How Do You Set Financial Goals?
Think about what matters most and what funding might be needed to reach your goals. Then, break it down to something manageable. What if you could stash $5 away every day? With that simple savings, you could have $1,825 in just one year.

Reaching Your Goals
To reach your goals, you need to do 3 things:

1. Budget for short-term goals (Example: Save $100 each month for the next 6 months to save for a family trip or to build your emergency fund.)
2. Save for mid-term goals (Example: Set aside $200 each month for the next year to save for a down payment on a car.)
3. Invest for long-term goals (Example: Save $200 each month to have $12,000 for a home down payment in 5 years.)

Creating a Spending Plan
This is your blueprint to success. To create your spending plan, determine how much money is available (income), where it is being spent (expenses) and what adjustments can be made. Remember to make informed choices on all purchases in order to control your financial future.

Tracking Your Spending
How much you spend does not have to be a mystery. Everyone buys things they do not need, but if it happens too often, it can sabotage your goals. So, try this: for the next two weeks, track each and every penny you spend in a notebook. Then, evaluate your spending habits. You will most likely notice room for improvement.

In the meantime, focus on trimming expenses. How? Try these tips:

• Eat out less.
• Curb impulse buys.
• Comparison shop.
• Limit (or stop!) using your credit cards.
• Bundle errands to save gas.
• Stick to your shopping list.

Avoiding $$$ Pitfalls
Here are a few obstacles to avoid on your path to financial success:

• Not tracking your purchases
• Unpaid bills
• Ignoring auto repairs
• Parking tickets
• Late fees on rentals
• Unused phone services
• Leaky faucets
• Leaving lights on
• Dining out too frequently
• Not paying off charged purchases