From “Someday” to “Done”: Setting Real Financial Goals
How to Set Financial Goals That Actually Work Setting financial goals is the first and is one of the smartest things you can do for your money—and your peace of mind. Whether you're just starting out, trying to get back on track, saving for a house, paying off debt, or planning for retirement, having clear, actionable goals gives you a roadmap to follow and helps keep your spending in check. Start with Your "Why" Before you start crunching numbers and setting financial goals, ask yourself why you want to reach them. Are you looking to reduce financial stress? Save for your child’s education? Take control of your credit card debt? Do you want to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Save up for a big vacation? Buy a house? Pay off student loans? Knowing your motivation helps you stay committed, especially when temptation strikes or challenges arise. Make SMART Financial Goals A powerful method for creating effective financial goals is to use the SMART framework: Sp...