This is the year you follow through. This is the year you adhere to your goals and become financially fit. Whatever your needs are; whatever you wrote down at the end of last year; whatever is on your wishlist, you’ll need a pretty serious plan to achieve. Here are 3 simple tips that will actually help you stick to your new year’s resolution goals.

Implement a SMART Strategy

One of the biggest issues with financial resolutions is that oftentimes there isn’t a tangible plan in place. Resolving to save money is great, but come June, without some sort of system or strategy you won’t find yourself succeeding.

If you’re able to, consult with your financial planner Orlando and create a plan, but if you’re attempting this on your own, a SMART plan will ensure you’re realistic and accountable.

A SMART plan is a plan that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound, and will help focus a larger goal into smaller, more reachable goals to increase the success rate. It is to say that instead of wanting to “save money this year,” the SMART goal would more resemble “Add X dollars to the college fund each month this year.”

The more detailed and specific your plan is the better. Make sure you can measure your dollar amount. “ Save $1000 each month for the college fund” is a great measurable goal, but is it actually attainable for you? It isn’t if you are only bringing home $1600 a month and you have $800 in expenses. Next, make sure your strategy is actually realistic. Are you saving this extra money because you’re biking everywhere? That’s really great if it’s feasible, but not if your work is 45 minutes away by car. Lastly, set the deadline. Be it December 31st or a time frame that’s every 6 months, or each quarter, or bi-weekly. As long as there is a deadline for you to hold yourself accountable, the system will work and you will succeed.

Go Public

This is an excellent way of holding yourself accountable for your goals. If no one knows about your plans, it is easier to pretend you never made them, especially when they lay unaccomplished. But if multiple people are aware you’re trying to save money, there is added pressure to succeed, and more accountability as the people in the know can and most likely will, check up on you and inquire about your progress.

You don’t need to tell the whole world and you shouldn’t divulge the financial specifics, but having a savings buddy, or a few other people know your goals will help you reach milestones and overcome the tough obstacles you will come across. If you don’t have someone that is that trustworthy in your life, or it makes you uncomfortable to ask for a little help from friends, try joining a money-saving support group

Reward Yourself

If you’re working towards a year end goal, 12 months is a very long time to have to wait for something. In order to stay motivated and on top of your goals, you must reward yourself when you hit a milestone. But, a reward does not necessarily mean spending money, and certainly doesn’t mean spending a lot of it. Maybe you allow yourself to binge watch your favorite new show, or treat yourself to some reasonably priced desserts. A little creativity here is a must, but rewarding yourself for all the hard work you’ve done is crucial. It also serves to self-motivate and ensure you’ll continue to work hard on your financial goals.

Now that you understand what needs to be done in order to reach the new year’s goals you set, you’ll be able to thwart any hurdle you face and achieve financial success on your money-saving journey.