Achieving short-term financial goals can help you gain momentum and confidence in your finances, making them the perfect jumping off point for larger financial aspirations. Short-term financial goals can include anything from paying off a credit card balance to saving for a family vacation.
Here are 4 Short-Term Financial Goals You Should Have.
Having an emergency savings account is an essential short-term financial goal, because life happens and often when you least expect it. Whether you get laid off, face an unexpected medical expense or need to replace your car, having an emergency fund can protect you from going into debt to cover those expenses.
Set up an emergency savings account and start to save a certain amount each month, using your budget as a guide. You can also put away cash windfalls like tax refunds or bonuses, but make sure to only use the money specifically for your emergency fund. It’s best to set up an automatic transfer of the funds so that you can’t accidentally spend them. If you can’t control the urge to spend it, try moving your money into a separate checking account that you don’t have easy access to.
Paying off debt is another important short-term financial goal 4 Short-Term Financial Goals You Should Have, because it can make a big difference in your stress level and sense of security. If you have several credit cards, focus on tackling the one with the highest interest rate first. Aggressively attacking your debt can also give you a boost in your credit score, which can lead to more financial opportunities down the road, including a lower interest rate on a mortgage or loan.
Saving up for a down payment on your first home is another important financial goal that can provide you with a huge amount of equity and stability in the future. You can increase your contributions to a savings account dedicated toward this goal, or you could choose an investment tool to reach your target faster (like an employer-match 401(k), a Roth IRA or a robo-advisor).
Buying a new vehicle is a common financial goal, and it’s a great way to upgrade to something that will last longer and provide more comfort. It’s typically a smart idea to save up for a down payment and auto loan at the same time, because it can significantly reduce your overall financing costs.
If you’ve been dreaming of traveling the world, this is a worthy financial goal to work toward. You can save for this goal by putting aside an amount each month that will cover the cost of your trip, or by working on ways to cut back on spending to meet your goal. For example, you can make a weekly meal plan and grocery shop at discounted stores, or you can cancel your Netflix subscription and watch free TV shows on YouTube instead.
Having an emergency savings account is a must, but it’s also important to carry insurance in case of the unexpected. This includes health and property insurance, as well as car insurance. A good rule of thumb is to have 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses saved up in an emergency fund.