Financial planning for high net worth: Habits for success

Achieving a high net worth – having assets that significantly outweigh liabilities – is a dream for many. But building a high net worth isn't solely about a high income; it's about cultivating smart financial habits, prioritising saving, investing, and strategic money management.

To begin with, let’s clarify what is net worth. Net worth refers to the total value of your assets minus your liabilities. Assets include cash, investments, property, and things that generate income for you. Liabilities are debts like home loans, student loans, credit card balances, and anything that costs a lot to maintain. A high net worth indicates that your assets significantly outweigh your debts, providing financial security and freedom. But how do you get there? 

While the journey to wealth may look different for everyone, certain core principles consistently pave the way for wealth accumulation and thereby achieve financial prosperity. Let's explore this in detail.

Good financial habits for building wealth
 

Here are some key financial habits that can significantly contribute to building a high net worth:

• Live below your means

This might be the first step if you are pondering how to build long-term wealth. After getting a salary, prioritise savings before spending, followed by a pre-planned monthly budget allocation. Resist lifestyle inflation, where your spending increases as your income rises. Focus on needs over wants and avoid unnecessary debt. Here are a few ways of budgeting that prioritize savings:

 i. The 50/30/20 rule can be a good starting point but with adjustments. Housing costs might be higher than 50% for some, while essentials like transport and groceries may also take a larger chunk

ii. Some families incorporate traditional savings methods, such as investing in gold or chit funds (rotating savings schemes), into their budget alongside emergency funds

Ultimately, the key is to find a method that considers your income, fixed expenses, cultural savings preferences, and financial goals.

• Consistency is the key

Building a high net worth isn't about onetime windfalls or risky investments; it's about the steady, consistent practice of saving. By investing a portion of your income regularly, you harness the power of compound interest, allowing your money to grow exponentially over time. 

Automate contributions to monthly deposits, emergency funds, and investment portfolios for consistency. Start early to take advantage of compound interest to grow your wealth exponentially over time. This "set it and forget it" approach simplifies money management and helps you stay on track.

• Diversify your investments

Increasing one's net worth requires diversification, which involves spreading one's investments across different asset classes to mitigate risk. When one asset class experiences a downturn, another might perform well, protecting one's overall portfolio and preventing significant losses.

To mitigate risk, diversify your investments across multiple asset classes, such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, gold, real estate, and equities.

Fixed deposits guarantee returns and are risk-free, whereas investments in stocks and mutual funds carry varying degrees of risk based on market fluctuations. Other assets include sovereign gold bonds, physical gold, real estate and businesses.

Financial planning, which considers factors such as your risk appetite, liquidity requirements, time horizon and financial goals, is important before deciding on your investment vehicle.

• Pay off debt strategically

High-interest debt can significantly hinder wealth building.

i. Prioritise paying off credit card bills, and unsecured personal loans aggressively

ii. With every additional income at hand, consider part-paying the home loan or car loan, if you have any

Also, the interest rates on loans are higher than the returns on guaranteed returns investments like fixed deposits. If the rate of interest on a personal loan is 12%, while your mutual fund just fetches around 9% returns, you are still taking on a 3%cost. So, investing while you are still paying high interest depreciates wealth. Hence, always prioritise clearing your debts. 

• Financial planning

Set short and long-term goals (dream house, retirement, education). Regularly review your budget and investments, and plan to keep them aligned with your evolving needs. Be flexible and adapt your strategies as circumstances and economic factors change.

• Increase financial knowledge

Continuously educate yourself on financial concepts. Read books, listen to podcasts, and consult financial advisors as needed. They will equip you with ideas on how to build wealth and sustainably grow it. The more you understand money management, the more empowered you are to make informed financial decisions. By getting hands-on knowledge on investments, you cannot be duped into getting quick rich schemes. 

• Multiple income streams

Explore ways to generate additional income beyond your primary job. This could involve starting a side hustle, investing in rental properties, or pursuing freelance opportunities. Diversifying your income streams can significantly accelerate wealth creation. One income source can take care of your basic living expenses while another can be saved and invested to achieve that wealth feat.

By adopting these strategic and proven, good financial habits, you can set yourself on a path towards achieving financial security and reaching that high net worth status.

Grow your wealth with IDFC FIRST Bank Savings Account
 

An IDFC FIRST Bank Savings Account can be a valuable first step to building a high net worth. It fosters the habit of consistent saving, offering features like competitive interest rates, monthly interest credits, zero fees on all banking services, and access to an advanced mobile app with wealth building features such as ‘Connect all Banks’, Ace Mutual Funds, Investment monitoring and more.  This allows you to strategically invest in high-growth, wealth-building instruments.

Remember, wealth creation is a long-term journey, and a savings account serves as a launchpad for disciplined saving and further financial exploration.

In conclusion
 

Building a high net worth is a marathon, not a sprint. By consistently implementing these smart financial habits, you lay the foundation for long-term wealth creation. Remember, the key lies in consistent effort, smart financial planning, and a commitment to long-term financial goals. As you cultivate these habits and refine your financial strategy, you'll be well on your way to achieving financial security and reaching that coveted high net worth status.