Every plan needs a clear visionA clear vision helps you stick to your plan.

Visualise your goals

Saving isn’t easy and a clear vision of your goals will help you to 'stick to the plan'. Write down a description of your goals or draw your dreams. Add as much detail as you can imagine.

Creating your future in this way will force you to think about exactly what you are aiming for. But remember: it's important to have realistic, achievable goals.

What is your vision for the future?

Once you have a clear idea of your goals be sure to balance your shorter-term goals with medium to longer-term goals.

  • Short-term: something you want to achieve in the next 2 years.
  • Medium-term: something you want to achieve within 2 – 5 years.
  • Long-term: something you want to achieve that will take 5 to 30 years to reach.

Once you know which short, medium and long-term goals you want to plan for, you must break them down in more detail and plan how to reach each one.

Develop a plan

A plan will help you to outline in detail exactly what you want to achieve and by when you want to achieve it.

Step 1: Know your goals

  • What are your short, medium and long term plans?
  • Write down one big reason for wanting each goal.
  • Imagine achieving your goals.

Step 2: Research your goal

  • What will it take to achieve it?
  • Where and how can you get it/them?
  • Are there potential obstacles?
  • Find out about extra costs involved.
  • Find an expert to help you make your decision.

Step 3: Take a reality check

  • Are your goals achievable?
  • What would make them more realistic – a higher salary, more education?
  • Are you serious about achieving them and are they really what you want?

Step 4: Prioritise your goals

  • Which goals will you start with?
  • Medium to long-term plans take longer to save for and may take priority over shorter-term achievements.

Step 5: Plan your savings

  • Create a budget.
  • Decide what you are prepared to sacrifice now for your future.
  • Identify how you can increase your savings.

Regular reviews

  • Review and update your vision
  • Develop new goals to match your new earning potential
  • Make new goals if your circumstances change
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