Getting what you want doesn't generally come easily. You usually have to work pretty hard to get what you want.

Getting what you want financially requires the same dedication and hard work as achieving any other goal.

In order to get what you want you need to set goals. People who are successful at achieving their goals most likely charted out a long-term plan to get there. That means mapping out timelines, tasks and deadlines along the way to achieving your goals, and sticking firmly to your plan.

Simply stated, a goal is something you want that you are willing to work for. You really can achieve your goals. It takes planning, hard work, and following your plan

Consider two families - the Smith family and the Brown family. They both know what they want. But take a look at the information listed beneath each family. Which family do you think has a better chance to succeed?

If you picked the Browns, you're right! Making A Smart Buying Decision isn't easy. Notice how the Browns have a strong game plan with actual timelines for obtaining their goals. The Smiths may have goals, but unlike the Browns they don't have a plan to achieve them. And so the Smiths may find their "goals" are just dreams that never come true.

In general, It is helpful to classify your goals as either short-term, mid-term, or long-term.

Let's take a little time now to talk about how to properly classify your goals.

Generally, short-term goals take less than a year to achieve. Some common examples of short term goals are taking a vacation, buying a refrigerator, or replacing a TV set.

Mid-Term goals can't be accomplished right away but should not take many years to achieve. Some common examples of mid-term goals might include buying a home, purchasing a car, finishing your education, or paying off a debt.

Long-term goals generally take more than five years to accomplish, and require a longer commitment and more money. Some common long-term goals can include retirement, or paying for your child's college education.

When setting goals, it is often helpful to put things down on paper. First, write down your goal. Then write down the ways you can reach your goal, your deadline for reaching the goal, and the total cost and monthly savings required.

It's a good idea to start with a small goal--one you can achieve. Achieving smaller goals can help you plan for and accomplish larger goals. Here you can see a sample short-term goal: buying a new TV. Notice how $240 doesn't seem like so much money when all you need to do is save $30 a month. That's more do-able than trying to come up with $240 all at once.

Now it's your turn to fill out your own goals chart. Use the link below to print out a blank worksheet you can use. Remember to be creative under the "ways to reach" column. You could include getting a part-time job, or finding other resources.

Let's recap things to remember about financial goals. Goals are not dreams; they're something you plan and work for to achieve. Goals can be short-term, mid-term, or long-term, depending on the time, effort, and money it takes to achieve them. Setting good financial goals involves identifying what your goals are, developing a plan to reach them, and sticking to your plan to achieve them.