The first step in managing your money is having financial goals. The New Year is the ideal time to review your financial goals.

Your goals help you to guide your finances on a daily basis. You have something that you are working towards every day. You plan and follow a budget, using your goals as your map.

Without your financial goals, you don't really have the proper motivation to get out there and save. Without a plan, you aren't getting anywhere. If you don't set financial goals, you may never see financial independence.

If you've never set yourself any financial goals, you need to sit down with a pen and paper and look at what you want to accomplish. There is a reason you want to change your finances. Make a list of the things you want.

Your list will probably start with getting out of debt, starting a retirement account, saving to buy a home and the basics. But don't let that hold you back. Include everything you want to get out of your money to your list. If you want new furniture or a trip to Europe, include them. These are money goals that you can work towards.

Prioritize your list. While getting out of debt is a top priority, going to Europe would be something that could wait. Some goals you will be consistently working on at the same time. Others will wait until something else is accomplished.

Look at each of your goals and set yourself time limits. For example, you may know that you have 25 years to prepare for retirement. You might want to be debt-free in 6 years. Set these goals reasonably and remember that they can always be modified if necessary.

Then start breaking down your goals into short term goals. When you break a large task up into small steps, you are motivated to stay on task. Plus, it simply makes the tasks easier.

For example, if your goal is to get out of debt, your short term goals may be:

Form a debt master list that lists each debt, contact info, interest rate, payment and balance for each debt you owe. (1 Week)
Set up a budget and find ways to cut back on spending in order to put more towards monthly debt payments. (3 weeks)
Call credit cards and request lower rates. If denied, start shopping for lower interest rate cards and transfer balances. (4 Weeks)
Sell boat and put extra money towards paying off debt #1 on master list.
And so on. These lists can be never ending. As you think of a new "to do," simply add it to the list. Remember, things are set in stone. Management means that you are flexible, yet dedicated.

Once your goals are set, you need to review them often. Keep them in front of you constantly. Every time you pay bills or balance your accounts, you should look to see if you are working towards your goals. Keep them in mind. If you find that you aren't making progress on a goal, you should evaluate why you are failing and make the changes that are necessary.

Having goals helps you to stay on the right track financially. They are essential when you are looking towards financial freedom. But you must work towards them. Don't just set them and forget them. Review and revise as needed.