The new year is when many of us make resolutions to improve our finances and financial planning habits. Instead of telling you what you should do, we’re offering some advice on how you should do it: Make S.M.A.R.T. goals.
SMART financial goals help clarify expectations and improve chances of success.
Specific: Pick a specific area for improvement and enlist people to do the work. Is this you alone or are family members involved?
Measurable: List indicators for success. How is success measured? Do you need a spreadsheet or other tool?
Attainable: Set goals that are realistic and reasonable and can be achieved in a specific amount of time.
Relevant: Be realistic when setting goals. Choose goals that will make a difference for you.
Time-framed: Set deadlines and keep to them.
