Make a plan: Short- and long-term financial goals for every stage of your life

February 26, 2024

As you start your career or approach retirement, your short- and long-term financial goals will change. Here’s what to focus on each step of the way.

Over the course of your life, your financial goals will change. And mapping out what you should do — and where you should be financially — as you age is a great way to increase your financial wellbeing now and in the future.

This can be challenging if you don’t know what goals you should be working toward — or how long-term financial goals differ from short-term financial goals. In deciding what to tackle first, it can help to think of short-term goals as moves that can immediately improve your finances and long-term goals as ones that address your financial health in the years to come.

So, as you head into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose about improving your finances, consider aiming for goals tailored to where you are in life.

Stage 1: Just starting out

When you enter the workforce and start collecting a paycheck, you should likely focus on the basics, such as these common short- and long-term financial goals.

Short-term goals:

• Get a handle on your spending: Evaluating expenses is the first step, because many people aren’t aware of how much they spend. Now that you have money coming in, it’s important to track your spending against your after-tax income to ensure you have enough cash on hand each month for essential expenses (rent, groceries, transportation), debt payments, and all the stuff you want to do or buy. For that, you’ll need to create a budget.

• Be prepared for an emergency: As you become financially independent from your parents or other family members, you need to have a cash reserve for emergencies and unplanned expenses — think medical bills, car repairs or an extended job loss. You can make your money work harder for you by stashing your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account with a high interest rate. Opening one now means you can earn more on your deposits than with regular savings accounts.

• Pay down debt: The average American has about $96,371 in debt, including mortgages. And according to credit bureau Experian, average consumer debt balances increased in 2023 — with credit card loans, auto loans and mortgages all going up. While the average student loan balance went down slightly, it was still more than a whopping $38,000. Since it takes longer to get out of debt than it does to get in it, you might want to focus on paying down debt now. Some strategies for doing this include the “snowball” method (paying off debts from smallest to largest), the “avalanche” method (paying off the highest-interest debts first and making minimum payments on the others) and debt consolidation (rolling all your debts into one loan with one payment). With a large amount of debt, however, you might want to bump this goal down to your list of long-term goals. Still, start now.

Long-term goals:

• Save to buy a home: If you hope to own a home someday, a good strategy is to set up a separate savings account for the down payment you’ll eventually need. Consider a high-yield savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit (CD). Just note that CDs have withdrawal fees if you try to access the money before the chosen term is complete.

• Begin planning for retirement: You may get some help with this goal at work. If your employer offers a 401(k) retirement plan, you may be automatically enrolled when you start your job. Great! If not, you should consider signing up. Your contributions will come out of your paycheck before taxes, and many employers match contributions.

Stage 2: Building on your foundation

Once you have the basics in place and are seeing your earnings and savings grow, consider more ambitious goals, such as the ones below.

Short-term goals:

• Be more attractive to lenders: With a major loan like a mortgage in your future, you may want to improve your credit score. Your credit score — a measurement of your credit risk based on your history of borrowing and paying your bills on time — plays a big role in the types of loans you’ll be able to get and the interest you’ll pay. Your score may also affect your insurance premiums and, sometimes, your ability to rent an apartment. Checking your credit report and current score is a good first step. Then make moves to raise it, including paying down debt and staying on top of your bills.

• Explore entrepreneurship: If you feel stable financially, consider pursuing a side hustle or launching a small business. Have you always wanted to host your own podcast, sell your handmade bags online or moonlight at the local library? Those are promising side hustles that can provide extra income and allow you to keep your full-time job. Conduct market research to see if you can turn your idea into a successful enterprise. Then write your business plan, determine how much funding you’ll need (and your best funding options) and you’re well on your way.

Long-term goals:

• Pay for future education bills: If you have kids or plan on having kids, the sooner you start saving for their college education, the better. That’s where a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan comes in. The money you contribute to this account grows on a tax-deferred basis, and withdrawals for qualified education-related expenses are tax-free.

• Advance your career: It’s never a bad idea to map out your career goals — where do you want to be in two years, five years or 10 years? — and then come up with a plan to achieve them. Do you want to pursue promotions within your current company, move to a different firm or switch careers entirely? Maybe you want to go back to school to learn new skills, or you just want a job that aligns with your values. Whatever your goal is, decide what success looks like to you and come up with a plan for getting there.

Stage 3: Enjoying peak earning years

Most people hit their peak earning years in their 40s and 50s, when all their hard work is finally starting to pay off — literally. While it can be tempting to splurge at this stage (a phenomenon known as “lifestyle creep”), you can pursue these goals and stay on course.

