The Importance of Setting Financial Goals

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By Jacob Maslow

Financial goals are essential if you want to build wealth. They are the only way to build complete financial stability and independence. Whether you have short-term goals that are modest or long-term goals that are more ambitious, if you stay focused, you can go right. 

Short-term goals eventually lead to long-term financial goals because if, for instance, your goal is to clear your debt on your credit cards or overdraft, once this is accomplished, you can start saving to invest in a home or a good retirement plan. 

According to research, setting financial goals helps to increase your motivation and achievements. Therefore, your chances of achieving financial success are magnified if you don’t deviate too far from your set path. 

These are the most important considerations you need to consider as you plan for financial security for you and your family. 

1.      Define your plan

Set your financial goals in a way that outlines what you want to achieve. Think about how you define success and how you plan to get there. A defined plan will also indicate how much you need to save to invest in achieving these goals. 

When you have clear expectations of what you aim to achieve, it is easier to focus, whether you have a short-term goal for a summer vacation or a long-term plan to ensure a comfortable retirement. 

Writing your financial goals down makes it easier to stick to your budget. 

2.      Create a timeframe

To achieve your goals a timeframe is vital to achieve your goals. You get closer to an investment goal if you invest more into a mutual fund than planned.

A time frame is one of the greatest ways of ensuring you stay on track. When you check how well you are doing, you feel more motivated. 

3.      Include many finish lines

Knowing the period in which you want to accomplish your financial goals is essential. It feels great to cross the finish line for each goal. 

If you are saving toward putting money down for a home and have planned to have the money over 3 years, then break it down into yearly amounts and then monthly amounts that way, you cross a finish line every month, year, and then at the end of the three years. 

4.      Importance of money management

You don’t need to change your life drastically or cut down on everything. Instead, start by setting a budget according to your income. 

First, deduct the amount you want to set toward your financial goal and then plan your living expenses from the remaining amount. Next, see where you spend unnecessary amounts and start cutting from there. For example, you will be amazed at how much you can save by cutting subscriptions to magazines or TV providers you don’t even read or watch. 

Additionally, any money you pay into your credit cards immediately reduces the interest you pay, freeing a bigger chunk of your income for your financial goals.

Or a smart move is to build a TV plan that suits your budget. Then, visit REV to understand more about their TV services. 

Besides saving money and cutting expenses, there are other ways that you can try and achieve your goal. For example, contemplate finding additional resources or earning extra money. The gig economy provides many opportunities. 

5.      Consider using financial tools

Some great online financial tools help you reach your financial goals. Some are free from Google Play or the App Store, while others have a subscription or download fee. 

If you need extra motivation, these can provide it because they help you save and invest your money. They help because they have alerts and goal ticklers and can also help you define your goals and time plan. 

Most Important financial goals

Creating a financial budget that you adhere to is one of the most important financial goals. After that, paying off credit card debt and creating an emergency fund is vital. 

According to the experts, an emergency fund is an amount set aside as a reserve and should cover your expenses for at least 3 months. When in June 2020, unemployment shot up to 20% because of COVID-19, many people were left without an income. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans don’t have more than $400 in savings. 

After that, start saving for your retirement, a down payment for a home, and your children’s education. 

Finally, improve your credit score so that any transactions requiring a loan will ensure that you get a lower interest rate. 

Plan and prioritize, and all these are achievable. 

 

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