Setting goals for the new year? Here are my tips for setting and accomplishing goals this year:

1) Don’t make a year long goal. I always recommend making 30 day goals. 30 days is plenty of time to complete a goal and it keeps your momentum going. Plus, it prevents burnout.

2) Make a very specific goal. Bad goal: I am going to save more for retirement. Good goal: I am going to increase my retirement contribution by 5% this month. Your goals need to be quantifiable and realistic.

3) Establish an emotional connection to your goal. If your 30 day goal is to contribute $1,000 more to your daughter’s college fund, take a moment to think about your daughter’s future. When the choice comes down to a $100 steak dinner and your daughter’s happiness the decision is obvious. An emotional connection to your goal will help you overcome roadblocks.

For more information and tips from Pete the Planner, please visit his website, check out his radio show, watch him on TV, or take a look at his new column in the IndyStar.

And, don’t forget, as faculty or staff of Butler University, you have FREE access to all of Pete the Planner’s financial resources from GreenCandy.com!

This site is the comprehensive home to all of Pete the Planner’s financial wellness guides, videos, worksheets, calculators, and all other resources needed to make significant financial change.

In order to access the site, you will need to follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit http://greencandy.com

Step 2: Look for the word “Register” at the top of the page and click it.

Step 3: Enter the following registration code: bulldogs

*Please note, this resource is for Butler faculty and staff only.*