Let’s get started! For those who don’t dream about spreadsheets, the biggest impediment to financial success can be as simple as not knowing where to start. Information is great, but it is oftentimes overwhelming figuring out what to do with it all and who to trust 1 Although of course this site is trustworthy…after all you found it on the internet!. This site exists to help you set your personal financial goals and what it will take to achieve them.
I’ve attempted here to compile a few articles and resources that we’ve found helpful over the years to help you identify a plan that not only is workable for you, but actually gets you closer to your goals.
- Start by setting your goals. This is the foundation for everything else. Before we are willing to trade off anything, we need to have a vision that is capable of motivating us to action!
- Next, take stock of where you are at financially. An honest assessment of your personal financial situation will help you know how far you have to go to achieve your goals.
- Third, understand where your money is going. Is more coming in or going out? What tradeoffs are you making today (perhaps even without thinking about them)?
- Fourth, make a spending plan. Where do you want your money to go?
- Finally, execute (and optimize) the plan. Expect some regular updates to number four until you find what works for you. Want some ideas for potential trade-offs to realize your goals faster? Check out our ideas for spending trade-offs!