Get a handle on your finances and live the life of your dreams with expert Bruce Sellery’s three simple steps to achieving your goals.

Step 1: What are your goals?

• Start with the “Big 3”: mortgage, retirement and education
• Think about goals outside of the “Big 3,” whether it’s travel, home renovations or even hobbies like going to chef school.

Step 2: Set goals for different areas of your life

Here are some examples:

• Family: Date night once a month (dinner out and a babysitter)
• Travel: See Wicked on Broadway
• Health: Lose 20 pounds (gym membership, Weight Watchers, etc.)
• Contribution: Donate to a charity
• Experiences: Go skydiving
• Home: Paint the house
• Things: Get a new blender
• Wild cards: Extras that don’t fit any of the above categories

Step 3: Create a plan

•  Write down a plan that is realistic and shareable. Avoid being overambitious. Lowering your expectations and set yourself up to win.
• Include the goal, frequency and cost. If you don’t have the money, rework your goal. Don’t put it on a credit card.

Example:

Goal: Have a regular date night
Frequency: Once a month
Cost: Under $100 ($30 babysitter, $70 dinner)
Plan:

1. Find a sitter by asking parents at the park.
2. Set a date with spouse.
3. Book the sitter.
4. Save cash by bringing lunch to work.
5. Set up a separate savings account with an automatic transfer of $20 a week.