Financial Planning Fundamentals: Implementing SMART Objectives

Financial Planning Fundamentals: Implementing SMART Objectives

Introduction

Setting a Financial Goal – where do we start? It’s always a tricky area to navigate. We’re faced with many difficulties when attempting to set goals, such as defining the goal, measuring success, dealing with unknowns, variables, achievability, and so on. But it’s crucial to delve into the details, as goals provide us with a sense of direction and a point of reference to return to if we stray off the path we’ve paved to lead us toward our desired results. For the second insight of our Financial Planning series, I aim to provide you with a tool to establish your own goals and maintain your commitment to them.

SMART Goals

A well-known tool to help in the department of goal setting is SMART goals:

  • Specific: Goals should be clear and specific, answering the questions of who, what, where, when, and why.
  • Measurable: Goals should have criteria for measuring progress and success, such as cost, and timing.
  • Achievable: While goals should be challenging, it’s important that they are also realistic and attainable.
  • Relevant: your goals should be relevant and meaningful to you.
  • Time-bound: Each goal should have a timeline or deadline to help maintain focus and urgency.

Let’s look at an example of a SMART goal:

Objective: Save money for a house deposit
  • Specific: I would like to buy a house for £300,000 with a 10% deposit, amounting to £30,000 by age 30.
  • Measurable: I will save £200 per month and aim for an average annual return of 5%.
  • Achievable: I have analysed my budget, and I can afford to save £200 per month. I will also consult with my Financial Advisor to optimize my investment strategy.
  • Relevant: Saving for a house is essential for my peace of mind, knowing I own my home, and providing a safe environment to raise my future family.
  • Time-bound: I am currently 20 years old, so I have 10 years to achieve this. I will review this annually and adjust my contributions where necessary to help me stay on track.

The above example clearly provides a strategy for getting from point A to point B. It provides clear and precise objectives and actionable steps to help you get there. It also offers a sense of direction, steering you towards what you’ve identified as important during this process. Identifying what’s important to you will help you prioritize and make better decisions. Once you’ve identified what’s important, you’re less likely to do things that lead you away from your goals.

Once you have set your goal, it’s essential that you do not let it gather dust but regularly reflect on it. This will allow you to make adjustments and refinements, helping you adapt to changing circumstances; as we all know, life doesn’t always go according to plan.

Accountability Partner

Why not find an accountability partner? A study carried out by The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found that sharing a goal with someone increases your chance of completing it by 65%. If you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve shared it with, your chance of success will increase by up to 95%. So, once you’ve set your SMART goal, share it with someone. This could be a friend, a family member, or your Financial Advisor.

Conclusion

The strategy we have discussed does not guarantee that you will achieve all your goals. However, if you follow the steps correctly, you will get closer to your desired outcomes and set out a clear roadmap to follow. Setting a SMART goal is a step in the right direction.

At Tanager, we work with our clients to establish SMART goals and determine the necessary steps to accomplish them, reviewing these on a regular basis to ensure they are on track. We take the time to ask the important questions, listen carefully to discover what is important to you, and collaboratively draw up a tailored plan that you can follow.

Reference:

American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) Study on Accountability (2018): https://www.afcpe.org/news-and-publications/the-standard/2018-3/the-power-of-accountability/

Disclaimer:

This is not advice or a recommendation. You should consult with your tax attorney and accountant to determine whether any of these actions are appropriate in your circumstances.

Certain investments carry a higher degree of risk than others and are, therefore, unsuitable for some investors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up, and you may not recover the amount of your initial investment.

Further articles on Investing

investments
Kris 460x280 1
ESG Philosophy

Secure your financial future

Our team of experts are ready to discuss your financial future.

Close
Abbas Somji

Abbas Somji

PARTNER AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Abbas moved to London in early 2018 to be with his British wife. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Botswana, Abbas then migrated to Houston where he attended University. He began his professional career at an RIA in Houston and holds the Series 65 license and US CFP® . He brings with him a decade of experience in advising High-Net-Worth clients and business owners. Abbas is a Partner and Advisor and ensures he’s helping clients navigate the complicated world of being an expat in the UK. He particularly enjoys providing clients with the clarity and confidence to pursue their financial goals. A sports enthusiast, Abbas enjoys conversing about and playing soccer/football and attending Liverpool matches.

Read more… Abbas Somji, Beyond the Bio

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Alistair Jackson 8165 Edit

Alistair Jackson

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Alistair joined the team at Tanager in 2019 following his completion of an MPhil in English at the University of Cambridge as a John Crook Scholar. With three years of experience working across our Investment and Financial Planning teams, Alistair transitioned to the Advisor Team in January 2022. His time is now focused on the production and implementation of robust planning and investment strategies for our clients on either side of the Atlantic. Outside of the office, Alistair’s time is divided between exploring East London’s many food markets, spending time with friends and family, and travelling abroad.

 

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Angela

Angela Lloyd-Read

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Having worked with private clients for almost 25 years, Angela has helped a diverse range of clients improve their financial well-being. A Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, she is passionate about the importance of relevant and ongoing financial planning, and the difference it can make to the lives of individuals and families alike. As a member of Resolution, she works with solicitors and mediators to improve financial outcomes for clients going through divorce or separation. By communicating complex ideas simply and setting out clear priorities, Angela allows clients to concentrate on their other concerns at this time. In her free time, Angela enjoys exploring London’s museums and galleries and being creative in the kitchen for the benefit of friends and family.

