Written by: Deborah Cartisser
Let’s Begin with a Question
When was the last time you really sat down and asked yourself, “What do I want my life to look like and how is my money helping me get there?”
Most of us think of financial goals as tasks or numbers to check off. But real financial goals? They’re not about sacrifice or restriction. They’re about alignment. They’re about using your money as a tool to support your values, your dreams, and the life you’re here to build.
Whether you’re just starting out, entering a new chapter like marriage, or looking ahead to retirement, setting financial goals is one of the most empowering conversations you can have, with yourself and with the people you trust.
Begin with Vision, Not Math
Before you pull out the spreadsheets, take a breath. Imagine your ideal day. What kind of work are you doing? Where are you living? Who are you surrounded by? How do you feel?
Now ask yourself:
- What do I value most right now?
- What kind of life do I want to create in the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
- What needs to shift to make that a reality?
Financial goals work best when they’re deeply personal. This applies whether you’re 22 or 62. Start with your values, then build the plan. Have this conversation with yourself and then with your partner. You need to ensure you are both creating goals for yourself and as a couple.
Break It Down: Short, Mid and Long-Term Goals
Clarity comes from simplicity. Try this structure to map your goals:
- Short-term (0–2 years): Build an emergency fund, pay down credit cards, set a monthly budget, save for a vacation or car.
- Mid-term (3–5 years): Pay off student loans, save for a down payment, grow your income or change careers.
- Long-term (5+ years): Save for retirement, start a business, buy a dream home, plan your legacy.
Each goal is a stepping stone, helping you move from where you are now to where you truly want to be.
Set SMART Goals… with Soul
Goals should be SMART:
- Specific – Know exactly what you want.
- Measurable – Track progress along the way.
- Achievable – Stretch, but keep it doable.
- Relevant – Align with your real life.
- Time-bound – Set a real deadline.
Don’t forget the soul part. A goal that doesn’t connect to your “why” is hard to stick with. Make your goals practical and powerful. Let them reflect what lights you up. Write them down.
Build a Budget That Reflects Your Goals
A budget isn’t a punishment—it’s a permission slip. It gives you control, clarity, and freedom to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what doesn’t. Start by listing your income, then your fixed costs (housing, transportation, insurance). After that, align your discretionary spending—dining out, travel, shopping—with your short-, mid-, and long-term goals.
Tips for aligned budgeting:
- Set up automatic savings contributions based on your goals. Pay yourself first.
- Try the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point if you can: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt payoff.
Check in monthly: Am I spending in ways that reflect my priorities? Budgeting isn’t just math. It’s a practice in alignment.
Practice the Power of “No” (So you can say “Yes” to what matters)
Sometimes we overspend not out of desire, but out of discomfort—wanting to please others, avoid conflict, or keep up appearances. Saying no, especially when it’s values-based, is a strength. It protects your yes. It’s easier to say no to the big sale when you know you are saving for a family vacation.
Try this:
- “That’s not in my budget this month.”
- “I’m prioritizing a savings goal right now.”
- “Let’s find something fun to do that doesn’t cost much.”
Your boundaries are not barriers but they’re bridges to your goals.
Honor Autonomy in Your Relationship
If you share money with a partner, remember: unity doesn’t require uniformity. Having shared financial goals and some personal autonomy can actually strengthen your relationship.
Here’s how to create better balance:
- Maintain joint goals and joint accounts for shared expenses.
- Consider a “yours, mine, ours” model—each partner has a personal spending account.
- Have regular money check-ins. Talk about what’s working and what needs a tune-up.
Respecting each other’s independence while working as a team creates trust—and space for individual growth. Recognize that you need to be accountable to joint goals and don’t set yourselves up to police each other. If one is perpetually overspending, it sets the other up to be the watchdog in the relationship. This is where disagreements about money can start. Keep up your end of the bargain.
Talk About It (even when it’s uncomfortable)
Money talk can be awkward, especially in relationships. But open and be accountable. Honest conversations can transform money from a source of stress into a shared vision.
Tips for better money conversations:
- Talk about progress, not just problems.
- Be honest about fears and mistakes. Don’t hide your over-spending
- Revisit your goals regularly so they evolve with you.
If you’re solo, share your goals with someone you trust like a mentor, a friend, an advisor. Or write them in a journal. Writing your goals in vivid detail is a key. Those who do are 1.2-1.4 times more likely to achieve them[1].
Celebrate, Reflect, Adjust
Goal setting isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum. Celebrate the little wins: the budget that stuck, the debt you paid off, the savings goal you reached. Then check in:
- Are these goals still aligned with who I/we are now?
- What has changed in my/our life or my/our values?
Staying connected to your goals keeps them alive—and keeps you moving forward.
Final Word: Your financial goals are more than numbers. They are declarations of who you are becoming and what matters most. Let them be bold. Let them be honest. Let them grow with you. You don’t need to get it perfect. You just need to begin.
Reflection Questions:
What is one small financial goal I can set and reach in the next 30 days?
Who can I share my goals with for encouragement or accountability?
What’s one dream I’ve been afraid to name—and how might I begin to fund it?
Is my spending reflecting my values and priorities?
Where might I reclaim my “yes” by offering a respectful “no”?
Your money is a mirror of your intentions. Use it wisely, and let it carry you into the life you were meant to live.
Ready to get clear? Let’s talk. The first conversation changes everything.
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