From buying a house to saving for retirement, all financial goals require planning. Without a detailed map of how to get there, any goal is doomed to fail. Here are a few quick tips to help you achieve your goals!
Write down your goals.
Studies show that writing out your goals will help you stay accountable. It also helps you clarify what you really want. You can’t work towards a goal if it’s not fully formed. Keep your written goals where you’ll see them on a regular basis.
Break your goals into smaller pieces.
No large task can be accomplished in a single step. Break them down into smaller pieces. Come up with a realistic timeframe to achieve each step. For example, saving for retirement can seem a large task. Calculate the amount you need to retire and then break that into how much you’ll need to save in a year and then a month. Don’t focus on the large number at the end. Just focus on meeting the smaller goal each month.
Make a budget around your goal.
Making a budget is a great first step to meeting any financial goal. All you need is a pen and a piece of paper to start. First, determine your income. Then determine your monthly expenses. Finally, determine exactly where your money will go for the next month. The idea is simple: ensure that your total income minus total expenses equals 0. If you have more than 0 left, that is money you can save!
Review and track your actual progress.
The best plan in the world won’t help you if you can’t track your actual progress. Every month examine your budget to determine if you need to make any adjustments. Every year, review how much closer you are to your long term goals.