What Money Goals and Wonder Woman have in common

You ever watch a superhero movie and get that feeling?

That feeling that you are strong and powerful and can achieve anything! Wonder Woman never questions whether she will achieve the goal she sets out for. She’s clear - knows why she’s going after it, how she’s going to do it and has calculated any variables and roadblocks that may stand in her way. And what happens - she achieves her goals ALL the time. You have your own superpowers too and you must use these superpowers when creating and working on your money goals.

5 tips to adding superpowers to your money goals

1. WHY. Deciding on your “why” is a great way to start moving in the right direction. Take time and really get clear on why you set these goals and their importance in your life. After the winter season you may work on your summer bod. Why? Possibly because you plan on being on the beach for your summer vacation and you may want all eyes on you. This same drive and motivation must also go into setting your money goals. Why are you setting these goals? To be debt free sooner, retire earlier, have a home for your family? Or are you just setting goals that everyone else has or is telling you that you must have.

Take yourself on a date (maybe even a spa date, yes!). Clear your mind and get connected internally to your why as this will be your driving force and motivation to help you remain disciplined and persistent on your journey. Think about the financial life you desire and why it’s so important to you and then set financial goals to get you there.

2. You said a Bad word. “S**T” you say. “That’s another dollar mom.” says one of your children. Kids will always be there to keep you accountable, especially when it’s money involved to add to their piggy bank for that new toy they desire. As annoying as accountability may be because we want to believe we are responsible and we don’t want to report to anyone, it’s needed to change habits. The swear jar is meant to have you swear less. However, when you’re paying your kids, that’s alright, you would have spent the same money on them regardless. But what if every time you swore, you had to throw the dollar into the street? I bet you’d be more conscious then.

It’s not only about having accountability, but also having the right accountability partner. Find someone who is also serious about achieving their financial dreams and work together to fulfill your goals.

3. Check Engine. This is the last light you want to see turn on while you’re driving. To prevent your engine light from turning on, you conduct and follow the maintenance schedule to mitigate the risk of anything going wrong (when you least expect it). But how often do you perform maintenance on your finances?

Check in often with your plan, your budget, set money dates and family meetings. This ensures you stay on track.

4. OPM. Others Peoples Money is one concept used to build wealth. “I would never use someone else’s money to fulfill my personal desires”, you say. If so, then there is no need for your credit cards because that money isn’t yours. Managing your credit will enable you to reach some of your financial goals quicker. Focus on building a strong credit report. To increase your credit rating, make loan payments on time and reduce debt. If you neglect either of those, you’re considered to be delinquent because you breached a contractual agreement. You could be denied for mortgages or loans, endure higher interest rates, potentially disapproved for things like cell phone contracts or rental agreements which all end up being roadblocks to your financial destination.

5. The Finish Line. Imagine running a race and not knowing where the finish line was. This would be exhausting. Where would you stop? Would you stop? Would you even start? This finish line can be liken to “knowing your numbers” - this is the ultimate financial destination. One of the biggest financial destinations is retirement. Tell someone you’re going to retire and they immediately ask “When?” or “How much money do you have?” Numbers bring clarity and without an actual number to work towards, you might hit a retirement age and find you need to stay in the workforce to cover your financial obligations.

Work backwards to calculate your financial goals. Determine the amount of money required, the time frame of when you’d like it and then exercise discipline.