My Financial Wellness and Goals - Essay Example

The quality of life of an individual depends on the good use of personal finances. To achieve financial well being a person must work to earn an income. Another important aspect of managing finances is having a good investment plan. An area of finances that I often have trouble with is budgeting. I always try to create a personal budget for my expenses every month, but it seems as if my budgets are always off. I always end up spending more money than what my budget stipulates.

The use of software such as Excel or Quicken can help people manage their budgets better (Intuit). Financial goals are very important. “The first step in personal financial planning is controlling your day-to-day financial affairs to enable you to do the things that bring you satisfaction and enjoyment” (Fowles). These goals can be established for the immediate, short, medium, and long term. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (Topachievement).

An immediate goal is to save at least $300 at the end of the month. A short-term goal is to purchase a new smartphone within one to two months. A second short-term goal is to save money to purchase winter clothes. An intermediate goal is to increase the value of my investment portfolio by 10% at the end of the year. Another goal is to save money for a down payment on a new home within five years. A long-term goal is to save $250,000 by retirement age.