Financial resilience

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on economies around the world gives pause for thought when it comes to thinking about our own financial fitness and resilience.

Financial stress is known to negatively impact relationships, health and overall wellbeing, which can include an increased sense of insecurity and having to routinely make tough choices due to finances.

COVID-19 has amplified this stress for many people right around the world, as people adjust to reduced hours of working, perhaps supporting family or friends who have lost their job or dealing with job loss themselves.

Converge International – a global provider of workplace assistance, health and wellbeing programs – offers some practical advice and insights from Dr Vinita Godinho, an internationally-recognised leader in the world of inclusive finance, on how to build financial resilience using the refocus, refresh and restart framework.

The framework is a useful approach to use now, and in non-pandemic times.

Refocus – research and understand what help is available

Everyone responds differently to shocks. Take some time to reflect on what the ‘new normal’ means for you.

What are the financial risks emerging from COVID-19? What steps can you implement to minimise them?

Many governments around the world have introduced specific welfare payments and relief schemes to assist income-affected people through this pandemic.

In addition, financial lenders and utility providers are easing some of their fees and providing increased debt repayment options. The community, charity and NGO sectors, globally, have ramped up their emergency services and welfare programs.

It’s important to review and understand what is currently on offer, Dr Godinho says. If you do not feel confident doing this yourself, seek out a trusted advisor or friend to help you understand what you may be entitled to.

Refresh

You may need to accept and start making financial choices that you haven’t had to make before – and this applies to everything, from purchases at the grocery store to utilities and other bills.

Draw up a list of outgoings, what’s necessary and what help is available.

Assess and prioritise what expenses can be eliminated, what can be reduced or acted upon, and set out a plan to achieve this.

Review your current financial products and services – are they best suiting your needs or could there be other options available?

“Instead of thinking ‘I’ll never cope with this’ realise that this is an opportunity to develop positive, life-changing financial behaviours, especially disciplined saving, spending and borrowing habits,” Dr Godinho says.

Restart

Now’s time to activate your plan.

“Taking small steps to change two daily financial habits – regular saving (no matter how small) and not borrowing for daily expenses, has the biggest influence on financial wellbeing,” Dr Godinho says.

Studies show that budgeting (even informally), controlling your spending, planning ahead and being willing to seek advice – whether from a trusted mentor or paid advisor – also significantly improve wellbeing and reduce stress.

Proactively manage your financial products – compare options and shop for the best deals, check your coverage, set limits and automatic reminders – to minimise your financing costs. Plan for the future, including superannuation, retirement planning and other products to cover costs as you age.

An important priority is to proactively manage debt, so if you can’t pay your bills, then you need to negotiate with utility and other providers for extensions.

Don’t think you’re the only one – there are thousands of people around the world in this position.

Build your savings and community connections

If you’re in a position to, build some savings in a separate fund. Experts suggest aiming for 3-6 months of household expenses.

Studies show that building your social networks, identifying the support you can access, and knowing where to go to for help, can significantly improve financial wellbeing.