5 Ways to Begin Purpose-Driven Planning

Many people are in a financial rut because their spending habits are made without a purpose or vision in mind. Whether it's going to the mall, grocery store, or sitting with a financial adviser, all decisions should be pushing us closer to fulfilling our overall financial vision.

We must take the time to evaluate whether our decisions are keeping us on track to accomplishing our goals, or pulling us further away. Financial success is not always about making right or wrong choices. Financial success is about taking responsibility to make choices that position us for success.

Despite the grim economic forecast of recession, foreclosures, and rising unemployment rates this is the perfect time to establish a new order in your life. Purpose-driven financial planning positions us to weather any economic storm and stay on course to achieving our goals.

Here are "5 Ways to Begin Purpose-Driven Planning"

1. Develop a vision statement for you and/or your family. Begin to see the end from the beginning.
2. Create a "goal-oriented" budget and begin to use it as your road map to fulfilling your vision instead of keeping your focus on just paying the bills.
3. Keep a financial diary and begin to track your expenses.
4. Focus your spending decisions around helping you achieve your goals.
5. Make a decision not to allow your emotions to justify irresponsible behavior.

Jaynee Sasso is an author, speaker, and creator of the "Commonsense Way to Wealth" coaching system. We are very luck to have her as a contributor to our bi-weekly e-newsletter and blog. For more information, please visit www.commonsensewaytowealth.com or email infodesk@faithfulassistants.com.