Simple financial goal-setting activity with time frames appropriate for students

1. Learning Activity: Go for the Goal
Directions: Ask students to describe one or more of their financial goals, including the cost, number of months to save, and required monthly and weekly savings. Then ask if they can afford the savings figure. If not, have them rework the numbers (e.g., lower-cost goal, longer time frame to save) until they have a realistic and achievable goal The last two columns of the handout for monthly and weekly savings represent a personal action plan. Encourage participants to find a way to save for their goals.
Have participants share their financial goals and action plan. Sharing a goal verbally with others:
♦ makes the goal more “real” because you have described it to another person
♦ increases accountability because others will be watching you to see if you follow through
One- to Three-Month Goals
Description of Goal
Cost/Amount
Number of Months to Save
Monthly Savings
Weekly Savings
Four- to Six-Month Goals
Description of Goal
Cost/Amount
Number of Months to Save
Monthly Savings
Weekly Savings
Six-Month to One-Year Goals
Description of Goal
Cost/Amount
Number of Months to Save
Monthly Savings
Weekly Savings
Longer-Term Goals
Description of Goal
Cost/Amount
Number of Months to Save
Monthly Savings
Weekly Savings