When it comes to our finances, it’s so tempting to have it all today – we just can’t seem to help ourselves.
According to our research1, almost half of UK adults (49%) believe the modern world has given them a ‘want it now’ attitude – choosing instant gratification, over long-term satisfaction.
Explore: Want it now? It may cost you
Millennials are a good example of a ‘have it now’ generation. Born between 1980 and 2000, they are the first generation of digital natives, with access to all the information they need.
On one hand, they have a world of financial information, education and advice at their fingertips. And on the other, they may feel pressure to compare and compete with what they see on social media:
better holidays
smarter mobiles
designer clothes
cosmetic tweaks
faster gaming
Following the global financial crisis – a time of low wages and very low interest rates – it’s easy to see how this generation could be swayed to spend, rather than save. And they’re not the only ones.
It’s not a lack of education, information or professional advice that holds us back – it’s us.
We find it difficult to share our thoughts and worries about money. It’s easy to lose perspective and develop a skewed view of our finances. For example, you may feel:
ashamed – believing your friends are richer, happier and more successful than you are
disconnected – thinking investing for the future is something other people do
afraid of change – finding new opportunities more threatening than exciting
It can be easier to believe our own excuses rather than change the way we think.
It’s good to talk. There are many benefits that come with talking about money and engaging with your long-term finances. And we’re not just talking financial benefits, there are personal wellbeing benefits too.
It can help you:
Once you stop worrying about keeping up with everyone else’s life goals, you can focus on your own. From holiday adventures to a new business endeavour – once you know what you want, you can put a financial plan in place to make it happen.
When you bottle something up, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety over time. Especially, when it’s to do with your finances. Many people feel this way – you’re not alone.
No matter what your financial situation looks like, support is available. And talking to someone you trust can help you take action and feel more confident.
There are all sorts of saving and investing tips out there. The more you talk about money matters, the more opportunities you’ll have to share with, and learn from, others.
Talking of investing, we know it isn’t for everyone. There are fees involved and you may not get back what you put in. Yet despite that, it could also give your money its best potential to grow. If you know anyone who invests, why not ask them how they got started?
Explore: New to investing
Like any first date, it can be awkward making the first move on your long-term finances. Don’t worry, your future self is cheering you on.
Here are a few things you can do:
Easy to access and free to use, you’ll find online calculators for everything, from savings and investments to interest rates and retirement planning.
Great for: quickly working out your options.
Top tip. Try our investment calculator to see your money’s investment potential.
Creating an action plan can make your financial life clearer and simpler. It will help you work out what your money is doing for you right now, and how you could make it work harder for you in the future.
Great for: serious peace of mind.
Top tip. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, find out what you can be doing now to give yourself a head start.
If you’re not sure how and where to invest your money, a trusted financial adviser could be a great place to start. With HSBC, you can choose from an online or face-to-face service. Our advice involves a one-off fee and eligibility criteria apply.
Great for: confidence and support.
Top tip. HSBC’s online investment advice is no obligation – you’ll only pay if you take our advice.