Short-term goals:

• Do that remodel you’ve been dreaming about: Have you always wanted to update your kitchen, turn your garage into a workshop or create a stylish, rustic living room? Well, if you have the funds, this phase in life is a good time to remodel so that you still have decades to bask in the results. Be sure to set a budget first — and you might need to tap your home equity to help you on your renovation journey.

• Prepare for the moment your kid says “I do”: By now, your children may be getting ready to pull the marriage trigger. And sorry mom and dad, but weddings can be very expensive. Decide if (and how much) you want to contribute to the big day and start saving. You should also talk to your bride or groom about their plans, discuss some money-saving strategies they might consider and help them create their budget.

• Reward yourself (and your family): If you’re in a position to do so, and it doesn’t disrupt your other financial goals, budget for a trip or something fun, or even buy a vacation home. You deserve it — and may finally have more funds to spare.

Long-term goals:

• Ensure your family’s future: That means having an up-to-date will and executor; naming the most appropriate beneficiaries for your retirement accounts, investment accounts and life insurance; and potentially creating a trust. You likely set up many of these things earlier in life, but you should review and potentially revise your estate plans as retirement is drawing closer.

Stage 4: Nearing retirement

As the finish line draws near, these goals may rise to the top of your list.

Short-term goals:

• Put an actual date on your retirement: This will depend on several factors, including your current job (do you love it or can’t wait to leave?), your savings, the timing of any potential pensions and when you want to collect Social Security. You can start taking Social Security at age 62, but you’ll receive a 7 to 8 percent larger monthly payment for every year you wait until your full retirement age, which is 67 for those born after 1960.

Long-term goals:

• Prepare for future healthcare costs: Many older adults will need some form of assistance late in life, and long-term care insurance can help mitigate those costs. A policy is also more affordable if you buy it long before you need it — so now might be a good time to look into your options.

• Craft a second act: You may envision a retirement full of new ventures: the business idea you put on hold, the nonprofit work that has always inspired you, the book you hope to write. Now’s the time to lay the groundwork so you can enjoy everything you’ve worked hard for over the years.

Reviewing and revising goals

Everyone’s life is different. As such, your finances won’t always follow a predictable pattern, and your short-term and long-term financial goals won’t always fit neatly into designated phases. So, check in with yourself occasionally, and reassess.

To stay focused and inspired it helps to have visual cues of your goals. For example, find a picture that represents a goal and make it your phone background, or print out a list and put it on your fridge.

In the end, your main goal should be doing your best; don’t give up if you feel off track or can’t execute a goal. You can always try again, set new goals or change your path entirely.

Explore more ways to create positive money habits so you can bring your goals to life. And discover steps you can take at any age to grow your retirement savings.

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3 ways to gain loyalty with your customers

Use this one simple email marketing tip to increase your reach

How (and why) to get your business supplier diversity certification

5 ways to build your business through community engagement

12 ways to reduce your taxable income

Multigenerational household financial planning strategies

Major purchases: How to pay for big ticket items

How to track expenses

How to manage your finances when you're self-employed

Good debt vs. bad debt: Know the difference

Good money habits: 6 common money mistakes to avoid

7 beneficiary designation mistakes to avoid

Reviewing your beneficiaries: A 5-step guide

How to talk about money with your family

Financial steps to take after the death of a spouse

Preparing for an empty nest: Financial and lifestyle tips

Retirement quiz: How ready are you?

Retirement advice: How to retire happy

Social Security benefits questions and answers

Retirement income planning: 4 steps to take

Preparing for retirement: 8 steps to take

Comparing term vs. permanent life insurance

How to keep your assets safe

How I did it: Transitioned from the military to a private sector career

How I did it: Joined a board of directors

5 tips for being a great board member

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce

Military spouse’s guide to navigating your career

How to search for jobs (and interview) in a virtual job market

Working after retirement: Factors to consider

Why year-round giving is important

6 ways to teach your kids about giving

4 steps to finding a charity to support

How to be prepared for tax season as a gig worker

Year end tax planning tips

10 ways your income and assets can affect your taxes

A guide to tax diversification in investing

Economic forecast: 3 things to know for 2024's 2nd half

Bull vs. bear market: What do they mean for you?

Robo advisors vs. financial advisors: How are they different?

Start a Roth IRA for kids

Investing myths: Separating fact from fiction in investing

What Is a 401(k)?

ETF vs. mutual fund: What’s the difference?

