2021 Financial Goal Setting Tips

There is no better time for financial goal setting than at the start of a new year. Financial goals allow you to create a plan, track your progress, and hold yourself accountable.

Financial goals may be just what you need to help you achieve a stable and enjoyable lifestyle. Now that 2021 is near, it is a good idea to now consider your future financial goals. Instead of trying to tackle your goals at one time, focus on a few each quarter. Here are some financial goal-setting ideas to help you get started:

Quarter 1 2021 (January-March)

Create a Budget

A budget is a spending plan based on your income and expenses that helps you save for the future and ensure your bills are paid. There is a variety of budget options out there, such as:

• 50/30/20: Spend 50% of your taxable income on necessities, no more than 30% on your wants, and at least 20% on savings.
• Zero-Sum: Consider what is important to you and choose a “job” for each dollar of your monthly after-tax income.
• Pay Yourself First: Allocate a certain percentage of your income towards savings as soon as you get paid.

Pay Off Your Debt

Having debt makes it difficult for you to save for a house, help your children pay for college, or meet your other long-term financial goals. Focus on paying the debt off so that you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Here are some strategies to reduce your debt:

• Debt Snowball: Pay off your smallest debts first and roll the amount you used to pay off the first debts into paying off the larger ones.
• Debt Avalanche: Make minimum payments on all your debts and use the remaining money to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate.
• Debt Consolidation Loan: Combine multiple debts into a single management payment to streamline the payoff process and potentially save on interest.

Quarter 2 2021 (April-June)

Build Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund prepares you for when unexpected car repairs, medical bills, or other expenses come up. Most experts recommend saving three to six month’s-worth of your regular payments. Keep your emergency fund in high-yield savings account that you can access at any time

Save for Your Retirement

The sooner you begin to save for retirement, compound interest can work to your advantage when you participate in your employer-sponsored retirement plan. If your job does not offer any retirement savings options or are self-employed, consult your financial professional for options appropriate to your situation.

Quarter 3 2021 (July-September)

Earn More Money

While budgeting and saving are essential, earning more can help you achieve your financial goals more quickly. With more money in the bank, you can pay off your debt faster or start your retirement savings sooner. To increase your income, negotiate a raise at your job, pick up a side gig, or sell items that you no longer want or need.

Educate Yourself on Personal Finance

When it comes to financial success, knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself by meeting with a financial professional, read personal finance articles, or take courses on topics such as saving for retirement, investing, and buying a house.

Quarter 4 2021 (October-December) 

Save for a Down Payment

If you see a home in your future, start a down payment fund. While conventional mortgages typically require a down payment of 20%, you may be able to buy a house for much less. This is particularly true if you opt for a government-backed loan like an FHA, VHA, or other loan programs in your area. Remember that the more you have for a down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be and the faster you pay off your house.

Save for Education

In addition, many people graduate from college with astronomical amounts of debt. If you would like to minimize your child’s debt burden, start to save for their college education. A 529 plan, Coverdell Education Savings Account, Roth IRA, CD, or whole life insurance can help you achieve this goal.

Ask for Help with Your 2021 Financial Strategy

Financial goal setting takes a great deal of time, energy, and specialized knowledge.

Disclosure: This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial guidance. The source used to prepare this material is believed to be true, accurate, and reliable, but is not guaranteed.  SW 1414319-1120-b

As a retirement income specialist and 38-year veteran of the financial services industry, August H. Velten understands what his clients need in order to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Augie is a former instructor for the Life Underwriter Training Council. He once occupied the legislative seat for the Maine Association of Life Insurers. At August H Velten & Associates, we know that it is your retirement, and you should have control over it. We offer our experience and knowledge to help you design a custom strategy for financial independence. Contact us today to schedule an introductory meeting!