Medical science is a respected field wherein professionals help individuals to take care of their health. But, what about their finances?
Medical professionals are extremely busy individuals who have very limited time to take care of their finances. Moreover, many of them might also not understand the technical concepts of finance and wealth management. This makes it hard for them to manage their finances and portfolios.
So, if you too are a medical practitioner, here are some ways to manage finances easily –
Tip #1: Keep a track of all your receipts
Medical practitioners are usually self-employed professionals who run their own practice. So, if you too have your practice, keep a track of all the receipts that you get from your patients. Try and deposit your receipts in your bank account. This would create a good inflow of cash which would be helpful when you seek loans.
Moreover, if you also attend a hospital, you might be getting a regular fixed salary. Get this salary credited into your bank account to increase your net income. This would help you consolidate your portfolio and as your income increases, it would become easier for you to avail a loan as well.
Tip #2: Make a budget and stick to it
Every time as the month starts, make a monthly budget of the expected expenses. Your income would not be guaranteed, but you can estimate your expenses. Keep your expenses limited and try and stick to the budget. When you have a credit card, keep track of your spending and don’t overspend. If you get a big credit card bill, it might prove difficult to pay off, especially in months when your receipts were limited.
Tip #3: Don’t just save, invest the money as well
The surplus income that is left in your hands after meeting your expenses should not sit idle in your bank account. You should invest your savings into different investment avenues. This would help you get good returns and maximize your wealth.
Choose from the best investment avenues like fixed deposits, PPF, post office deposits, NSC, mutual funds, equity stocks, gold, etc. Mix and match the different investment avenues to create a well-diversified financial portfolio. Your portfolio should not only yield good returns but would also minimize your investment risks.
Tip #4: Plan your taxes
It is very important to plan your taxes so that you don’t end up paying a major portion of your income on tax. Invest in tax-saving avenues. Check which incomes are tax-free.
Some of your expenses might also incur tax benefits. You should, therefore, check which expenses can be used for reducing your total income. When you do so, you can reduce your tax liability.
Tip #5: Manage your debts efficiently
You might have debts to your name like credit card debts, any type of loan or debts payable to your creditors. Manage your debts in an efficient manner. Pay off the high-interest debts, like credit card debts, personal loans, etc., first. Then take care of the other debts that you have. Always borrow within your means. If you have multiple debts, consolidate them into one which would be easier to service. Even though you are a medical professional with limited financial knowledge, these are some of the basic steps which you can take and manage your finances. If you have a doubt, seek the help of financial professionals. Make sure to manage your finances for achieving financial freedom.
Read Also: 7 Financial Tips for Medical Professionals