because it prevents financial errors. Whether you’re calculating your monthly savings, investment returns, or tax liabilities, you can rely on these calculators to provide precise figures, which is vital for making informed financial decisions.
Easy accessibility
Online calculators are easily accessible on various financial websites and mobile apps. This accessibility means that individuals like Daina, Nadia, and Dani can quickly access these tools whenever they need them. They don’t have to visit a financial advisor or go through complex procedures; the calculators are just a click away, making financial planning more convenient.
Savings planning
Online calculators help in setting up a disciplined savings plan. They assist you in determining how much you need to save regularly to reach your financial goals. This structured approach promotes financial discipline and ensures that you consistently contribute towards your objectives.
Tax planning
Online calculators enable you to calculate the tax implications of your investments. Tax planning is a critical aspect of financial management. These calculators consider tax rules and exemptions, allowing you to optimise your investments for tax efficiency, ultimately increasing your after-tax returns.
Risk assessment
You can assess the risks involved, especially when considering investment options like ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans). Calculators often include risk assessment tools that help you understand the potential upsides and downsides of different investment choices. This empowers you to make risk-aware decisions aligned with your risk tolerance.
Inflation consideration
Adjust for inflation to maintain the goal’s value. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Online calculators factor in inflation rates, ensuring that your financial goals are adjusted for rising prices, thus preserving the real value of your investments.
Goal Prioritisation
Online calculators help in prioritising your goals. When you have multiple financial objectives, these tools assist you in determining which goals to prioritise based on their importance, time sensitivity, and feasibility.
Investment options
You can explore various investment options and their returns. These calculators often provide insights into different investment instruments, such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, stocks, and ULIPs. By comparing potential returns, you can make informed choices that align with your financial goals.
Time horizon
Determines the time needed to achieve your goals. Calculating the time horizon is crucial for goal setting. It helps you understand whether your objectives are short-term or long-term and guides your investment strategies accordingly.
ULIP calculator
Specifically, for ULIPs, it aids in understanding returns and benefits. ULIPs combine insurance and investment components, and their returns can be complex to assess. A dedicated ULIP calculator simplifies this process, allowing you to comprehend the potential returns and insurance coverage provided by these plans.
Portfolio diversification
Online calculators often suggest diversified investment strategies. Diversification helps spread risk and potentially enhances returns. These calculators recommend allocations across different asset classes, helping you create a well-balanced investment portfolio.
Realistic expectations
Sets realistic expectations for your goals. Online calculators provide projections based on realistic assumptions, helping you set achievable financial goals. This prevents overambitious targets that may lead to disappointment.
Goal tracking
Helps in tracking your progress towards your goals. Monitoring your financial progress is essential. Online calculators often include tracking features, allowing you to see how close you are to achieving your goals and make adjustments as needed.
Savings targets
Calculate the amount you need to save regularly. Setting savings targets is crucial for achieving your goals. These calculators determine the required monthly or annual savings amount, making it easier to budget and manage your finances.
Ending note
As time passed, Daina enjoyed her Kerala vacation, Nadia flaunted her renovated kitchen, and Dani proudly drove his new car. Nadia even started her journey towards buying a house.
These three pals showed that with the correct financial planning and the utilisation of financial calculators, anyone can attain their goals. Whether it is a long-term retirement plan or a short-term vacation trip, online financial calculators can be your reliable pal on your journey to attaining financial success.