How does an IRA work?

What are alternative investments?

4 times to consider rebalancing your portfolio

7 diversification strategies for your investment portfolio

Saving vs. investing: What's the difference?

Why compound annual growth matters

How to start investing: A beginner’s guide

5 questions to help you determine your investment risk tolerance

How to roll over your 401(k)

What types of agency accounts are available for investors?

How to budget 101: 6 strategies to try

How to Adult: 7 tax terms and concepts you should know

Tips for navigating a medical hardship when you’re unable to work

3 steps to prepare for a medical emergency

LGBTQ+ family planning: 3 questions to ask employers

LGBTQ+ adoption 101: What prospective parents should know

Legal protections for growing LGBTQ+ families

11 essential things to do before baby comes

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Starting a family

Preparing for adoption and IVF

Checklist: 10 questions to ask your home inspector

Handling the finances of someone who has died: Terms and definitions

Resources for managing financial matters after an unexpected death

What you need to know as the executor of an estate

When your spouse has passed away: A three-month financial checklist

What documents do you need after a loved one dies?

Simple steps to be ready for a natural disaster

Checklist: financial recovery after a natural disaster

How does money influence your planning?

College budgeting: When to save and splurge

U.S. Bank Student Scholarship

Student checklist: Preparing for college

Uncover the cost of a college diploma

How to save money in college: easy ways to spend less

How to gain financial independence from your parents

The A to Z’s of college loan terms

Co-signing 101: Applying for a loan with co-borrower

Practical money skills and financial tips for college students

How to build credit as a student

5 things to know before accepting a first job offer

Learn to spot and protect yourself from common student scams

How I did it: Paid off student loans

Bank Notes: College cost comparison

Four ways to make a strong resume for your first real job

Tips to earn that A+ in back-to-school savings

7 ways to teach your children to be scam-savvy

How to prevent fraud

Outsmart tax scams and keep your finances safe

Lessons learned from experiencing a scam

Keep your finances safe and secure: Essential tips for preventing check fraud

How to avoid student loan scams

Protecting elderly parents’ finances: 6 steps to follow when managing their money

4 ways to outsmart your smart device

Banking basics: Avoiding fraud and scams

How to spot an online scam

Money muling 101: Recognizing and avoiding this increasingly common scam

What you need to know about identity theft

What is financial fraud?

5 tips for seniors to stay a step ahead of schemers

Recognize. React. Report. Don't fall victim to financial exploitation

Recognize. React. Report. Caregivers can help protect against financial exploitation

Webinar: U.S. Bank asks: Are you safe from fraud?

Is online banking safe?

How-to guide: What to do if your identity is stolen

How you can prevent identity theft

8 tips and tricks for creating and remembering your PIN

How to avoid being the victim of a digital payments scam

Helping Gen Z build financial confidence

Short- and Long-Term Financial Goals for Every Life Stage

How your taxes can change after a major life event

What to do with your tax refund or bonus

Financial goals for 2024 a 12-month planning guide

How to save for a dream vacation

Tips for talking about money when friends earn more

Building confidence in your finances and career

Pros and cons of a personal line credit

3 tips for saving money when moving to a new home

What is a Certificate of Deposit? And what to know before opening an account

What does FDIC mean?  

3 financial tools to help automate your finances

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

5 tips for creating (and sticking to) a holiday budget

Financial checklist: Preparing for military deployment

How to financially prepare for a military PCS

Planning self-care moments that matter (and how to finance them)

5 things to consider when deciding to take an unplanned trip

Stay committed to your goals by creating positive habits

Growing your savings by going on a ‘money hunt’

Working with an accountability partner can help you reach your goals

The banking app you need as a new parent

Why a mobile banking app is a ‘must have’ for your next vacation

How to decide when to shop local and when to shop online

Your guide to starting a job: Resources to help along the way

How to set yourself up for success in your first job

5 myths about emergency funds

Financial Wellness Assessment

Does your savings plan match your lifestyle?

Mobile banking tips for smarter and safer online banking

Uncover the cost: Wedding

Uncover the cost: International trip

Are savings bonds still a thing?

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

Personal loans first-timer's guide: 7 questions to ask

Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

How and when to ask for a raise

How to choose the right rewards credit card for you

How can I help my student manage money?

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

Things to know about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

You can take these 18 budgeting tips straight to the bank

3 tips for saving money easily

Save time and money with automatic bill pay

How to best handle unexpected expenses

Stay on budget — and on the go — with a mobile banking app

Do you and your fiancé have compatible financial goals?

