Personal Finance: Personal Finance Home

Welcome!  This guide provides links to important sources of information to help you explore ways to improve your financial situation. There are many resources available to help you. Please research all the information linked in the guide and use caution before investing or buying anything.  And please reach out to a FRCC librarian to help you find additional information!  We would love to help you obtain your goals.

When thinking about financial goals, it is important to consider both short-term (current month or year purchases) and long-term goals (for important life events and big expenses). Use this SMART guideline to help you bring your goals to life:

SPECIFIC goals inspire. Setting a clear goal will help you focus on saving for it.

           Example: Save enough for a summer vacation.

MEASURABLE goals let you see the real task at hand. By using real numbers, you can measure your progress along the way.

           Example: A summer trip costs $3,000, and I have $800 saved.

ATTAINABLE goals pay off. When setting your goal, ensure that it is realistic and within your reach.

          Example: I know I can save enough money each week to pay for that trip.

RELEVANT goals make good sense. Set a goal only if you know it will be meaningful in the long run.

          Example: I am saving for a home-share because it’s cheaper than staying in a hotel.

TIME-RELATED goals have a real deadline. Setting a time frame for your goal will help you stay committed to reaching it.

           Example: I want to go on a vacation by next summer.

This information comes from the VISA Practical Money Skills site.