What exactly is a financial goal and how to get the right goals for you?  Use these 6 tips to get what you want out of life.

• Tip 1 What is a financial goal?

A financial goal is anything you wish to buy, have or do that isn't a necessary living or lifestyle expense.  A financial goal can be something as simple as a hot air balloon ride for your partner and yourself, a 2 week holiday with the kids or a new wardrobe to celebrate that new job!  Most people set and achieve financial goals without realising they have done it.

• Tip 2 Set a minimum dollar amount.

As your financial goals are really a Wish List, we don't need to set a maximum dollar amount.  You do need to set a minimum dollar amount though.  What amount can you comfortably spend on top of your necessary living and lifestyle expenses including debt repayments, before things would be tight?  That is your minimum dollar amount and for some people it will be $100, others $10.

• Tip 3 Decide when you want to reach your goals.

Goals fall into one of three categories, Short-term, Medium-term or Long-term.  Short-term is anything you want to buy, have or do within the next 6 to 12 months.  Medium-term is 3-5 years from now and includes anything over 12 months.  For long-term you need to be looking at more than 5 years but definitely include at least one thing you would like to own or have done 10 years from now.

• Tip 4 Write your own Wish List

Everyone should have their own wish list of things they want to experience, even if you are part of a couple.  Reach for the stars when it comes to dreaming and writing your wish list.

• Tip 5 If you are part of a couple,

write your own wish list first then sit down somewhere comfortable and compare lists.  Hopefully you will have some items on each wish list that are the same or similar.  Don't worry if you don't as this is a good time to discuss the things that are important to you both individually and as a couple.

• Tip 6 Read your list regularly

Life happens and people change so make sure that you look at your wish list regularly.  See what you have achieved and move things into the financial goal category that now fits best.  Wish lists are meant to be updated and sometimes things lose importance so cross them off and add new things in their place.  Never be afraid to make changes to your wish list, that's why it is a wish.

If you want to start keeping track of your Financial Goals, check out this months Free Stuff.