I hope (as we come to the end of this series) that Dr Seuss (and his book – Oh! The Places you’ll go) was not only a truly great kids author but also a pretty role model when it comes to learning how to manage our financially affairs more efficiently.

We’ve talked about the art of taking financial control, the importance of doing your homework, how to cope with financial negatives, the power of decision making, how your behaviour has a huge impact on your money and the importance of balance.

However (and rather strangely for a series of articles about financial planning) we haven’t spoken about a fundamental part of ensuring you have a clear and robust financial plan….the importance (and limitations) of setting goals.

Setting goals, over different periods of time (short term, medium term and longer term) is a powerful thing to do.

It’s important to mention that for most people their goals aren’t financial. For most of us, and when we truly consider what’s important, many of our goals are around anything but and usually include travel, achievement and spending meaningful time with the people we love.

Therefore when you’re planning “starting with the numbers” is usually a mistake. It’s about understanding what’s truly important to you and what you want to achieve with your life and setting goals which allow you to live this life.

However, whilst the goal is not usually financial it may come with a financial element. If you want to spend your time travelling this comes with an understandable expense. If you’re looking to spend more time with family it’s important isn’t financial in itself (in actual fact the act of spending time with the people you love is free!) but thinking to ensure that you’re spending as much time and for this time to be meaningful and financial cushion is useful to ensure that you’re not constantly distracted by financial worry!

So…spend some time thinking meaningfully about what’s truly important. Write these goals down and plan to see how you intend to achieve these goals.

However all this thinking and planning is pointless without the “third foundation”…..Action!

If you’ve thought about what’s truly important, put your plan in place and found that there isn’t any limitations to one of your goals….do it now!

There’s nothing stopping you making small changes today which help towards seeing your children more, or spending quality time with your partner, or being more creative, or learning a new skill (or learning by reading a new book)

All it takes is an understanding of what is truly important in your life, having a plan in place and taking action.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this series of articles. However do me a favour…

Don’t put it off and leave it until tomorrow…..do it now!

Spend some time writing down what’s truly important in your life.

Spend some time planning on how you’re going to get there.

and

then take action. Small, gradual action. Action which will help you live a more meaningful life.