Create A Plan: Building Your Financial Future
Financial or otherwise, I believe you can get over any hurdle with three things: Tools, Action, and Support. These are the building blocks of any plan. When you have a plan, no matter how simple, you have a map that will get you to your destination.
Looking to buy or sell a house? What are your tools? Managing your way out of a hole in your bank account? What actions will repair that? Simply seeking to stay on top of your budget? What support do you have in place that will remind you of your tools?
Take A Look in the Money Mirror
Start your plan by taking a good look at the tools you use. Toss what isn’t working, and then develop a system tailored to your needs. Ask yourself:
–What am I currently using to manage my life?
Describe these tools in writing and the purpose for which they are used. (Computer calendar systems, online banking programs, pens, pencils, paper, the wall calendar in the kitchen, desk files, your memory.) Example: I use my computer’s iCal to manage my schedule and an Excel spreadsheet for budgeting.
–What about this system isn’t working?
Brainstorm a good, long list of things that just aren’t working in your system. (Including the fact that you may not have a system.) Example: I forget what I need to get when I am at the market. I make too many commitments and consequently must drop important to-dos from my list.
Tools: Organize Your Surroundings
Create a physical system that includes three basic tools: Hot File system, Calendar, and To-Do List.
- Hot File System
Components: File folders, label maker or nice pen, file holder for your desk
Task: Create action files [LINK TO STEP 1 ARTICLE] and place them in a clear, visible area that you see every day (desk, kitchen nook, etc.).
- Calendar
Components: computer calendar, PDA, wall calendar or daily planner.
Task: Transfer all events into the calendar: birthdays, kids’ schedules, appointments, vacation, time for calendaring. Complete your calendaring as thoroughly as possible, capturing every event that occurs to you. It is meant to free your brain from mental lint.
- To-Do List:
Components: Computer task list, paper pad, PDA
Task: Take yourself out to coffee or pour yourself a cup of tea. Sit in a place where you feel inspired and free, and write down every item you can think of that you want to get done – now, tomorrow, and in the future. Don’t refine them or take action on them – simply create a rough to-do list while brainstorming, recording items as you think of them.
Action: Put Your Tools to Work
Return to your Calendar: Put in those items that too often get left out – the YOU items. Mark the morning runs, the lunches with friends, the nail appointments, and the dinner dates. Create time for you to do the things you enjoy.
Revisit your To-Do List. Organize your to-do items in a way that is action-oriented. Devise deadlines or schedule times for these items, and segment which ones need to be accomplished today, next week, etc. Certain computer programs allow you to categorize your to-do items (e.g. “Run” would be categorized as “Workout” and would be listed under “Today”).
Schedule a time in your calendar for you to “touch base” with your system on a daily basis. In my case, I prefer to touch base with my system as soon as I have handled the kids. I examine my calendar and make any necessary changes, then reevaluate my To-Do List and modify items to be tackled “Today.”
Support: Anchor into Your System
Create a support system that allows you to remain in touch with your Action. It is crucial to engage someone you know, or incorporate a reminder into your routine to prompt you to remain involved with your system. For me, my coffee queue is a key part of my support system. Getting my coffee and sitting at my desk is my signal to address my calendar and To-Do List.
Incorporating Tools, Action and Support into a simple system will keep you moving forward into your personal financial vision and goals. Try creating your own plan and let me know how it goes. Email me at erin@greensherpa.com.
“Create a Plan” is step two in a 5-step process for mastering your personal financial management. For more tips to mastering your personal finances and managing your life’s flow, click on my other articles on this site, or find me at GreenSherpa.com.
Resources: SeeJaneWork.com offers file folders, holders and other great office supplies in a number of creative designs.
