I think it’s important to step back occasionally and think about your financial dream. Life moves fast, and I know I can easily get caught up in just trying to cover the monthly expenses without thinking about the bigger picture.
But when we take a step back and reflect on our financial dreams and goals, we can make more intentional decisions that truly align with the life we want to build. Whether it’s saving for a home, paying off debt, or preparing for a secure future, having a clear vision helps us stay focused and motivated.
Instead of letting money control us, we can take charge and use it as a tool to create freedom, security, and peace. We can turn vague wishes into actionable plans and start making real progress toward our ideal financial future.
When you think about being in a good place with money, what does that look like? If you had enough money to be comfortable, what would that allow you to do?
Making Time to Set Money Goals
When I worked for a publishing company, we held an annual retreat for the managers. Away from the daily demands of the company, we could consider our collective hopes and goals, and make plans for the future. Many big ideas were hatched during these retreats.
Each day is busy, and I’ve learned that if I don’t make time for this kind of Big Picture thinking it never happens.
Sometimes we all need a little self-imposed quiet time to reflect and think.
What if you set aside some time this week to explore your financial hopes and dreams? These are some of the questions I like to consider when I’m setting money goals.
10 Questions to Shape Your Financial Future
What causes the most stress in your financial life? How would your life change if those issues were resolved?
Do your current spending habits align with the life you want to create?
What debts do you currently have, and how would your life improve if they were paid off?
When you imagine having financial freedom, how do you think it would it affect your lifestyle and opportunities?
What motivates you to save money? (Security for your family, travel, home ownership, early financial independence?)
What financial habits do you need to develop (or break) to reach your dreams?
What are your 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year financial goals?
How can you balance enjoying your life today while still preparing for a secure future?
What extraordinary thing would you like to do with your money? What legacy or impact do you want your money to have—for yourself, your family, or your community?
Setting smaller micro goals can help form new habits that yield big results. What’s one small financial step you can take today that will move you closer to your dreams?
Goals Change Over Time
My goals used to be heavily focused on getting out of debt, which was a dark cloud hanging over me. The relief and freedom I felt when I made the last credit card payment was unbelievable. If this is your dream, too, I encourage you to stick with it.
When I launched my own business, my first goal was simply to earn enough to pay the monthly bills. Later I added savings and investment goals.
Today, my financial priorities include:
- Having adventures with my family and friends
- Saving for the future
- Doing home improvements
- Giving back
How About You?
If you take some time to focus on your Big Picture financial goals, I’d love to hear what steps you decide to take. Drop a comment below!
Here’s to big dreams and good things in the days ahead.
Eliza Cross is an author and food blogger who enjoys helping busy people with easy recipes and tips for gardening, holidays, and home. She is the founder of BENSA Bacon Lovers Society and Happy Simple Living, and the award-winning author of 17 cookbooks.
My goals and dream is saving to buy land with a home and saving so my husband can retire. I had to quit working a few years back because of health issues and my job now is to save as much money as we can. We are debt free and promised God to never go into debt again and that means for a home with land. I am trying to find ways to make money to help us save for that. I garden and cook all meals from scratch. There are very few extras but it will be worth it in the long run. Praying this is God’s plan for us.
My dreams haven’t changed. I still want to buy land with a one floor home, barn and some out building. I want to have enough money to put up 2 greenhouses, get a tractor and what ever else needed. I want my husband to be able to retire. Still looking for a way to make money so this can happen. Still debt free and will NEVER go into debt again. I may not have the life that most people want but I am happy with the simple things. God bless