Goal Setting and Planning
Goal setting and planning are the foundation of becoming successful with your money management.
I am headed to a retreat today, focused on my medical practice to set goals, and plan for the next 5 years.
Long Range Goals
Making long range goals, then short term action steps to support those goals, is the key to managing your money. So, you and your spouse, need to set aside a time soon, to plan. Schedule a time, block out a few hours, get a baby sitter.
Turn off the TV, cell phone-get rid of all distractions. Use a pad or even a white-board and put your dreams and aspirations in black and white. Review your financial situation, and what needs to happen with your money to support your goals.
Planning:
If you want an advanced degree in nursing, plan your career around going back to school, begin to save the money for tuition or the decrease in income that will occur when you are taking classes.
Don’t just wake up one day-decide to go back to school-quit your job-borrow two gurneys full of money-and put your family in financial trouble, because you were too selfish, lazy, or stupid (use your own adjective) to plan.
I will soon be introducing a template to help with goal setting and planning, to help families with this step.
So don’t let another day go by. Stop what you are doing and make an appointment with yourself, and whoever else needs to be there. Do a little thinking and brainstorming before that day comes and be prepared for negotiation. Your plans have to mesh with your partners, if you are not single. This can sometimes be difficult. So be prepared to give a little.
If you can’t come to agreement on all items-save those for a later discussion, after each has had a chance to think it over.
And if you are single, all you have to do, is convince yourself-how easy is that!!!!
Plan a Family Financial Planning Retreat!
So, plan your own version of a retreat today. Repeat it every year. Review your goals, and plans at least several times per year to make sure you are on track.
Good luck-and don’t bother trying to find me today-I an unavailable…..(yes- sometimes I follow my own advice!)
Let us hear your suggestions, and plans for goal setting.
