Create a Clear Financial Picture
10 Goals That Help
My husband and I just got back from a 6-day retreat at a beautiful hot springs in a remote part of Montana. What an amazing time! We stayed in a rustic cabin with a big stone fireplace. We caught up on sleep, skied, built cozy fires and played games (my husband bought me the game “Cash Flow” for Christmas, created by Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”). We also reflected on our long-term goals, and 2007 business and personal goals.
The inspiration to have our “year-end retreat” came from our Financial Dates together. We have been setting many financial goals as a couple and wanted to take time off at the end of the year to reflect on our accomplishments and establish goals for the New Year. The time between Christmas and New Year’s seemed like the perfect time, a time when the world is on a collective hold.
It was exciting to reflect on our financial progress as a couple. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since we began having our Financial Dates. When we started, we lacked a clear financial plan. All we knew was that we were determined to eliminate our credit card debt.
When we first got married, my husband Chris and I were like most of the clients that come to see me, who have only a vague sense of what they want to accomplish. It’s one thing to want to improve your personal finances, but quite another to make it happen; most people don’t have a clue as to what improving their finances really means – or how to achieve it.
As I work with clients, they become clearer about what they want. Their goals often involve getting rid of debt, reducing financial tensions in their relationship, getting a handle on their personal and business finances, and restoring more balance to their life. Through our work together they accomplish these goals, and inevitably discover additional goals as well.
Even when clients are able to accomplish many financial goals, there’s one thing they often have difficulty changing, and that is: stress and conflict when it comes to discussing finances with their partner. It’s possible to have financial success as a couple but lack the ability to connect with each other when talking about money.
Seeing the Big Picture
Because I’m a “big picture” kind of person, I’m able to help my clients accomplish immediate goals, while keeping in mind the next several financial goals they need to focus on. This works great for helping them create a financial and lifestyle plan. I also want to help give you a sense of your overall picture. I’ve listed ten financial goals below that will help you create a foundation for financial and relationship success.
1. Communicate about money in a way that creates connection instead of conflict.
2. Develop clear financial goals, and have consistent Financial Dates to help you achieve them.
3. Take a financial/moral inventory.
4. Manage your money effectively.
5. Pay off debt.
6. Decrease expenses and increase income.
7. Spend less than you earn and save the difference for
emergencies, retirement, and dreams.
8. Create security through a will or living trust, designated beneficiaries, and
adequate insurance.
9. Know your retirement goals and make certain you’re meeting them by putting enough money away.
10. Give to others (through your time and/or money) and live a life of richness and quality.
Where are You Now, and Where Do You Want to Be?
There are, of course, specific action steps involved for achieving each of these goals. For now though, I want you to think about where you currently are and where you’d like to be. If you were to pick one goal from this list to focus your energy on, what would it be? Envision how it would feel to accomplish that goal. Now, think of one simple step you could take this week to help you achieve that goal.
About the Author
Leslie Cunningham, CTACC, “The Financial Dating™ Expert,” has over 17 years experience as a service professional, leading groups, presenting, and helping individuals and couples achieve success. She is dedicated to helping couples build wealthy relationships and turn their money & lifestyle stress into inspired action.
If you liked today’s issue check out Leslie’s free articles, teleseminars, and workshops, which offer step-by-step guidance on creating wealth & closeness for couples. Learn more now at http://springwindcoaching.com
© 2006 Leslie D. Cunningham
Spring Wind Coaching | 7781 Nez Perce Dr. | Bozeman, MT 59715 | Phone 406-586-5561
www.springwindcoaching.com
