Reflections
Here’s How to Budget with Value Investing Principles
Written by Chris Susanto
Founder of Re-ThinkWealth.com and VIM (Value Investing Mentorship™)
Who is this article for:
For professionals looking to be better at managing and thinking about their personal finances.
For a lot of people, budgeting their finances feels like a chore.
In this article, I will share my thought process on how we view budgeting using value investing philosophies.
Budgeting can be more than scrimping and saving every cent of our money.
Budgeting can be a strategic investment for our future, just like an investment in the right company in the stock market.
Core principles of budgeting
Playing the long game, delayed gratification and building a margin of safety are some of the core principles of budgeting using a value investing point of view.
They can be surprisingly applicable to our personal finances, transforming budgeting from a tedious task into a rewarding exercise in wealth building.
#1: Income = Investment Capital
Think of our income as our investment capital. And analyze our expenses like our portfolio holdings.
Are there expenses that do not add value to our lives?
Are these expenses a good investment for our future?
#2: Invest in Yourself
Just like value investors consistently update and educate themselves on analyzing companies and improving their strategies, personal finance enthusiasts should also commit to lifelong learning.
The best investment will ultimately be in ourselves, our knowledge and experience.
Upskill through courses, invest in health or pursue hobbies to enrich your life.
These “investments” offer long-term returns you may not see immediately, such as better prospects, better health or greater happiness.
#3: Delay Gratification
Spending pressure is real.
But remember, compounding happens over time.
Prioritize needs over wants and set long-term savings/wealth goals.
Avoid impulse purchases.
The temporary sacrifice for instant gratification is planting the seed for greater financial freedom in the future.
Just like how value investing advocates for a patient, long-term approach to investing, budgeting also requires a long-term perspective and patience.
And that requires delayed gratification.
#4 Build Margin of Safety
Budgeting and savings should also employ the margin of safety principles, like investments.
Unexpected expenses can happen.
Have an emergency fund, which is a buffer to life’s curveballs.
Do you have a minimum of 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses parked aside? This is so we do not dip into investments or incur debt during emergencies.
#5: Track Your Progress
Do you know whether you are wisely deploying your money at any given time?
Can you optimize it?
Tracking your progress and making adjustments when needed can help you stay motivated and on track to your financial goals.
Remember, we need to track our progress so we can budget well. And budgeting are often seen as one of the roadmap to financial success.
Beyond the Numbers
Remember, budgeting is not just about the numbers.
It’s building a life you love with the money you have.
It’s about designing our financial future.
Employing value investing philosophies for budgeting will reduce your stress and anxiety.
You will also be more empowered to make conscious choices about your money, fostering security and, ultimately, freedom.
Agree?
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational and general information purposes only and is not intended to be personalized investment or financial advice. We make no promises as to the accuracy or usefulness of the information we present.
Important: Please read our full disclaimer.
Disclosure:
I/we have no stock, option, or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
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About the writer
Chris Susanto is the Founder of Re-ThinkWealth.com and VIM. He is also a Board Member and Vice Chairman at Bansea and an Independent Director of Bansea Fund 2. Bansea is Asia’s oldest angel investment network, founded in 2001.
Some of the places where Chris has been invited to speak or has added value as a mentor or writer include Singapore Polytechnic, SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE), Seedly TV, Dollars and Sense, The New Savvy, Value Walk Blog, Investment Moats, NUS Tembusu College, NUS Investment Society, CGS-CIMB Singapore, Singapore Financial Conference by NTU IIC, The Financial Coconut Podcast, Money FM 89.3 and Internationally in Myanmar. He is also a part of the SMU BFI (Business Families Institute) network.
Chris also runs an investment education company called VIM/Value Investing Mentorship™. If you are interested in building your skill as a long-term stock investor, learn more about us and arrange a discovery call here.
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