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
david c 6001

David Costello

PARTNER AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR

David arrived in the UK on New Year’s Day 2014 and brought with him fifteen years’ experience advising private clients and business owners. He attained the U.S. Certified Financial Planner designation in 2007. David specialises in building financial plans for UK based households that include US taxpayers and is tirelessly committed to helping Tanager clients maximise their wealth and achieve their stated goals and objectives while navigating the US/UK tax and investment landscape. David is a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and is active in volunteering and fund raising for the support toward the treatment and eradication of blood cancers.

Read more… David Costello, Beyond the Bio

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Gail Hamilton King

Gail Hamilton- King

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Gail joined Tanager in 2021 as a financial advisor with more than fifteen years of experience in senior investment banking and management consulting roles at Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank. She enjoys leveraging her financial experience to make a tangible difference for Americans living in the UK by helping to manage their complex finances globally. Gail moved to the UK from Chicago to complete an MBA at London Business School. As a dual UK/US family living in west London, she understands the challenges our clients face.

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
1

Ieuan Martin

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Ieuan joined Tanager in January 2023 to continue his career in wealth management and provide client solutions for families across the UK and the US. He has a strong background in finance, having spent 3 years as a Financial Planner after graduating from Newcastle University with a 2.1 degree in Economics and holds the Series 65 license, the CFA Investment Management Certificate (IMC), and the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (CII). A keen student of history, Ieuan spends his weekends either reading or watching his beloved Newcastle United.

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
2

James Painter

ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ADVISOR

After graduating from Oxford Brookes University in 2018 with a 1st Class Honours in Accounting & Finance, James spent 9 months traveling the United States and Australia before returning to the UK in 2019 to embark on his career in Financial Planning.  Since then, James went on to obtain the coveted (CII) Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2022, and more recently, in May 2024, joined Tanager as an Associate Financial Advisor where he will be working closely with the Senior Advisors to support them and their clients with their financial planning. James loves all things exercise-based outside of work, including running, football, snowboarding, and everything in between.

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Kris Heck

Kristopher Heck

MANAGING PARTNER

Kristopher has lived in London since 2007 and combined his ten-plus years of experience in the Institutional Asset Management Industry in the US and Europe and personal experiences as an expat to found Tanager. A founding partner and Chief Investment Officer, Kris has been a guest lecturer at the London School of Economics and has particular interest and experience in portfolio efficiency – encompassing tax, cost, and the optimal risk budgeting of a client’s assets. Kristopher is an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and enjoys going back to Maryland whenever he is able to.

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Kyle 4262 Edit 1

Kyle Pettigrove

PARTNER AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Kyle is a Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP ®) and joined Tanager in London in 2016 having moved to the UK with his fiancée. A US/UK dual citizen and Philadelphia native, Kyle previously worked as a financial advisor in the US specializing in retirement planning. Now spearheading Tanager’s stateside office in Philadelphia, Kyle brings both relevant personal and professional experience to his role and covers the areas of pensions for US residents, British expats and transatlantic families living in the US. Outside of his work life, Kyle is an avid traveller and craft beer enthusiast.

Read more… Kyle Pettigrove, Beyond the Bio

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Patrick 4463

Patrick Mulhern

PARTNER AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Patrick moved to Scotland at seventeen to study at the University of St. Andrews and has been picking up knowledge of life on both sides of the Atlantic ever since. A Partner and Financial Advisor, he specializes in complex planning for high-net-worth clients, international estate planning and inheritance issues. Prior to working in Financial Planning, he worked for a trust and estate law firm and co-wrote the book Estate Planning to Die For. Patrick lives in Sussex with his wife and children. He gets back to New England as often as possible and is one mountain short of having hiked all 4,000 Footers of the White Mountains.

Read more… Patrick Mulhern, Beyond the Bio

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Susan 4430

Susan Blaylock

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Susan joined Tanager in 2019 upon moving to London. She is a Financial Advisor and has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, mainly as a CPA. What she loves about financial planning is the opportunity to help people understand and achieve the financial goals that are most important to them. She enjoys the challenge of working with the complex situations of US expats. Susan shares Tanager’s philosophy of developing strong relationships with clients and gaining a deep understanding of their financial situations and life goals. Outside of work, Susan enjoys exploring, including hiking in the Alps, canyoning, kayaking London’s canals, cycling, and spending time with friends and family.

Read more… Susan Blaylock, Beyond the Bio

envelope icon
in icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Close
Tori Bown 7230 Edit

Tori Bown

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Tori joined Tanager in May of 2022 after moving to London in late 2021 to join her English Husband. Prior to joining Tanager, Tori worked in Dallas, Texas for a large wealth management firm for over five years where she specialized in financial planning for high net worth clients. As a Certified Financial Planner ™ , she’s developed a holistic approach to wealth management that incorporates all aspects of a person’s financial life. Tori enjoys helping clients define and achieve their financial goals by enabling them to put context around their finances.

envelope icon
  • email icon
  • linkedinn logo
Scroll to Top