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Setting Goals

Set goals and start tracking your progress toward them.

Our two cents

Two Cents icon

Our two cents

Apps and online tools are especially useful for visual learners. See where your money is going at a glance—and get real-time alerts when you're at risk of going over your budget.

What do you want from your money—a down payment on a house, a new car, or a comfortable retirement? Take time to think about what's most important to you and what you want your money to achieve.

Once you've determined your goals, write them down. Think of them as a road map—and then take one step at a time toward your destination.

Here's a simple two-step approach:

  1. Divide your goals into three categories: short term (less than one year), medium term (one to five years), and long term (more than five years).
     
  2. Attach a dollar amount to each goal. For instance, a short-term goal might be a vacation. How much will it cost? The more specific you are about your goals, the more motivated you'll be to work toward them.

Decide how much you can put toward each goal per month. Then use our tools to help you estimate how long it will take to reach each goal.

Be sure to track your progress regularly. It can be very gratifying to watch your savings build toward a goal.

Take your money out

Tip Icon

Take your money out from under your mattress.

If you're saving up to buy something in less than five years, put your cash somewhere safe, like a savings account, CD, or money market account. If you're putting money away for your golden years, start by creating an investment plan that can help you achieve your retirement goals.


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