Has anyone asked you lately for your opinion on a specific subject? Do you remember how you felt? I felt honored
when Caroline Horcher, Manager of Public Affairs from FPSC (Financial Planning
Standard Council), asked me to comment on this statement, “If I’m generally moving in the right direction, my financial goals
will take care of themselves.” From our conversation, Caroline generated a
five-point guide to help people get in gear towards their goals, dreams, and
aspirations. Below you will read excerpts
and the five tips derived from our interview.
“If I’m generally moving in
the right direction, my financial goals will take care of themselves.” Are you
guilty of this financial planning misconception?
Coasting—even in the right direction—doesn’t necessarily mean being on
track, says Delores Moskal, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional based
in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Delores says that not having specific goals is like driving at night
without headlights. “You kind of know the road and can steer your vehicle in
the right direction, but you’re never really sure.”
“You’re moving along, but you might get to the end of the road and find
out you’re at the wrong destination,” she says, “whether that means you can’t
buy your dream house, fund your children’s education or rely on your retirement
income.”
Try Delores’ tips to stop
coasting and start accelerating toward your financial goals today.
1.
Target your destination: Many people put off setting specific goals,
intimidated that the next step—actually having to start working toward
them—might be difficult or stressful. It can seem easier to trust that
everything is progressing fine without your attention. But don’t fall victim to
this fear-based procrastination: make your goals inspiring enough that you’re
willing to put in the time and effort.
2.
Use a GPS: Have an honest talk with yourself. Are you
doing the best that you can with what you have? If the answer is no, or you’re
not sure, consider getting the help of an expert. A qualified financial planner
can help you devise a road map to your goals, immediately putting you in a
better position to reach them and keeping you on course as you make progress.
3.
Chart your current location: To get where you want to go, you need to
take an accurate snapshot of where you are right now. A financial planner can
help you take into account all relevant areas across your financial life.
4.
Know your end point: One of the benefits of planning is that you
can choose your ideal outcome, rather than seeing what happens automatically
(or settling for the only option left). Be detailed in your goal setting and
consult with your family to be sure you’re all on the same page.
5.
Pick up speed: There’s no time like the present to start to
design your financial future and make progress toward your goals. The sooner
you start, the sooner your dreams can become a reality.
It may seem intimidating or time-consuming to put a targeted focus on
your financial goals. But when the real danger of coasting is that you might
not reach your dreams at all, isn’t it worth putting in the time and getting
the help you need?
Find this article and other valuable information at FinancialPlanningforCanadians.ca and
Globe and Mail Financial Planning Special Feature
websites.
I think #5 "Pick up Speed" is so important - and easy to do! Whenever I get a raise or a windfall I try to budget a little bit more to savings and or debt reduction. "...little by little wealth is accumulated..." as the old proverb goes.
ReplyDeleteSo well said. You are so wise in paying attention to detail. Great job in chipping away at both saving and paying down debt.
Deletegreat article!!
ReplyDeleteGreat article, Delores!
ReplyDeleteI think I am stuck on #1 as I have so many dreams and goals but never know which is most important.
ReplyDeleteListing all your goals and dreams on a worksheet helps to identify their order of importance. Email me to receive a copy of the worksheet. "Get clear about your dreams" is the first step to achieving them.
Delete