Start Small by Thinking Big

Pursuing any goal – whether it’s getting into shape for summer or getting your wallet into better shape – starts with stating a goal and determining your why. Why do you want to get into better financial shape? It helps to determine WHY you want to have a healthier financial life and think about the big picture, whether it’s saving for something big like retirement, college or something smaller like a vacation or something for your home. Or maybe it’s getting out of debt.

What are your goals? List your goals, both short and long term and put them in a place where you can be reminded of them often. The way you think about money is everything. Don’t ignore what you can control. When you change your mindset, it’s a powerful thing. Don’t let outside factors control you and don’t depend on others. The secret to financial security is learning the things that YOU can control.

Download this goals worksheet to help you set goals and determine a plan. You can’t reach your destination if you don’t know what it is. Setting goals gives you two things:

1. An incentive to make the necessary sacrifices
2. Benchmarks along the way to gauge your progress

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