No matter your financial situation, there will always be items on your wish list. Items that either are frivolous and aren’t regular purchases, or big ticket items that need to be saved up for. Having a wish list is smart; a wish list can keep you on track with your budget and on how you spend your money in different areas of your life. A wish list that you are actively working towards can be a helpful and positive financial tool.

But how do you decide what items should be on your wish list?

It can be easy to get swept up wanting new and fancy electronics, clothes, and nights out. You can use your wish list as a means to save up for a better version of the necessities that are already a part of your “savings” account. Big ticket items like cars, vacations, and home renovations always need extra money saved towards them. Smaller ticket items, like getting shoes or a coat that will last for years or buying organic foods, can hold a similar importance within your budget.

Decide what is important to you and for your financial future. Maybe a few things align. Like needing a new computer for your home office and wanting new electronics when they come out. Or maybe travel is important to you, or retiring early. Whatever you want for your future, combined with what you want your life to look like on the way, now is the best time to start working towards that.

And how do you get things from your wish list to your reality?

This can be the tricky part, as it can be hard to follow a budget in general. But it can be especially hard when combining your immediate wants with goals for the future. But the best thing you can do is to get organized and make a plan. And then start saving accordingly!

 Budgeting, saving, and planning for your financial future can be difficult, especially when life throws you a lot of curveballs. But having a wish list and other financial goals in mind can make saving for the future a lot more enjoyable. And having something to look forward to can help steer financial decisions into the right place, rather than letting what is happening now dictate your future.