New Year's resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep track of. Life, daily routines, and distractions get in the way. But what if there was a way to keep your goals in mind and stay motivated? Well, that's what a financial vision board is for. 

Financial planning for migrants can be tricky especially when your financial needs are too big and overwhelming. But with a proper vision, anything is achievable. According to a TD Bank study, people with a visual board are more likely to achieve their goals and feel more confident in their abilities. 

So, what exactly is a vision board? It's a picture board containing all your financial dreams. You print out pictures of your financial goals, put them together, and hang them where you can see them every day. An economic vision board breathes life into your financial goals by allowing you to see them. 

Imagine walking into a room and seeing your dreams before you—a plot of land for your future home, a bustling business, a debt-free life, or even a trip back home for a well-deserved reunion with your loved ones. It's easy to say that you want to save Ksh 100, 000 while abroad, but what if you could visually see your goal when you feel demotivated, or glance at it before stepping out of the house for your hustle?

Let's take a look at why vision boards work, how to create a financial vision board and why you need one. 

The Power Of Visualization 

Have you ever noticed how athletes visualize winning before a big game? Or how do successful entrepreneurs speak about their dreams as if they’re already real? That’s the power of visualization—turning thoughts into reality. Vision boards tap into this same principle, making your goals tangible and achievable.

Why Do Vision Boards Work?

1. It Makes Your Goals Tangible

Thinking about saving Ksh 500,000 for a piece of land is one thing. Seeing a photo of the land, a house design, or even the down payment amount on your vision board is another. It bridges the gap between dreaming and doing. Creating a financial vision board with images of lush farmland and a savings tracker, will sharpen your focus and help you spend purposefully.

2. It Keeps You Motivated During Tough Times

Let’s be honest—life abroad isn’t always glamorous. You’ll have moments when homesickness, exhaustion, and financial stress feel overwhelming. A vision board serves as a reminder of why you are working so hard.

Picture this: It’s 2 a.m., and you’re on your fourth night shift in a row. You’re tempted to blow your paycheck on new clothes to reward yourself. But a glance at your vision board reminds you of the business you want to start back home. Suddenly, the short-term gratification doesn’t feel as appealing as the long-term reward.

3. It Helps You Prioritize Your Spending

A financial vision board doesn’t just tell you what you want—it helps you decide what you don’t want. Do you need to spend money on things that don’t align with your vision?

For instance, if your board includes “Save Ksh 1 million by 2026 for a house,” you might reconsider dining out every weekend. A vision board gives you clarity about what’s essential and what’s not, making budgeting a lot easier.

4. It Sparks Creativity in Problem-Solving

When your goals feel out of reach, the vision board can inspire creative ways to close the gap. Let’s say your goal is to start a poultry farm, but your current savings rate is low. Seeing that image of a farm on your board might push you to explore a side hustle, like selling African crafts or making an investment to make the extra cash.

5. It Builds a Sense of Accountability

A vision board isn’t just for your eyes—it’s a conversation starter. Share your board with trusted friends or family members. When others know your goals, they’re more likely to encourage you, and you’ll feel a greater sense of accountability.

6. It Helps You Dream Beyond the Basics

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As a migrant, you’re likely used to focusing on survival—paying bills, sending money home, and staying afloat. A financial vision board encourages you to think beyond survival.

What would your dream life look like in 10 years? Maybe it’s owning multiple rental properties, starting a charity, or retiring early to spend more time with your family. These dreams might feel “too big,” but a vision board turns them into actionable goals, one step at a time.

How to Create Your Financial Vision Board

1. Set Clear Goals: Think about your short-term and long-term goals. Write them down.

   • Short-term: Save Ksh 50,000 for an emergency fund.

   • Long-term: Buy land worth Ksh 1.5 million.

2. Gather Visuals: Use magazines, printouts, or even apps to find images that represent your goals. For example:

   • A picture of a house for property investment.

   • A map with Kenya highlighted for travel goals.

3. Organize Your Board: Divide your board into categories like savings, investments, family, and personal growth.

4. Place It Where You’ll See It: Hang it on your wall, save it as your phone wallpaper, or make a digital version.

Tips to Make Your Vision Board Work for You

• Place it somewhere visible (your workspace, bedroom, or phone wallpaper).

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• Include words, images, and affirmations that inspire action.

• Review it regularly and update it as your goals evolve.

Money mindset and vision boards go together. Your vision board is more than just a collage—it’s a tool for transformation. Start visualizing, stay consistent, and watch your dreams become reality! Do you have a vision board?