New year, new you, right?

Well if the Chinese Zodiac has anything to say about it, then yes, actually.

The Year of the Earth Dog, 2018 is a good time for lifestyle changes (time to quit smoking, maybe?) and for the start of new business ventures.

What better way to change your lifestyle than financially, right?

In light of this esoteric outlook, we decided to get real and share six of Forbes‘ 12 financial goals you should set this year – one for every month.

Let’s go:

1. Set a personal savings goal for the year.

Don’t just pick an ambiguous number. Look at how much you’re making, what your expenses are, and determine how much you could realistically save each month. You should have both a monthly and yearly savings goal, and ideally they should align.

2. Solidify your emergency fund.

If you don’t already have a rainy day fund, this should be the first savings goal on your list. This can sync up with your personal savings goal; Your emergency fund should have enough to cover three to six months of your expenses. That includes all of your living expenses, and the expenses of any dependents you have.

3. Learn about investing beyond your retirement account.

If you’ve had a retirement account(s) for a few years, and still have money left over after maxing them out, it’s time to get an after-tax account. Essentially, you need an investment account that you can use in the more immediate future, instead of only having investments you aren’t planning to touch before age 60.

This is probably the part where you’er going to require outside assistance the most. Speak to the pros, make your money work for you, live the holiday.

4. Plan a budget-friendly trip.

If you’re just starting to gain financial independence, and are wondering when the fun part of it kicks in, you’re in luck. Booking travel, and realizing [sic] you can afford more than you think now that you’ve got some savings, is a huge treat. Start thinking about where you might want to go in 2018, and how to get there.

5. Track your expenses.

If you don’t know how much you spend in a month, that will seriously hinder your ability to budget. That’s why tracking your expenses is so crucial. First, you’ll want to keep track of what you spend in a month on rent, utilities, and other bills. Then you’ll need to figure out what you spend on eating out, alcohol, coffee, entertainment, and any other major spending categories.

6. Make a budget you can stick to.

Making a budget and making a budget you can follow are two entirely different This is why tracking your expenses is important—it can inform your budgeting choices. In 2018, make a budget you’ll be motivated to follow.

Simple, no? You can see the rest of the suggestions here.

Working out what you spend your money on every month might give you a nasty shock, but it’s well worth it. From there you can discuss the serious side of your financial needs with Consequence, the best private financial advisors in town.

With the ability to organise everything, from your estate planning to investment opportunities, Consequence will successfully guide you on your wealth journey, one budget at a time.

Congrats, you’re almost a fully fledged adult now.

[source:forbes]