Financial goals can often seem large and overwhelming. But don’t be intimidated! Start with small and fun financial goals to build confidence and momentum toward larger goals. Not sure how to start? Here are some tips on how to choose a small and fun financial goal to get started.
Make a list of potential financial goals
Start by making a list of potential financial goals. Be creative when you make this list! You can start with the usual suspects like a retirement fund or a college fund for the kids, but don’t stop there. Is there a hobby you’ve wanted to try but haven’t had the cash to get started? Or maybe a trip you’ve wanted to go on but haven’t had the funds? Write those down!
A financial goal is more than just building up wealth, it’s about making choices with the money that you have. Paying down debt or saving for the future are great financial goals, but so is learning an instrument or giving meaningfully to a good cause. Think creatively about your financial goals and you’re more likely to find one you’ll really stick with.
Give each goal a budget
Once you’ve got your list, write out a budget amount for how much you think each financial goal might cost. Don’t worry about getting things perfect. We’re just looking for a rough estimate to help us organize our goals.
Choose a goal that costs less than one month’s income
Then, cross out anything that would cost more than one month of your current income. We’re not trying to save the world, we’re just looking for a short-term goal to help us get into the practice of thinking about our money differently. Look over the goals you have left and choose the one that you think you’ll enjoy enjoy the most. That’s it!
When you’re ready, set the goal in Goodbudget so you can start saving and track your progress.