Becoming Financially Disciplined

Whether you start at the beginning of the year or you start today, some actions to keep your financial plans on track include:

Set a money objective. Simplify your approach for financial goals by selecting a word or short phrase to give your direction. This theme might be “future needs” (for retirement planning), “spend mindfully” (for controlling spending), or “kid’s college.”
Use automation. Using automatic transfers will allow you to save for a house down payment, an emergency fund, a vacation, or retirement.
Challenge yourself. Cut unnecessary expenses to allow you to have money left over each month for financial goals.
Change your environment. Modifying your financial habits can occur with visible reminders, such as photos, sticky notes, or note cards placed on your credit card, desk, bathroom mirror, refrigerator, car dashboard, or computer screen. Also consider keeping a financial diary or journal.
Obtain needed support. Instead of going it alone, work with a friend, roommate, spouse, or group to achieve your money objective and stay accountable.

For additional information on becoming financially disciplined, click on the following links:

Teaching Suggestions

Have students talk to others to obtain ideas for achieving financial goals.
Have students create visuals that might be used to remind them about financial goals and actions.

Discussion Questions

What are the main reasons people who not achieve financial goals?
Describe methods that might be used to help you and others achieve financial goals.