We all have financial goals we wish to achieve—whether it’s buying a home, retiring comfortably, or going on that dream vacation. But wishful thinking alone won’t get you there. The key to achieving financial success is setting clear financial goals and creating a roadmap to reach them. This article will break down examples of short-term, mid-term, and long-term financial goals and show you how to make them a reality.
In Inc. Magazine, goal-setting is described as crucial to success: “Goal-setting literally alters the structure of your brain so that you perceive and behave in ways that will cause you to achieve those goals.” The message is clear—goal-setting is foundational to financial progress.
If you’re unsure where to start or how to prioritize, don’t worry. I’ll guide you through the process with some specific, actionable examples of financial goals. But first, let’s discuss what financial goals are.
What are financial goals?
Financial goals are specific objectives tied to your money. These could include saving for retirement, paying off debt, or purchasing your dream car. Financial goals act as a target, helping you focus on managing your income and expenses in a way that aligns with what matters most to you.
Here are a few types of financial goals that aren’t necessarily tied to purchases:
keep in mind that financial goals are different from financial processes. A financial goal is the destination, while your plan is the roadmap that gets you there.
Why are financial goals important?
Day-to-day expenses can often take over, making it challenging to keep your big-picture financial goals in sight. Setting clear goals gives you the motivation to make intentional choices with your money.
Instead of feeling deprived when you cut back on spending, you’ll feel empowered, knowing that every dollar saved is bringing you closer to what you truly want.
Be specific about your financial goals
The key to effective financial goal-setting is clarity. The more specific your goal, the more motivated you’ll be to stick to your plan.
Instead of saying, “I want to save for a vacation,” say, “I want to save $3,000 for a two-week trip to Italy in the summer of 2025.”
Create a detailed plan and visualize your goal
Whenever I lay out a big financial goal I’m saving for, I create a detailed plan that involves cutting back on non-essential spending, automating my savings, and putting any bonuses or side hustle income directly into my savings fund.
I also visualize what my goal will look like in reality, which keeps me motivated when I have to make sacrifices, like eating out less or skipping a vacation.
With discipline and consistency, I focus on trying to meet my goal ahead of schedule. There is iso much excitement when I’m finally able to achieve my goals.
A tip I love to use is to create a vision board! Visualizing your goals can help you stay focused and excited about achieving them.
Examples of financial goals based on timeframes
Now, let’s break down examples of financial goals based on the timeframe for achieving them: short-term, mid-term, and long-term.
1. Examples of short-terms financial goals (12 to 24 Months)
Short-term goals can often be achieved within a couple of years. Since you might need access to the money sooner rather than later, keep funds for short-term goals in easily accessible accounts like a savings account or a money market account.
Examples of short-term financial goals include:
These goals help build financial security and reduce financial strain by allowing you to handle emergencies or make purchases without relying on debt.
2. Examples of mid-term financial goals (2 to 5 Years)
Mid-term goals usually take a bit more planning and time than short-term goals. You can consider investing your savings in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or another low-risk investment.
Examples of mid-term financial goals include:
Mid-term financial goals often require a detailed plan, especially if they involve substantial expenses like buying property or starting a family.
3. Examples of long term financial goals (5+ Years)
Long-term goals require the most patience and discipline. Since these goals are further out, you can take more calculated risks with your investments, like investing in stocks, mutual funds, or retirement accounts.
Examples of long-term financial goals include:
These goals often require sustained commitment and consistent contributions over many years. However, they have the most significant impact on your overall financial health and future security.
Leverage SMART goal setting as a blueprint for success
When setting financial goals, a good guide is to follow the SMART framework. This means making your goals goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based.
Let’s break this down:
Specific
This means laying out exactly what you want to achieve. E.g. I want to save $30,000 for a down payment on a house.
Measurable
Essentially you want to determine a unit of measure on how you will track your progress. E.g. I will need to save $500 a month for the next 60 months in order to have $30,000 in 5 years.
Achievable
To achieve your goals, you’ll need to lay out action steps to make your goal attainable. E.g. I can do this by earning more money with overtime at my current job or starting a side hustle. Any bonuses will also go towards my down payment goal.
Realistic
You’ll also need to create goals that are realistic based on factors like your income, time, and what you can do. E.g. I will cancel my cable subscription, gym membership, and eat out less in order to help me save. In one year, I will increase my income by $5,000.
Time-based
Finally, it’s important to assign a specific timeframe by when you want to achieve your goals. E.g. In 5 years, I want to be a homeowner. I will be able to achieve having a 20% downpayment for a $150,000 home in 5 years.
Expert tip: Use examples of financial goals as inspiration, but tailor them to your life
While examples of financial goals can provide great inspiration, it’s crucial to personalize them based on your own financial situation and priorities. Everyone’s financial journey is unique, so rather than adopting goals exactly as they are, adjust them to fit your income, lifestyle, and long-term vision.
For instance, if a common goal is saving for a down payment on a house but you value financial freedom more, your priority might be to build a robust emergency fund or start investing earlier. Use examples as a foundation, but shape them into goals that align with your specific needs and dreams.
What are examples of short-term financial goals?
Examples of short term financial goals include building an emergency fund, paying off high-interest debt, saving for a vacation, or purchasing insurance.
What are examples of long-term financial goals?
Long-term financial goals include saving for retirement, paying off a mortgage, saving for a child’s college education, or building a large investment portfolio.
How do I prioritize my financial goals?
To prioritize your financial goals, start by identifying which goals will impact your financial security the most (e.g., building an emergency fund or paying off high-interest debt).
Next, consider the timeline and importance of your mid- and long-term goals like buying a house or saving for retirement. This will help you lay out your priorities accordingly.
How can I stay motivated to achieve long-term financial goals?
To stay motivated, regularly review your goals and track your progress. Breaking big goals into smaller milestones can help you stay motivated. It also helps to celebrate small wins along the way.
How do I adjust my financial goals if my income changes?
If your income increases, consider increasing your savings rate or accelerating debt payoff. If your income decreases, review your budget and adjust your goals to match your new financial reality.
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Leverage these example to create your financial goals!
Setting and achieving financial goals is a powerful way to take control of your financial future. Whether you focus on short-term wins or plan for long-term success, having a clear plan will help you stay on track and reach your objectives.
Spend some time reflecting on what truly matters to you, set your financial goals, and create a plan to back them up. With the right strategy and mindset, you’ll be able to turn your goals into reality
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