Be realistic
Be realistic
Make your goal SMART. Keep it:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Timed
When you are setting your own goal be realistic. It might be nice to think that your retirement will be spent travelling about on your private jet between your luxury homes on each continent, but are you prepared to work hard enough now to get there?
Do you have enough time to make that much money or is your retirement only a few years away? Make your goal SMART. Keep it Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic and Timed. Planning to save £25,000 is all well and good, but are you ever likely to achieve this? Instead, setting yourself a goal of say £5,000 this year is Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic and Timed.
We'll help you set your goal as part of this Step. You can also get help by speaking to an independent financial adviser or through websites such as these:
Government
www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits
The Motley Fool
www.fool.co.uk
FSA Financial Healthcheck
www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/tools
You can find a financial adviser by looking in your local telephone directory, going to www.unbiased.co.uk or by asking whether any of your relatives/friends/colleagues have used one they would be prepared to recommend to you.