Psychology-Backed Financial Goals Worksheet
A Simple System for Turning Financial Dreams into Reality
Forget past failures. This isn’t just another budget spreadsheet—it’s a system designed for how real people actually work.
1 Define Your ONE Big Goal (Make It SMART)
Clarity is the first step to control. Don’t try to do everything at once—pick ONE primary goal to focus on for the next 90 days. This creates unstoppable momentum.
Now, let’s make it SMART:
S
Specific: What exactly do I want to accomplish?
Example: Pay off my Capital One credit card.
M
Measurable: How will I track progress?
Example: The card has a $4,200 balance.
A
Achievable: Is this realistic with my current situation?
Example: I can commit $350 per month towards the balance.
R
Relevant: Why is this important to me right now?
Example: To eliminate the 24% interest rate and reduce financial stress.
T
Time-bound: What’s my target completion date?
Example: I will have this card paid off by June 2026.
My Full SMART Goal Statement:
2 Set Your Priorities (The Urgent/Important Matrix)
Use this matrix to focus your energy and reduce decision fatigue. Not all goals are created equal—your immediate focus should always be on the top-left box.
URGENT + IMPORTANT
DO FIRST
Build $1,000 Emergency Fund, Pay off high-interest debt, Secure housing/food
URGENT + NOT IMPORTANT
DELEGATE/MINIMIZE
Non-urgent emails, Unimportant meetings
NOT URGENT + IMPORTANT
SCHEDULE
Increase 401(k), Plan vacation savings, Research investments
NOT URGENT + NOT IMPORTANT
DELETE/IGNORE
Social media scrolling, Comparing finances to others
