New Year, new you, new money!

Happy New Year!! Doesn’t it always feel good to begin again? Are you enjoying your new classes? Did you get any cool gifts over break?

I love the feeling in the air in January. There is this invisible encouragement that comes from within, and you can’t help but want to do something new and set a few resolutions. I will admit that I believe that “New Year resolutions” are downright cheesy! Why wait until everyone else is making goals to follow the trend and then not follow through after 30 days?

However, what if we could remedy that trend? I have always been a visual person, and there is something about seeing your thoughts in a visual form that always makes a mere thought reality for me. What if you could do the same with your financial health? I propose that we do something different this year and create a Financial Literacy Vision Board! Yes, let’s have a vision boarding party for our money! Statistically, we are 1.4 times more likely to accomplish our goals when we can picture them. So, if you want to have a better chance of reaching your financial goals, you’ll want to learn how to create a vision board.

What is a vision board?

A vision board is a collage of pictures and phrases that represent what you desire to accomplish. Unlike a “life” vision board, a money vision board is specific to your financial goals. Will you be saving, paying off debt, or increasing income? 

Financial vision boards are also different because they often utilize charts — such as a savings goal thermometer — that track progress. So, if your vision is to become debt-free, you may include a debt payoff tracker as a part of your financial vision board. 

How to make a vision board for your finances

Creating a vision board is more than just gluing pictures to a poster board. It requires you to be clear on your goals and aspirations. That’s why writing down your financial goals is the first step for making a vision board for your finances.

1. Write down your financial goals. Be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
2. Gather Supplies.
   1. Board
   2. Old Magazines
   3. Pictures from Online
   4. Glue
   5. Scissors
3. Create! Turn on your favorite playlist and focus. Give it a good effort and have fun.
4. Review your board daily. Place your board in a place where you can see it often.

This year let’s be intentional about being different and better than we were last year. Let’s Build!

Reference:

Forbes. (2018, April 15). Neuroscience Explains Why You Need To Write Down Your Goals If You Actually Want To Achieve Them