Be Crystal Clear About Your Financial Goals

"One day I would like to be debt free," is not a clear goal. "Within the next week I will establish my budget, set up and automatic bill pay with my bank, and learn as much as I can about money management. Within the next two to three months, I will work with my credit card companies to get better interest rates. If they cannot accommodate me, I will transfer my balances elsewhere. By month four I will have 2 credit cards paid off, and increase my FICO score by 60 points.” The second statement is an example of a clearly identifiable and measurable goal. There is a sense of direction and purpose with the second example that is lacking in the first example. You have to be able to visualize what it is that you want to accomplish. If you need to, take a 3x5 index card, and write down five financial goals you would like to accomplish. It could be reducing your credit card debt or increasing your money management skills. You will be amazed at what happens once you clarify your goals. Achieving your goals is easier than you might think. Before you go to bed, or as soon as you wake up, take a few minutes to visualize a debt free lifestyle. Visualize being able to travel where you want, and being able to purchase what you want without having to worry about how you are going to pay for it. Now use that vision to motivate you to start saving, and paying down your debt.