What is a financial goal? 💡

A financial goal is something you want to buy, save for, or start that needs money. It could be small (short term) or big (long term). Setting goals helps you plan how to earn and save money.

Why set financial goals? 🎯

• Helps you save for things you really want (e.g., school trip, a phone).
• Makes it easier to plan a small business (e.g., selling snacks or crafts).
• Teaches responsibility and good money habits early.
• Helps avoid wasting money on things you don’t need.

Types of financial goals

• Short-term: Save KSh 500 for a birthday gift in 2 months.
• Medium-term: Save KSh 5,000 to buy a phone in 1 year.
• Long-term: Start saving KSh 20,000 for secondary school supplies over 3 years.

Make goals SMART 📝

Use SMART to make clear goals:

• Specific — What exactly do you want? (e.g., KSh 3,000 for a tablet)
• Measurable — How much money? (KSh amount)
• Achievable — Can you reach it with saving and small business?
• Relevant — Is it important to you now?
• Time-bound — By when? (weeks, months, years)

Example SMART goals (Kenyan examples)

Steps to reach a financial goal

1. Write your goal clearly with amount and time.
2. Make a simple budget: how much you get and how much to save.
3. Find ways to earn: help at home for pocket money, sell snacks, make crafts, or help a family business.
4. Save regularly in a piggy bank, envelope, or youth bank account with a parent.
5. Check your progress every week and adjust if needed.
6. Celebrate when you reach the goal—then set the next one!

Safe places to keep money (Kenya)

• Piggy bank or locked box at home.
• Youth savings account at a bank with a parent (ask a guardian to help).
• Mobile options: M-Pesa or M-Shwari — only with adult support and permission.

Simple visual: Progress bar example

Goal: Save KSh 2,000. Current: KSh 800 (40%).

Quick template — Fill this in

Ideas to earn or save for students (age 12)

• Help neighbours with chores for small pay.
• Sell homemade snacks (with permission and safe hygiene).
• Make and sell simple school crafts or bookmarks.
• Save part of pocket money or gifts instead of spending all.
• Join a savings group at school or family (small weekly saving).

Tips for success ✅

• Tell a parent or trusted adult about your goal so they can help.
• Keep a simple record (notebook) of every amount you save.
• Don’t spend your saved money on small things; keep it safe.
• If you earn extra, add part of it to your savings.