Money can be such a taboo topic for most people. Let’s make 2018 the year where we can get rid of those taboos and make the topic of money something we can talk about in the open. Now that the holidays are over and life starts to slow down, it’s a good time to reevaluate your personal and financial goals.
Most people have goals and resolutions in mind and what they want to do, but that’s about it. One simple tip you can use is to write down your goals and create a plan of action. You’re more likely to accomplish a goal if it’s written down and who doesn’t like checking things off a list?
The more specific you are with your goals, the more likely you are to accomplish them. Make sure they are achievable, measurable, and with a timestamp. That way, you have no reason not achieve them.
Below is a guide from Earnest, a company where you can refinance student loans, breaking down some attainable money goals by quarter or check out this refinancing student loan calculator. Some of my goals for 2018 include creating a savings plan for my family and I, only buy what we absolutely need at the grocery store, and limit us to eating out once a week. It’s easy to keep track of your spending habits with simple excel sheets or even apps like Mint or Personal Capital which are handy right on your smartphone!
Gail Proctor says
Great article. I like how you have split things in quarters – based on the financial development that is likely happening in that quarter. This year, I am focusing on forming habits, so this is timely. I want to be able to stick to whatever I commit to for a period of time, to train myself to start something and finish it. My first priority is to put 10% of my income into savings and grow it from there.