Another new year, another chance for well-intentioned resolutions to start with a bang and fizzle out. But unlike failing to drop those last five pounds, falling short on financial goals you’re banking on in 2018 could cost you for years to come.
Generally, attainable goals follow the S.M.A.R.T. approach: They’re Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based. But that doesn’t mean attainable goals are all easy. A recent study indicates certain money goals that fit these criteria can remain challenging for some who are striving toward them.
Setting big goals is admirable, but if they are too big a leap from your current financial progress, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. You can make them more achievable by breaking bigger goals into smaller ones.
Achieving any one of these three following money goals can bring you closer to personal financial security. But as with any resolution, the devil is in the details. Merely saying you’re going to do something isn’t enough; you need to create a road map and form lasting habits that will propel you toward a desired outcome. Similarly, if your goal is stick to a budget, outline the smaller steps it will take to get you to do that.
Stick to a monthly budget
Following a budget should be on everyone’s to-do list, particularly if you have bigger financial goals in sight. Building your budget is the easy part, but sticking with it is about creating and maintaining good habits.
Save for an emergency fund
Ideally, you’ll one day have three to six months of living expenses set aside in case of an emergency, but if you’re starting with nothing, every little bit counts.
Save for a down payment
A home down payment can take years to amass, so set realistic expectations and use your long-term vision on this goal.
The article 3 Money Resolutions That Are Worth Getting Right originally appeared on NerdWallet.
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