7 Tips For Setting Financial Goals in the New Year

Now that the new year is here, many of us have committed ourselves to changing the way we live for the better. Some of the most important things people focus on, especially in the new year, are personal finance, saving, and investing.

Achieving financial independence is an admirable goal, but very few people know where to start. If you're starting to take steps towards financial freedom this year, here are seven tips you should follow to set financial goals for the new year.

1) Assess Where You Are

Setting financial goals is crucial, but before you can set any goals, you need to know where you currently are. Look through your savings, debts, and investments. Assessing your financial status may feel stressful, but gaining this knowledge will allow you to set realistic goals for the year.

2) Set a Budget and Stick to it

One of the best things you can do for your finances is set a budget. The budget should be achievable. Make sure that your housing, food, and utility costs are around what you usually pay.

Now is the perfect time to plan your retirement savings as well. More on that in a minute...

3) Pay Off Your Debt

Debt is a significant burden and can prevent you from achieving your financial dreams. Start paying off your debts now. Interest is stealing your money from you. If you’re making 15% in the stock market, but paying 18% in interest, you’re losing money.

Commit to paying off debts now, and you'll be able to keep the money that you invest in the future.

4) Plan for Retirement

Retirement is coming, and you should be preparing for it. You need to discover exactly how much you need to retire. Thankfully, I have a calculator on my website to find the exact number that you need to retire. Knowing your number will help put your savings into perspective.

Planning for retirement is always an excellent financial goal, and the new year is the best time to focus on it.

5) Stay Organized

Setting budgets and goals are great, but these efforts are futile if you do not have a plan to stay on track.  Staying organized is a critical step to meeting your financial goals this year. There are several tools and budgeting apps out there that can help you remain on track. When it comes to your personal budget, the more organized you are the better.

6) Establish an Emergency Fund

Everyone is vulnerable to unforeseen emergencies. Without proper planning, your budget could fall apart should one arise. If you haven't already done so, it's important to establish an emergency fund. This will protect you if you experience any sort of unexpected emergency without breaking the bank.

Your fund should be at least 2 to 3 months' worth of expenses. This fund may take a while to establish, but the personal financial freedom you gain from having it is worth the wait.

7) Review Your Investment Accounts

If you’re already investing, you’re on the right track. However, if you have a financial advisor, you’re probably not making the returns that you could be making. Most advisors will put your money in funds with high fees and high commissions. You need to be aware of where your money is going so you don’t lose it due to a lack of knowledge.

Now is a great time to get a little education in investing and start making some changes. You could commit to learning Rule #1 right now and start getting greater returns with less risk than your financial advisor is taking with your money right now.

Does that sound like a good New Year's resolution?

This year brings new possibilities for everyone. What do you want to achieve this year? Consider your financial goals and start taking the steps to achieve them now.

Make it easier for yourself with this 12 Month Financial Planner that I’ve created for you. By reviewing the clear benchmarks, reviewing the monthly list of promises, adding your own, and completing challenges. Celebrate each win, no matter how big or how small, and you’ll notice how much more fun it becomes to do something that you initially thought would be ‘work’.

Whether you start this in January or put the planner into use halfway through the year, the promises and challenges will work for you and help get you focused on the financial success you’ve been striving for.