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Money trouble is nothing new to most people, and saying that you’re going to “set high financial goals in 2021” sounds good. Yet, setting goals without a plan is really just wishing for things to happen. When it comes to financial goals, you need to be specific, have a plan, and follow through.

2020 was a year that most people would like to forget, yet many people are still suffering from financial struggles that knocked them down even though a new year has started. As the New Year of 2021 is already underway, now is the time to decide that debt will not defeat you. It will not be easy, it will require sacrifice, and it is a goal you will have to work to achieve – but it will be worth it.

Tips for Financial Success

• Set detailed and specific goals. One of the biggest problems with “getting out of debt” is that it is not specific enough. Set measurable, specific goals like saving $10,000 in 2021 or paying off a credit card by May. With a specific goal, you can know exactly what you want to do and do it.
• Measure your success. If you can see your progress, you are much more likely to become enthused about it. Make a spreadsheet to track how much money you save or create a graph of how much debt you want to pay off this year and track it. With a clear picture of your objective, you are much more likely to achieve it.
• Break down big goals into small ones. If you want to save $10,000 in 2021, make it your goal to save $1,000 each month. Smaller chunks are easier to reach, and you will gain a sense of progress to keep you going.
• Make a plan. Saying you want to save $10,000 this year by saving $1,000 each month sounds good. But you need a plan. Where is that monthly $1,000 coming from? Or if you plan to pay off a credit card by a certain date, how are you going to do it? You need a plan! Are you going to stop eating out and save that money in a specific account? Are you going to transfer money from your checking account to a special saving account after getting paid each month? You need a plan!
• Set realistic goals. Sure, we’d all like to become millionaires – but that’s not a realistic goal for most of us. Set goals that you can reach, and then do your part to follow through.

George R. Belche, Attorney at Law