We’re up to Day 7 of 31 Days to a Better Bank Balance. If you want to have a better bank balance, you’ve got to have a plan. But before you can have a plan, you’ve got to know what you’re aiming for. So for today, let’s start by describing in writing how you would like your finances to look.

If you’re not sure what you would like your finances to look like, but aren’t happy with how things are right now, start by writing down the opposite of what you’re currently experience. Don’t feel like you have to stick with what might be “realistic”, but don’t randomly put down “I’m a gazillionaire and have no money worries” either. Try to think of specifics that would make you feel content.

Here’s my paragraph, to give you an example.

My financial life is in good shape. I have at least $300,000 set aside in a diversified manner for retirement, a paid-for house in a nice area, no debt, an estate plan, good health insurance, and only minor fixed expenses such as electricity, water, taxes, groceries, and gas that I’m able to comfortably cover with 25% of my income. My car runs well and is fun to drive. Most of my expenses are automated, so I don’t have to spend a lot of time paying bills. I have plenty of money available for travel, hobbies, random business ventures, and investing. I have plenty of free time for the things I’m interested in doing, and my husband’s finances are in equally good shape.

So if everything were going perfectly for you, what would your financial life look like?

Take 5 or 10 minutes and write up a paragraph or so describing it. (Posting your paragraph in the comments is even better.)