Once you’ve got your goals in mind it’s a good time to step back and review them to make sure they are in line with your values. Try to prioritize them despite that some may be longer term goals. If you’re having trouble deciding between two or more goals, take them two at a time and rank them #1 and #2, then take the next one and rank it against #2. If the third one is more important, evaluate it against the #1. 

For example: Let’s say Mary would like a 1) new car 2) a holiday 3) a new couch and 4) a start on retirement but she’s not sure how to prioritize them. Taking the first two, Mary wants the holiday more than the car. Comparing the couch to the car, Mary wants the couch more. At this point they are ranked 1) holiday 2) couch 3) car. Factoring in the retirement is a bit more challenging because not having a solid plan makes her feel anxious and she knows she should get started. Comparing it to car, then couch and then holiday she realizes that it’s time to put it first so now the ranking is 1) retirement 2) holiday 3) couch and 4) car.

By comparing only two at a time, it is often easier to decide which you want more whether it’s financial goals, meals for dinner or what to wear!

That’s Step 2 and next time it’s Step 3. In preparation for Step 3, gather your pay stub, credit card bills, bank statements or any other documentation or statements that give you information about the ins and outs of your money.