When you think of budgeting, you probably think of your current income and expenses.

But have you ever wondered what your budget would look like once you achieved all your goals? Or if money wasn’t a concern?

If not, allow me to introduce you to the Fantasy Budget.

What is a Fantasy Budget?

A Fantasy Budget is a fun tool that encourages you to dream big without any limitations.

It’s an empowering exercise that lets you visualize your ideal life and work backward to figure out how much it would cost to achieve.

The key is to let your imagination run wild while keeping things realistic.

This Fantasy, or Dream Budget can give you valuable insights into your goals and priorities so you can create a budget that supports them.

Why Create a Fantasy Budget?

You might be wondering why bother creating a budget that’s based purely on your imagination. But it's about more than just daydreaming.

• It can be a great motivator: When you have a clear vision of your dream life, you’re more likely to stay committed to your goals and work harder to achieve them.

• It helps clarify your priorities: By creating a Fantasy Budget, you can identify what’s actually important to you and budget your resources accordingly.

• It can serve as a reality check: Your Dream Budget can help you spot the gaps between your current situation and your dream life. This could be eye-opening and motivating if you need to make changes to close those gaps.

How to Create Your Own Fantasy Budget

Ready to create your own Fantasy Budget? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Dream Big

The first step is to dream big and list everything you want in your ideal life. Don’t hold back – let your imagination run wild!

Consider aspects such as:

• Your dream home

• Travel adventures

• Hobbies and interests

• Education and personal growth

• Charitable giving

• Retirement plans

• And anything else that comes to mind!

Step 2: Research and Estimate Costs

Once you’ve listed your dreams and goals, it’s time to research and estimate their costs.

It’s important to know what it is you’re hoping to achieve so you can create realistic steps to reach those goals.

Step 3: Prioritize

Now that you have the costs for your dreams and goals, it’s time to prioritize them.

Looking at your list, you may notice some goals are shorter-term, and some will take longer. Some may be more frivolous than others. And some may be reliant on hitting other goals first.

Figure out which goals and expenses you want to prioritize so you can incorporate them into your actual budget.

Step 4: Create Your Actual Budget

Getting clear on your goals is a big step, but you also need to know where you currently stand.

You’re going to need an actual budget based on your current financial situation.

(Need help creating a budget? Check out this complete guide to budgeting.)

Step 5: Evaluate and Adjust

The final step is to evaluate and adjust your goals and priorities.

Compare your Fantasy Budget with your real budget and identify the gaps.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any dreams or goals that are more achievable than you initially thought?

• Are there any goals that might need more resources or a longer timeframe than you anticipated?

• Are there any lower-priority items you can cut or scale back to make room for higher-priority goals?

As you think about these questions, adjust your budget to reflect your priorities so that it's helping you achieve your dreams.

Tips for Success

If you want to make the most out of your Fantasy Budget, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be honest with yourself.

Don’t downplay your desires or try to adopt someone else’s.

The whole point of this exercise is to explore your dream life and understand what it would take to make it happen.

Keep it flexible.

Like your actual budget, your dream budget can change as your life and priorities change.

Make sure to revisit it and update it regularly to stay aligned with your goals and values.

Stay accountable.

Share your Fantasy Budget with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor.

They can help you stay accountable and offer valuable insights and advice.

Break it down.

Break your goals down into smaller, manageable milestones.

This will make them feel less overwhelming and more achievable.

Celebrate your wins.

As you progress toward your goals, don’t forget to celebrate your wins (big and small).

Recognizing your achievements helps you stay motivated and committed to your financial journey.

Final Thoughts on Fantasy Budgets

Creating a Fantasy Budget is a fun exercise to help you dream big, prioritize your goals, and better understand your aspirations.

By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a budget that aligns with your values and leads to your ideal life.

So go ahead, dream big, and start taking control of your financial future today!