Planning is key to successfully meeting savings goals

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Is the lack of green in your pocket making you blue? Jump starting your savings can be a challenge, but it is not impossible.

Actually, the first step to a firmer financial footing – establishing a savings plan – does not require any cash, said Sissy Osteen, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension personal resource specialist.

“I like to say there are no financial goals, only goals that require money,” Osteen said. “A savings plan is a roadmap to your goals. It also creates areas of agreement when there’s more than one person contributing to accomplishing those goals.”

Now is the perfect time to pay attention to your savings goals. This year, America Saves Week is February 22-27.

Coordinated by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council, the week is designed for organizations to promote good saving behaviors and an opportunity for people to take a closer look at their saving status.

Understanding your personal values and attitudes about money is a big part of developing a solid savings plan. If you do not have a handle on your personal views on money, it can interfere with financial decisions, said (First and last name), (County) (Title).

“There’s definitely a connection between the way you think about money and how you spend it. If you don’t value saving money, it’s going be hard to stick to a savings plan,” (he/she) said. “The same goes for spouses and family members. Disagreements on attitudes and values related to finances could turn into stumbling blocks to setting and achieving savings goals.”

It also is crucial to set realistic savings goals and identify your savings priorities.

Goals should be SMART – specific, manageable, attainable, relevant and timely. Meanwhile, if you have more than one savings goal in mind – and most people do – decide which ones are the most important.

“Agreeing on which savings goals should take priority will tell you where to focus your time, energy and yes, money,” (Last name) said.

For more information on building a savings plan, download a free copy of the OSU Fact Sheet T-4316, “The Financial Puzzle: Goals, Choices and Plans” at www.osufacts.okstate.edu.