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Celebrating 400 editions of Money Matters

Celebrating 400 editions of Money Matters

By Hayley Allen

Head: Corporate Affairs, Bank Windhoek

Last month marked the celebration of 400 editions of the Bank Windhoek Money Matters column. In 2006, Bank Windhoek took the lead with consumer education in Namibia when Money Matters was introduced as a bi-weekly column in three daily newspapers.

The Money Matters column was launched as an initiative to communicate matters of interest about our Bank and to discuss topical industry related issues with our clients and stakeholders. Since then, the Money Matters column has become synonymous with consumer education and has consistently been published since its conception.

Bank Windhoek is a proud member and supporter of the Financial Literacy Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Finance in March 2012. Financial literacy is the ability to make informed judgments and take effective decisions regarding the use and management of money. Bank Windhoek regards financial literacy and consumer education as critical to empower its clients to make the right financial choices.

Financial literacy can help you become financially independent by, understand the importance of managing personal and business finances, including planing budgeting, saving and making financial decisions. It helps by choosing the right financial products and services based on your needs and circumstances, by knowing financial institutions and what they can offer you and by knowing your rights and responsibilities as a consumer of financial products and services.

Following these practical steps to become financially empowered and independent: Take charge of your finances, take stock of your current financial situation and list all your assets and liabilities, take an honest look at your spending, saving, investment and debt management behavior, set your financial goals for the short, medium and long term, track your daily spending for a few months. Draw up a personal monthly budget and try to stick to it every month and be realist in terms of your month income and expenses and make provision for unforeseen expenses.

Plan for the future by drawing up a Will or amend your Will if your circumstance have changed. This will give you peace of mind that your loved ones will be able to cope financially upon your death. Plan for your retirement and enjoy your old age. If you do not belong to a Pension Fund you need to look at a Retirement Annuity Fund. Plan for your children’s future and start saving for their education from a young age. Use the services of financial advisor such as BW Fiancial Adivisors.

Manage your debt by distinguishing between your long term debt (home loan and vehicle finance) and short term debt (credit card purchases, overdraft). Avoid accruing more short term debt, do not spend more than you can afford. Try to reduce your expenses and to cut down on your spending. Pay of your short term debt as fast as you can. Rather pay of your debt or a part of your debt if you receive a bonus.

Take out Credit Life insurance on your long term debt. Maintain a good credit record and let your bank know if you are unable to repay a loans so that arrangements can be made.

At Bank Windhoek we would like to assist you to make informed and calculated decisions on your personal finances. Take a fresh look at your finances, make a decision to take charge of your finances and reap the benefits of being financially independent.


 

About The Author

Guest Contributor

A Guest Contributor is any of a number of experts who contribute articles and columns under their own respective names. They are regarded as authorities in their disciplines, and their work is usually published with limited editing only. They may also contribute to other publications. - Ed.