Guide to S.M.A.R.T. Goal Examples

In your Financial Literacy for Nurses program, you learned that a "goal" is just a "dream" with a plan and a deadline. The "S.M.A.R.T." framework is our "prescription" for turning a vague dream (like "I want to be better with money") into an actionable "Care Plan."

Here is a quick reminder of the framework, followed by real-world examples you can use as a template.

• S = Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?

• M = Measurable: How will you track it? (A dollar amount, a date, a number).

• A = Achievable: Is it realistic? (Can you do this with your "Variable Plan"?)

• R = Relevant: Why does this goal matter to your "Financial Wellness"?

• T = Time-bound: When will you achieve it? (A specific deadline).

Example 1: The "STAT" Emergency Fund (Short-Term "Triage")

• Goal: To save my $1,000 "STAT" Emergency Fund.

• S (Specific): I will save $1,000.

• M (Measurable): I will see a $1,000 balance in my new High-Yield Savings Account.

• A (Achievable): I will transfer $500 from my next two "Variable (OT) Pay" paychecks.

• R (Relevant): This will be my "buffer" to stop a "life event" (like a car repair) from becoming a "debt event" (on a credit card).

• T (Time-bound): In 60 days (or 2 pay cycles).

Example 2: Pay Off "Acute" Debt (Short-Term "Triage")

• Goal: To pay off my "Acute" (high-interest) credit card.

• S (Specific): I will pay off the entire $1,800 balance on my Chase Visa.

• M (Measurable): The balance will be $0.

• A (Achievable): I will use my "Debt Snowball" plan. I will pay the $50 minimum plus all my "Variable Pay" (at least $400/month).

• R (Relevant): To stop the "financial bleeding" from the 24.99% APR and free up my cash flow.

• T (Time-bound): In 5 months.

Example 3: Build the Full E-Fund (Medium-Term "Stabilize")

• Goal: To build my 3-Month Full Emergency Fund.

• S (Specific): I will save $10,500 (which is 3x my $3,500/month "Base Budget").

• M (Measurable): A $10,500 balance in my HYSA.

• A (Achievable): After my acute debt is paid, I will redirect my "Snowball" payment (that $450/month) plus my "Base Pay Surplus" ($200/month) for a total of $650/month.

• R (Relevant): To become financially "stable" and able to withstand a major income drop or life event.

• T (Time-bound): In 17 months (10,500 / 650 = 16.1).

Example 4: Get the 403(b) Match (Long-Term "Wellness")

• Goal: To get my full employer 403(b) match.

• S (Specific): I will increase my 403(b) contribution from 2% to 5% of my "Gross Pay."

• M (Measurable): The contribution percentage on my pay stub will say "5%."

• A (Achievable): I will log into my benefits portal and change the contribution percentage.

• R (Relevant): To get the 100% "free money" return from my employer.

• T (Time-bound): By my next pay cycle. (This is a quick but long-term win).

Example 5: Create a "Sinking Fund" (Medium-Term "Stabilize")

• Goal: To create a "sinking fund" for my annual car insurance.

• S (Specific): I will save $1,200 for my car insurance premium.

• M (Measurable): A $1,200 balance in a separate "Sinking Fund" savings account.

• A (Achievable): I will set up an automatic transfer of $100 from my checking to this new savings account on the 1st of every month.

• R (Relevant): To turn a large, stressful annual bill into a small, predictable monthly one.

• T (Time-bound): In 12 months (by the next due date).

Your "Care Plan" Task: Use the Goals tab in your "Financial Patient Chart" spreadsheet to write your own S.M.A.R.T. goal!