Action Plan: Set SMART Goals

Getting what you want doesn't always come easily. Chances are, you'll have to work to reach your goal. Achieving what you want financially -- whether saving to buy a house or for a fun vacation -- requires the same planning, perseverance and know-how.

Goal-setting is pretty simple. A goal is something that you are willing to work for. You can get what you want by planning AND following the plan. Setting achievable -- and SMART -- goals is your first step to success. SMART goals are: 

• Specific The more specific your goal, the easier it is to understand what you need to achieve.
• Measurable With a dollar amount to your goals, you have a built-in way of measuring your progress toward that goal and something tangible to work toward.
• Attainable Your goals should be a challenge, yet not so challenging as to be impossible to meet.
• Rewarding How are you going to feel when you've reached it?
• Time-bound You have to choose a reasonable timeframe for the achievement of your goals. 

Compare the two sets of goals below. The general goals simply state what you hope or want without specifics to help you along. The SMART goals provide you with specific and measurable targets to work toward both in terms of a dollar amount and timeframe.

When setting financial goals, it's important to understand the types of goals you are trying to achieve. In general, there are three types of financial goals, all distinguished by the time it would likely take to achieve them. One of your first goals should be saving for an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. It is always important to keep that emergency fund on your radar as you're working toward achieving other financial goals.

Once you've set your financial goals, achieving them requires planning to get to where you want to be. Take these steps to get going:

1. Set your goals. Figure out what you want to achieve and what it will take, financially speaking, to achieve it.
2. Plan the time and savings level to achieve your goals: Goals take time and effort. Set a realistic timetable and a savings level that you can keep up.
3. Stick to the plan.
   • Write down your goals
   • Place reminders where you'll see them every day
   • Use constant, positive motivation
   • Draw support from friends and family

Set SMART Goals Worksheet

Use the worksheet below to help you outline your goals and a plan to achieve them.

Source: InCharge Education Foundation