Goals: The Key to Big Buck$

Money, dough, cash, filthy lucre–we all want money. Money plays an important role in one's success and future. Small children crave money and earn it by asking their parents, "May I have a dollar?" Little ones can get away with that, but once they reach ten or so they must start earning the money themselves. It's not unusual for teenagers to have a summer job mowing grass, raking leaves in the fall, or shoveling driveways in the winter. All seek money and do what they must to earn it.

Everyone hears the word "budget" now and then. Do you casually mark off the word saying, "I won't budget. That's foolish."? You might be surprised at how many folks shrug off the thought of maintaining a budget. But these same people who wave off the concept of budgeting are overheard saying, "I just don't understand how Mr. Banker got so much money." "Mr. Banker" arrived where he is today because he started in the beginning by budgeting.

Brenda is a waitress at a local restaurant. Her meager income requires her to keep a budget. She didn't always have a budget though. She relied on her tips and paid her bills according to the money she pocketed each night. Though the idea was great, she found herself falling further and further behind in her expenses. She decided that she would start keeping a log of her money and jotted down a written budget. Today she still works as a waitress and manages to have all her bills paid on time and a little extra "spending money" in her pocket.

Learn from Brenda's wisdom. She kept a journal of her income and expenses and put into practice many valuable keys to success. Writing down money goals keeps the long-term goal in focus. It's easy to lose sight of your vision because the cares of life threaten to take every penny that you earn. With your goals written down, you can look back and remember what you were shooting for. If you get off track just a little bit, it's easy to get back on once you realize you're a little off-balance.

Practice living from paycheck to paycheck. You can even have a monthly budget in plan. For example, the paycheck the first week of the month pays the electric and heating bills and the next paycheck will pay the garbage and insurance payments. It's easier to have the bills paid up and paid on time when you realize that this paycheck goes for these specific bills.

Educate yourself as much as you can in money managing. It's wise to invest money in a savings account and buying stocks might even be profitable for you. Knowing all the avenues of money management strengthens your chances in being financially successful. As you learn the different elements of money, calculate your progress regularly. Record your ups and downs and learn from them.

Money covers a broad spectrum. These are just a few points that will help get you started on the road to financial success. Brenda learned the importance of maintaining a budget; likewise, learn from her. Start out just writing down a few things you desire to achieve and work to it. Remember this quote, "You can have anything you want, if you want it bad enough."

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