Thinking ahead: five things to do right now 

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

Thinking ahead: five things to do right now 

One minute, we are sitting in Kindergarten, hoping to be a grown up. The next, we are a grown up and wishing that time would slow down a little bit. The older we get, the more responsibilities we seem to gain. So, in order to prepare for the road ahead, we offer our top five things we believe you need to do right now. 

Start saving 

Whether you save for a rainy day or a once in a lifetime vacation to New Zealand, make sure you start saving immediately. With the ever-rising cost of living, we will always find ourselves in need of an extra chunk of money here and there. Saving before you are ready to embark on a trip or before you actually need a new washing machine means that you have a certain degree of flexibility. This means less stress in the long run – something we are all hoping for! 

Stop buying 

How many times have you stepped into a store, seen a flamingo patterned cushion and bought it on a whim? Well, maybe not that exact example, but similar things probably happen all the time. You get the item home and realise it does not match anything at all. In fact, you regret the purchase, but convince yourself that eventually it will work. Becoming a hoarder of unwanted items is most definitely not what you want your future to look like. Before making any purchases, consider how much you actually like it and also if you really need it. 

Cover yourself with insurance 

It isn’t nice to think about if the worst were to happen, but it is important. Being landed with a huge healthcare bill would not be welcome. A little upset and discomfort now rather than distress and frustration at a later date would surely be preferable. Do make sure that you research the company with whom you take out a policy though. Recently, we have heard of many disability insurance companies whose methods leave a lot to be desired.  

Write down your goals 

We all have aspirations. Some of us believe that they are distant dreams; others do their utmost to achieve them. Writing down your goals and considering routes that could be taken in order to achieve them can make them feel a little more tangible. Having something down on paper can make you feel more accountable, giving you a greater chance of achieving what you would like to. This could be career-related or focused on your future with regard to a family or relationship. 

Make memories 

 Although health and wealth are both important, so is making memories. You can never turn back the time and relive a moment for a second time. In ten or twenty years’ time, you will probably be considering what you’ve achieved. Remembering a day of discovery in the woods with your family or a weekend in a log cabin with friends could well remind you that you are living your best life.