Your Money Goals Should Meet the M.A.R.K.

We’ve all set financial goals we didn’t meet, whether to live on a budget or to save for a rainy day, trip, or special purchase. Many financial goals fail because they do not meet the M.A.R.K.

Measurable: Your goals need a number and a name. If you aren’t clear on what you’re seeking to achieve, you won’t know when you arrive, or fail. Do more than decide to save more. Put a dollar sign on your goal.

Accountable: You’re more likely to quit if you don’t have someone to hold you to your word. Share your goal with a trusted friend. Wisdom literature teaches us: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up (Ecc. 4:9 NIV).

Realistic: Start small and generate wins. Rather than shooting for the moon with your goal, start small and steady, generating nearly immediate wins. Then, gradually increase your goal. The small wins will build momentum.

Kingdom-minded: There’s no substitute for having God’s partnership in your goal—it’s the hidden ingredient to success. If what you’re going after doesn’t matter for eternity, it doesn’t matter. God cares deeply about your life and your money, so invite God into the process.

As always, seek the advice of a certified financial planner.