We ALL fall out of sync with our financial goals from time to time and it is mainly because we start being inconsistent.  Consistency is key in all things that take time. 

Getting off track happens, there’s no need to panic. (Unless of course you are ALWAYS falling off track.)  When you find yourself off track the first thing you want to do is assess how far off track you are.  Are you way off track or just slightly off?  Has your inconsistency caused you to undo all of the progress you’ve made so far or is your progress still mostly in tact?  Once you’ve determined where you are, take a minute to see what really caused you to lose focus of your goals.  This is an important step in helping you avoid losing focus in the future. 

I have fallen off track a time or two :-), so know that you are not alone.  When it happens, there are a few things that you can do to get your finances back on track.  Depending on how far off track you are, you may have to recommit to your goals AND the process to start moving in the right direction.  The fastest way for anyone to get back on track is to budget and track your expenses consistently. 

• Budgeting will allow you to allocate your financial resources to align with your goals. 
• Tracking your expenses will reveal when your actions aren’t aligning with your goals. 

The key here is to set up a budgeting and tracking process that is convenient, so that you do it consistently, and will hold you accountable.  Whether you use an app, a spreadsheet or just plain old pen and paper, choose the method that will work for YOU.  As part of your process make sure to schedule a specific time out of the week or month to review your budget and expenses.  I actually add it to my calendar and set up reminders.  My weekly/monthly check ins help me to stay focused on my goals.

Remember “Consistency breeds results and inconsistency doesn’t.”