Pick Two Goals and Build Around Them
The countdown to a new year has a way of making everything feel louder—more pressure, more goals, more “I should have this figured out by now.” If you’re stepping into adulthood (or already in it and still recalibrating), this isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about checking where you are and choosing what truly deserves your attention next.
Start With a Budget Reality Check
Before setting big goals, pause and look at the basics. Does the money coming in cover your spending and your savings?
If income exceeds expenses, that gap is positive cash flow—your breathing room.
If expenses exceed income, that’s negative cash flow—a signal, but not necessarily a failure.
Negative cash flow doesn’t mean you’re “bad with money.” It usually means your plan needs a reset. Fewer subscriptions. A tighter entertainment budget. A realistic look at what’s optional right now.
Goals Work Better When They’re Specific
Wanting to “do better with money” sounds nice, but it’s hard to put into action. Every solid goal needs three things:
Cost: How much will this actually take?
Plan: Will you save monthly, use existing cash, or borrow?
Time: When do you want it done?
Example: Instead of “I want to save,” try “I want $3,000 saved in 18 months by setting aside $150-$200 a month.” Now you can track progress. The goal is now clear, structured, and trackable.
Prioritize Your Goals
Not all goals deserve equal energy at the same time. So stack them:
Priority 1 might be to build the emergency fund, money for the unexpected.
Priority 2 might be debt reduction, particularly high-interest debt.
Priority 3 might be funding personal goals, such as school, investing, travel, or something meaningful to you.
Prioritizing helps reduce overwhelm. Don’t do everything at once; do things in order.
Consider the Stuff You Can’t Predict
Life is unexpected. An injury, illness, or sudden loss of income can quickly turn into a financial problem. That’s where protection comes in. Disability income insurance helps if you can’t work. Life insurance can protect people who rely on you. These aren’t fear tools; they’re stability solutions.
Yes, Retirement Still Matters
Retirement feels far away until it isn’t. Even small contributions now can create options later. Pensions and Social Security may help, but they may not be enough on their own. The earlier you start, even modestly, the more control you retain over your future choices.
Don’t Ignore Taxes—Just Keep It Simple
You don’t need to be a tax expert. Just know that things like retirement contributions, wise investment choices, and other tax breaks can reduce what you owe over time. Awareness alone can save you money.
The Real Focus
In the end, pick one or two goals to focus on for the first half of the new year. Not 5. Not everything. Revisit them regularly.
Adjust as life changes.
Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about alignment. Adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about making clearer choices, building confidence step by step, and giving yourself access to a future that truly fits your life.
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Disclaimer: Creek & Lyells Financial Literacy Foundation does not provide financial services, nor does it recommend or advise visitors to open accounts or buy or sell securities. All content on this blog is for educational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, relevant, and well-vetted information, visitors should consult a licensed financial professional and carefully evaluate the risks of any financial decision before taking action.