Setting Financial Goals for a Prosperous Future

Financial goals are more than just numbers; they represent your hopes, priorities, and the life you want to build. Whether you’re planning for a dream vacation, eliminating debt, or investing for the future, setting clear financial goals is essential for achieving financial freedom and stewardship.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of wise planning: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5). Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting financial goals and using tools like the Virtuous Living Planner by Lisa Michele to achieve them.

Why Financial Goals Matter

1. Clarity and Direction: Goals help you prioritize what’s important and give you a clear roadmap to achieve them.

2. Motivation: Defined goals keep you focused and motivated, especially during challenging times.

 3. Financial Stewardship: Planning your finances allows you to honor God with your resources and make wise decisions.

Steps to Set Financial Goals

1. Reflect on Your Priorities:

• What do you value most? Think about your short-term (less than a year), medium-term (1-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) goals. Examples include paying off debt, saving for retirement, or building an emergency fund.

2. Be Specific:

• Define your goals clearly. Instead of saying, “Save more money,” set a specific target like, “Save $5,000 for a vacation by December 2025.”

3. Make Them Measurable:

• Attach numbers and deadlines to your goals. This helps you track progress and stay accountable.

4. Set Realistic Goals:

• Be honest about your current financial situation. Goals should challenge you but remain achievable with discipline and effort.

5. Break Goals into Actionable Steps:

• Divide large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, to save $5,000, break it into monthly savings of $416 over 12 months.

6. Use the Virtuous Living Planner by Lisa Michele:

 • The planner includes tools like a Master Goals List and Monthly Budget Pages to help you record and track your financial goals. Write your goals down, create action steps, and monitor progress monthly.

Examples of Financial Goals

Short-Term:

• Save $1,000 for an emergency fund.

• Pay off one credit card balance.

Medium-Term:

• Save for a down payment on a home.

• Pay off student loans.

Long-Term:

• Invest for retirement.

• Save for your children’s college education.

Staying on Track

1. Review Your Goals Regularly:

• Use the Virtuous Living Planner to check progress monthly and make adjustments as needed.

2. Celebrate Small Wins:

• Acknowledge milestones along the way to stay motivated.

3. Trust God’s Provision:

 • Pray over your financial goals, trusting God to provide wisdom, discipline, and resources.

Plan for Generosity

As you set financial goals, include generosity as a key priority. The Virtuous Living Planner by Lisa Michele features a Generosity Log to track giving and plan for Kingdom investments.

Start Today

There’s no better time to start setting financial goals than now. By taking small, intentional steps, you can achieve financial freedom, honor God with your resources, and build a life of purpose and abundance.

Reflection Question:

What financial goals can you set today to move closer to the future you envision? Use your Virtuous Living Planner to begin the journey toward success and stewardship.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

Your Sister in Christ

 

Lisa Michele

Creator, Virtuous Living Planner

www.virtuouslivingplanner.com