Setting Yourself Up for Success: Three Smart Strategies to Help Keep Your Financial Resolutions
Do you make resolutions? Many people do. Unfortunately, many people find themselves "falling off the resolution wagon" within the first 2 months of the year. If you've made financial goals for this year (and I hope you have), I definitely don't want you to quit so here are three smart strategies to help you be successful with your financial resolutions:
1. Be clear about your goals. It's easy to say "I'm going to save money" or "I'm going to get out of debt". But, if you don't make this goal measurable then it's not only difficult to achieve, it's easy to quit. Create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time-Bound) goals for your financial life.
2. Write your goals down. Goals that aren't written down are just a thought - they aren't a commitment. Write them down and put them somewhere where you will see them every day. This will ensure you are reminded of the goal which will help you stick to it and get into action.
3. Share the goal with someone to hold you accountable. One of the best ways to achieve a goal is to share it with someone so they know what you are working towards. They can hold you accountable to reaching your achievements but they can also be a huge help when you feel stuck or frustrated. Not sure if a friend is the right way to go here? This is where financial coaching comes into play. A financial coach is not only an expert but they are also a neutral source of accountability, and inspiration.
Now get into action! Find something you can do right now to get closer to your goal immediately. This will build momentum, commitment, and excitement. Maybe you can put reminders in your calendar on your phone to check your debt and savings balances. Or, create a screen saver with the amount of debt you want to pay off. What if you setup an automatic savings plan today? What could you have for emergencies by the end of the year? I don’t know what moves you but be sure to do something now. It will make a difference later. If you need help sticking to your 2015 financial goals, I invite you to schedule a 30 minute free Resolution Call with me so we can discuss your goals for the year and how to achieve them.
