The new year is not only the perfect time to set your goals for this year, but for 1, 5, and 10 years or more. Writing out your goals makes them more real and helps you visualize the goal. It's something physical that you can look back on and actually print out and post if that helps.  

Remember to make your goals SMART - Specific (save 5% more), Measurable (how much per week, month, or year), Achievable (but challenging), Realistic (does it fit your overall plan), and Timely (have a beginning, and a target end date). 

Use whatever resonates with you to set and track your progress including printing and saving this form. Are you an old-fashioned journal keeper? Buy a specific journal just for your goals and start writing them down. Write them on your kitchen or office whiteboard or wall calendar. If you are tech friendly, use your digital calendar or task app to help you track your progress. Use the extra space below your goals to write out in detail your goal and the tools you'll use to reach your goal. 

Consider setting between 1 to 3 goals. Too many and you could be overwhelmed. Too few, and you may not take your goals seriously. Make sure this is a goal that is important to you, and will help you reduce stress in your life, or improve your quality of life. Remember, even small steps can lead you on an amazing journey. 

Let's start with between 1 and 3 very short term goals for the new year. In the first field, just briefly name your goal. Next, your target date, and finally, you will write out your goal in more detail. Be sure to use the SMART approach and detail steps and tools you can use to reach your goal. 

Now, let's move on to some intermediate term goals. Think about goals that are in the 3-to-5 year range. Look to your future and set goals for beyond this year. Again, be SMART and select between 1 and 3 goals so you are not overwhelmed. Keep in mind you can set the time sensitivity of this goal for anytime from beyond this year that fits your personal timeline. 

Next, move on to some long-term goals. Think about goals that are 5+ years out. Again, be SMART and select between 1 and 3 goals so you are not overwhelmed. Keep in mind you can set the time sensitivity of this goal for anytime around 5+ years out that fits your personal timeline. 

Keep in mind that your goals can overlap and often do. For example, you may have a new intermediate term goal that you have to get started on this year. However, you may also be working on your short-term goals. This is why you should only tackle between one and three goals maximum. Think about the support tools you will use to reach your goals: this form, your digital calendar, your Smartphone task app, a whiteboard, etc. All of these things can be used to help you specify, record, and track your goal progress. To help you reach your goals, and for interesting personal financial topics, don't forget to sign-up for the Engage Advising Newsletter here. Just click and subscribe!