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know your finances?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

Personal finance for teens can empower your child

How to save for a wedding

How can you pay bills online the right way?

How compound interest works

Dear Money Mentor: How do I set and track financial goals?

Lost job finance tips: What to do when you lose your job

Money Moments: 3 smart financial strategies when caring for aging parents

Money management guide to financial independence

First-timer’s guide to savings account alternatives

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

5 tips to use your credit card wisely and steer clear of debt

Money Moments: 3 tips for planning an extended leave of absence

Overdrafts happen: Steps to get you back on track

P2P payments make it easier to split the tab

Essential financial resources and protections for military families

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck post-pay increase

Practical money tips we've learned from our dads

6 ways to spring clean your finances and save money year-round

How to cut mindless spending: real tips from real people

How to increase your savings

Bank from home with these digital features

Military finance: How to create a family budget after military service

Discovering your money personality can help you save

Tips on how couples can learn to agree about money

Understanding your military GI Bill benefits

How grandparents can contribute to college funds instead of buying gifts

How to open and invest in a 529 plan

Using 529 plans for K-12 tuition

Is a home equity loan for college the right choice for your student

Parent checklist: Preparing for college

How to apply for federal student aid through the FAFSA

What to consider before taking out a student loan

Are you ready to restart your federal student loan payments?

Consolidating debts: Pros and cons to keep in mind

How to talk to your lender about debt

Everything you need to know about consolidating debts

Managing debt

Best travel credit card perks for family vacations

5 tips to use your credit card wisely and steer clear of debt

5 steps to selecting your first credit card

How to use debt to build wealth

What’s a subordination agreement, and why does it matter?

Understanding the true cost of borrowing: What is amortization, and why does it matter?

Know your debt-to-income ratio

How to pay off credit card debt

Your quick guide to loans and obtaining credit

Dear Money Mentor: How do I begin paying off credit card debt?

Checklist: 10 things to look for when touring a home

How to sell and buy a home at the same time

Dear Money Mentor: What is cash-out refinancing and is it right for you?

Home improvements with the best ROI

Overcoming high interest rates: Getting your homeownership goals back on track

How we did it: Converted to solar power

PCS moving checklist for military spouses and families

For today's homebuyers, time and money are everything

Crypto + Homebuying: Impacts on the real estate market

How I did it: Bought my dream home using equity

Buying a home Q&A: What made three homeowners fall in love with their new home

House Hacks: How buying an investment property worked as my first home

Starting your homebuying journey

Managing the impacts of appraisal gaps in a hot housing market

How I did it: Built living spaces to support my family

Spring cleaning checklist for your home: 5 budget-boosting tasks

Saving for a down payment: Where should I keep my money?

Your guide to breaking the rental cycle

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What are conforming loan limits and why are they increasing

Uncover the cost: Building a home

The lowdown on 6 myths about buying a home

4 ways to free up your budget (and your life) with a smaller home

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Money Moments: Tips for selling your home

Money Moments: How to finance a home addition

How I did it: My house remodel

First-time homebuyer’s guide to getting a mortgage

Dear Money Mentor: When should I refinance a mortgage?

Beyond the mortgage: Other costs for homeowners

10 questions to ask when hiring a contractor

What is an escrow account? Do I have one?

These small home improvement projects offer big returns on investment

Should you get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit?

Mortgage basics: What’s the difference between interest rate and annual percentage rate?

Is a home equity line of credit (HELOC) right for you?

How to use your home equity to finance home improvements

How does a home equity line of credit (HELOC) work?

How do I prequalify for a mortgage?

Home equity: Small ways to improve the value of your home

Can you take advantage of the dead equity in your home?

4 questions to ask before you buy an investment property

10 uses for a home equity loan

What applying for store credit card on impulse could mean

Improving your credit score: Truth and myths revealed

How to spot a credit repair scam

6 essential credit report terms to know

5 unique ways to take your credit card benefits further

How to maximize your credit card rewards

Test your loan savvy

Decoding credit: Understanding the 5 C’s

Should you give your child a college credit card?

U.S. Bank asks: What do you know about credit?

What types of credit scores qualify for a mortgage?

What is a good credit score?

Credit score help: Repairing a bad credit score

How to improve your credit score

Common questions about electric vehicles (EVs)

What to keep in mind when buying a used car from a private seller

How I decided that buying an RV was worth it for me

Take the stress out of buying your teen a car

Questions to ask before buying a car

How to choose the best car loan for you

Disclosures

Equal Housing Lender

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.