M4: Client Goals Flashcards
In this module, we discuss the general principles by which effective goals abide.
n Financial Counseling: A Strategic Approach, Pulvino and Pulvino provide seven principles of effective goals. They are:
The goals are under the client’s control.
The goals emphasize what the client will do or how they will behave.
The goals specify what the client will be doing when on track toward achieving goals.
The goals may specify the conditions under which behavior can be observed.
The goals may specify actions, in percentages, degrees, or numbers that will be acceptable during a specific time period.
The goals are stated in positive terms.
The goals are stated in the client’s language.
What are SMART goals?
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timely
S: is for specific
When a client states their goals, they should be as clear as possible so that when they review the goals periodically, they will know exactly what they wanted to accomplish and whether or not they have done it. Do they want to save money? They should include details in the plan rather than just write “Save more.” The key is to be specific!
M: is for measurable
The client should state what they want to accomplish with numbers. In the example of saving money, the client should state a specific and measurable amount of money that they would like to save. “Save $1,000” is a very specific and measurable goal. The power of this approach is that it will be easy to know when the goal is successfully completed.
A: is for achievable
While financial counselors typically recommend having an emergency fund of at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses, maybe that is not an amount that a client could easily save in one year’s time. In that case, the client should set a goal that is challenging but not one that they will never achieve. With that in mind, a counselor may recommend that the client cut their savings goal down to $500. Out-of-reach goals can kill incentive.
R: is for realistic or relevant
A counselor should ask the client whether or not the goal is appropriate. Is it something that would actually be helpful or are they just setting a goal because someone convinced them that it was a good idea? If the client does not believe that the goal is important, chances are that they will not see it through. The client should think about what achieving this goal would mean. Would they be able to buy something that is out of reach right now? Would they be able to handle their own emergencies without asking family or friends for help? Counselors can help clients working through these types of questions while identifying a goal that has meaning.
T: is for timely
A client should set due dates for their goals. It is very easy to procrastinate when it comes to making progress toward goals. However, if a client sets due dates and milestones for longer-term goals, these checkpoints can help a client stay on track. Short-term goals are those that a client wants to achieve within the next 12 months, so it might make sense to set some milestone targets every three or four months. Incremental progress adds up.
Action plan
the written instrument that specifies the goals and direction that help the client make a commitment and summarizes the content of the counseling session.
