Everyone has dreams—buying a home, starting a business, retiring early. But dreams without a plan often stay just that: dreams.
According to Jennifer De Leon, Registered Financial Planner, the key to making your dreams a reality is to begin with vision—and then act with intention.
“As the famous saying goes, begin with the end in mind. We should have a clear goal of what we want in our life.” De Leon told Financial Adviser PH. “It would be easier to achieve when we have a specific target or goal in mind. Don’t be afraid to dream, because if you dream it, you can definitely achieve it.”
But vision alone isn’t enough—you need a plan. “Now that you have a vision, it is imperative that we make a financial plan on how to achieve it.” She recommends using the S.M.A.R.T. approach: make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
The key, she says, is to avoid overwhelm by breaking your goals into manageable steps. “Break our plan into bite-sized pieces so that we won’t feel overwhelmed. This will serve as our guide in our daily thoughts, decisions, and actions. It will keep us right on track.”
And while self-discipline is important, De Leon encourages seeking professional guidance. “Consult your trusted financial planner to help you in making your financial plan.”
Even the most detailed plan won’t work without action. “Having a vision and a financial plan, no matter how grand it is, will not make us achieve financial abundance unless we take action.”
Ultimately, financial planning isn’t about restriction—it’s about clarity and direction. It’s about aligning your money with your life goals.
So dream big—but don’t stop there. Write the plan. Take the steps. And move with purpose. Because as De Leon reminds us, “If you dream it, you can definitely achieve it.”
