In many cases, the plan to achieve your goals is as
important as the goal itself. Example: It’s January
and my goal is to save $10,000 for a down payment
on a house, by December of this year. I will use a
monthly written budget sheet to see where I can
reduce my monthly expenses. I will put my
money in high‐interest savings or checking
accounts, and each paycheck I will chart my
savings goals. (There are banks paying higher APY
in high‐yielding checking accounts.) I will reduce,
or eliminate dining out. I will reduce my vacation
spending this year and find ways to earn extra
money, such as a weekend, or evening job