Given the current economic climate, it’s not likely that any of us are thinking too far into the future. Instead, the focus is on what our lives will look like just one or two months from now. For that reason, I’ve shifted a lot of my financial goals towards short-term savings. 

Thankfully, and because time always has a way of working things out, my new 100 Day Financial Goal Journal launches today. This journal is similar to a money diary, in the sense that you can create a practical short-term money goal that you can achieve within 100 days. I don’t know about you, but that’s about all I can handle right now. 

The question is, how do you accomplish a short-term money goal, and what are some strategies you can put in your financial tool-kit to ensure you make it happen? Let’s review some simple steps. If you like these steps, my journal offers a deep-dive and allows you to sit down and actually write out answers to some important questions you might have.

#1: Identify a financial goal that makes sense

Everyone has good intentions when it comes to their money, but having good intentions doesn’t mean you’ve mastered the art of follow-through. To save money, you first need to have a ‘why’ and a solid understanding of what your financial goal means to you. 

#2: Commit yourself to the short-term money goal

Once you have a specific and measurable goal, it’s time to promise the person who matters most in this situation — you! 

#3: Get to know your spending habits

You cannot be successful with money if you’re always wondering where it’s going each month. Be honest with yourself and do the hard work that consists of sitting down and doing a thorough review of your finances. You should know precisely how much money comes in each month and a strong knowledge of how much goes out.

#4: Budget and track your finances

Unfortunately, it’s tough to accomplish a short-term financial goal without a plan. A plan is typically a budget. If budgets aren’t for you, I understand, because I feel the same way. Ultimately, though, if you want to stay accountable and on track for a full 100 day period, you should monitor your spending and try your best to stick to a budget. That means you control how much money goes towards your typical spending categories, such as takeout orders and rent. 

#5: Let the good times roll (and the money)

Once you have a goal, make a commitment, understand your financial situation and find a workable solution to budget — you are ready to save. One thing that I always do is automate my weekly savings so that I don’t ever forget and miss a crucial payment to hit my set deadline. The reason this journal is so great is that it forces you to sit down and get comfortable addressing your money. A 5-minute journaling session can allow you to go from fearfully avoiding checking your bank account to being excited to check in every few days. 

For a more detailed look at my journal, in case you’re not entirely sold yet, check out my latest YouTube video for a sneak peek:

And, if you are super interested but don’t have the financial means to purchase the journal, make sure you’re following me on Instagram to enter my giveaway, where you can win your very own copy!