Are you ready for this week’s task? Well, remember when we mentioned that as part of this 52-Week Take Back Your Finances Challenge, the first couple of weeks would be used to lay a foundation as you prepare to dominate your finances and become the boss of your money while ultimately telling your money what it will do (and not the other way around)?
Well, like any great boss, you have to have a plan, set goals and understand what you are working towards while you hit the road running. In fact it is like running as well. How would you like to start some unknown run across a landscape and not know how far you were going? You probably wouldn’t make it far at all! But if you know, “Hey, I am running 13 miles on this journey” you can pace yourself, your body and your ability to actually reach the finish line. Or if you’re dying at the thought of trying to run that long of a distance, if you plan ahead and set your goal that in 6 months I am planning to run 13 miles” you can take the steps now and work up to preparing for that big day.
Being successful with your money is much the same! Not knowing where you are going, what your are working towards, what you need, or what you already have the capability to do is going to mean defeat early on; it will mean that your money is in charge again. DON’T LET THIS BE YOU!
So, for this second week, get in the driver’s seat and lay out your goals. We do this every year! It is always a smart and great idea to set these annual goals. It’s motivating, it’s encouraging (even if your situation seems hopeless you can set goals to help you start moving towards hope), and it’s a visual reminder of what you are working towards. Plus it’s going to become your road map!
How to set financial goals
Well, we have also made this really easy on you because we have the form that you can print out and answer the questions, so that your goals – short and long term – are laid out and planned in a reasonable amount of time. In fact, we are giving you a week to do this, but once you actually sit down to do this, it should only take a few minutes.
For those of you that are married and/or have older kids, sit down as a family and do this! The spouse and kids need to be a part of the goal setting and planning so that the whole family can work towards those goals. It’s not just you spending the money! And its not just you that has the potential to spoil your goals while you work diligently these next few months towards meeting your goals! In fact, this specific download that we provide is intended for the whole family to work on together (but will also work for individuals as well).
Now remember – your goals won’t look like anyone else’s. And that’s not only fine – its actually great! Why? Because this challenge is going to be tailored to you and work for your family the exact way you need it to. Your goals may be small (like trying to just see and find a way to make your budget work for you each month) or they might be extraordinary. But no matter what they are, they are a starting place for you to determine where you are headed. Just do it – and know you can even tweak your goals as you evaluate and move through this challenge.
Okay – well that’s your assigned task for this week! Don’t delay, don’t make excuses, but find that time this week to get this done. The instructions are listed on the form you download and print.
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<== Download your printable Financial Summary Questionnaire |
Do you need to catch up? Come join us on this challenge from the very beginning by clicking on the 52-Week Take Back Your Finances Challenge and sign up to start receiving your automated challenge from the very beginning!
One final thing….. we also have a Facebook Group where you can engage in discussions, receive encouragement and talk to others that are participating in the challenges too for more ideas! Head to the Be Intentional with The Thrifty Couple Facebook Page HERE and ask to join us there! You can also invite friends and spouses too!
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