I've not been one to make new year's resolutions, but I do set goals for myself and the new year is as good a time as any. As I've grown older and hopefully wiser, I've learned that my goals need to be meetable and beatable. It's one thing to set a goal and wonder how to achieve it. It's quite a different view to set a goal and develop a plan to meet it. Such a good feeling when that happens!
Have you ever set goals for yourself, especially when it comes to your finances? Many of us groan when we think of trying to get our arms around our money, let alone set financial goals, but it can be done and it can be done in a painless way.
Goal number one: For one month, just 30 days, write down any money activity that occurs in your or your family's life. It's healthiest and most effective to enlist your spouse, if married. This helps create unity in marriage. Money activity includes: income, giving, saving and expenses. Some expenses may be a challenge, but just write down each one as it occurs. If it's easy, carry a piece of paper around to write them down or use the Notes app on your phone. Just write it down each time you spend money and don't think any more about it. Your recurring monthly expenditures should be easy as you know about the mortgage, cell phone, utility bills, etc. Take it a day at a time, then at the end of the month, you've accomplished your first financial goal. In the next Bookkeeper's Blurb, I'll talk about what to do with the information you've gathered. I wish you well. Remember, Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.