In my family, when we are discussing our desire for something that seems entirely out of reach financially, we often begin with "when I win the lottery'... i.e., "I'd like to take a 10-day cruise to Alaska"! In light of current responsibilities and financial obligations, it never seems reasonable to hope that we could afford to take such a nice vacation. In reality, the odds that we will win the lottery are fairly slim, developing a money plan to save for a dream vacation will likely yield better results.

Perhaps your dreams are more practical; a hope to purchase a home, a promise to send your children to college, a desire to buy a new car, etc. As practical and necessary as our plans for the money we need to save are, they often elude us, remaining nothing more than dreams or good intentions.

In "Managing My Life: Planning My Money" financial expert Steven Shagrin writes "Why is planning so important? Because without setting down a vision for what you want to obtain from your hard efforts at bringing money into your life, you will never know if you've reached your objectives."

In Money Mothers we strive to help you understand your relationship with money. This involves identifying your own unique money personality and financial habits. We offer workshops with ideas for saving and budgeting, and tips for tax planning and investing. At Money Mothers, our goal is to help you achieve your financial goals.

Perhaps it is that dreams are simply goals without a plan.