Do you want financial health? The first step toward achieving healthy finances is setting goals. Having a goal in mind will help you stay on track and move you toward your destination faster. Here’s how to set and keep financial goals.
1. Write it down
It won’t be enough to keep a mental checklist of the financial goals you want to reach. Start by writing down what you would like to accomplish. Make a separate list of short-term goals and long-term goals. Once you see what you want to achieve with your money, it will give you the motivation you need to move forward. You can go one step further and create a financial freedom vision board. Include pictures of the financial goals you want to accomplish so that you can have an image to refer to every time you check your bank account or balance your monthly budget. For example, if you want to be debt free in three years, post a picture of someone who is looking at a credit card statement with a zero balance.
2. Be realistic
It will be difficult to reach your financial goals if you set the bar too high. Make sure to aim within your financial reach. For example, if you set a goal to save 15% of your income, but you’re drowning in debt, you may want to lower that percentage so you’ll have enough left over to pay your bills and meet basic living expenses without significant strain. When it comes to saving money, start out slow and stay within your ability. If you try to do too much too soon, you’ll only set yourself up for disappointment. Consequently, you’ll be more likely to give up prematurely. Set small, reachable goals.
3. Get support
Sticking to your financial goals will be easier (and more fun) if you ask a friend or family member to hold you accountable for sticking to your plan. You can check in with each other monthly or quarterly to go over your progress. Make your check-ins fun by meeting in person over coffee or lunch. This way, keeping on top of your financial goals won’t feel like work. Managing your finances can be fun, but it’s up to you.
4. Ask for help
If you find that it is extremely difficult to stick to your plan and you’re actually falling further behind with your goals, it’s time to ask a financial professional for help. A certified financial planner can assist you with finding the right financial plan of attack so that you can regain your footing. If you’re in a spot where your debts are getting out of control, you may also want to consider meeting with a certified credit counselor. If appropriate for your situation, he or she can develop a debt management plan and help you start paying back what you owe.
