Maintain Financial Focus

Okay, so you've begun to take control of your finances.  You are no longer going to let some slick ad campaign entice you into buying the latest and greatest gadget.  You are determined to save money and get ahead.  You have even stopped eating out.  You bring lunch to work and have home-cooked meals at night.  Your credit card squints when you open your wallet and some where in the world several bill collectors have lost their jobs.  Congratulations...you are doing a great job!  I am sure that by now you've asked yourself, "how am I going to maintain my focus and meet my goals for the long haul?"  What kind of financial plan do you have in place?  Not having a financial plan is like driving cross-country without a map or GPS.  Without direction you could end up just about anywhere - or at least delay your arrival time.  Just like you wouldn't want to try to fly a hot air balloon to get from New York to California, you also want to make sure your financial plan is not filled with a lot of hot air. Make sure you're using solid, sound principles that will last you a lifetime.  Why not take the time right now to establish your own financial goals?  Write out what it is you want and what you are going to do to get there.  For instance, you may feel that becoming debt-free is what you want, so write out a plan to pay off your credit cards within the year.  Figure out what your payment needs to be and then work to make that payment.  You may choose to get a second job for a short time to achieve your goal and that is fine.  Working two jobs for one year is better than being in debt for life.