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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U.S. Bank Student Scholarship

Student checklist: Preparing for college

6 questions students should ask about checking accounts

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

Webinar: How to stay safe from cyberfraud

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

Annual insurance review checklist

What you need to know about identity theft

What is financial fraud?

From LLC to S-corp: Choosing a small business entity

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

Get back on track with your New Year’s financial resolutions

What to do with your tax refund or bonus

Live your money values in 2024

Loud budgeting explained: Amplify your money talk

How to set financial goals you will keep

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

How new parents can prepare for the costs of a new child

How to save more money in 2024

Building confidence in your finances and career

How to financially prepare for pet costs

Pros and cons of a personal line credit

3 tips for saving money when moving to a new home

5 ways to maximize your garage sale profits 

Tips for handling rising costs from an Operation HOPE Financial Wellbeing coach

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

What does FDIC mean?  

Is raising backyard chickens a good idea financially?

3 financial tools to help automate your finances

5 things to deinfluence in 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

Make holiday gift giving easier in a digital world

Should you buy now, pay later?

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)

Friction: How it can help achieve money goals

5 things to consider when deciding to take an unplanned trip

Stay committed to your goals by creating positive habits

An eco friendly debit card with roots in Haiti

Creating positive money habits

Finding a side gig to fund your goals

How I kicked my online shopping habit and got my spending under control

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

A who’s who at your local bank

Webinar: 5 myths about emergency funds

How I did it: Learned to budget as a single mom

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

Your 5-step guide to financial planning

How to set yourself up for success in your first job

5 myths about emergency funds

Financial Wellness Assessment

How to stay positive when searching for a job

Banking basics: How to start saving

Webinar: Common budget mistakes (and how to avoid them)

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

What military service taught me about money management

Are savings bonds still a thing?

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

Booming in the gig economy: A new chapter leveraging 45 years of experience

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

How having savings gives you peace of mind

Helpful tips for safe and smart charitable giving

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

3 awkward situations Zelle can help avoid

Allowance basics for parents and kids

What’s your financial IQ? Game-night edition

Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

How and when to ask for a raise

How to save money while helping the environment

How to choose the right rewards credit card for you

How can I help my student manage money?

Steer clear of overdrafts to your checking account

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

Common unexpected expenses and three ways to pay for them

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

Which is better: Combining bank accounts before marriage — or after?

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

Is it time to get a shared bank account with your partner?

It's possible: 7 tips for breaking the spending cycle

How to save for a wedding

How can you pay bills online the right way?

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

Don’t underestimate the importance of balancing your checking account

9 simple ways to save

7 steps to prepare for the high cost of child care

A passion for fashion: How this student works the gig economy

Earning in the gig economy: Gladys shares her story

By the numbers: The gig economy

Tips for working in the gig economy

How compound interest works

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

5 tips for parents opening a bank account for kids

5 reasons why couples may have separate bank accounts

Checking and savings smarts: Make your accounts work harder for you

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

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

Tips to raise financially healthy kids at every age

Money management guide to financial independence

First-timer’s guide to savings account alternatives

Money Moments: 8 dos and don’ts for saving money in your 30s

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

Tips and resources to help in the aftermath of a natural disaster

Myths vs. facts about savings account interest rates

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

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

Travel for less: Smart (not cheap) ways to spend less on your next trip

Money Moments: How to manage your finances after a divorce

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

Overdrafts happen: Steps to get you back on track

What’s in your emergency fund?

Certificates of deposit: How they work to grow your money

P2P payments make it easier to split the tab

Essential financial resources and protections for military families

What you need to know about renting

Dear Money Mentor: How do I pick a savings or checking account?

Real world advice: How parents are teaching their kids about money

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

Meet the student with a passion for science, helping others and reaching goals

What I learned from my mom about money

How to cut mindless spending: real tips from real people

Understanding guardianship and power of attorney in banking

How to increase your savings

Bank from home with these digital features

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

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

Managing money as a military spouse during deployment

How I saved $10,000 in just one year

Discovering your money personality can help you save

Tips on how couples can learn to agree about money

Your guide to smart money habits

Understanding your military GI Bill benefits

Webinar: How to pay for college

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

Your financial aid guide: What are your options?

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

How I did it: Dug my way out of a five-figure student loan debt

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

Which debt management technique is right for you?

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?

7 steps to keep your personal and business finances separate

Know your debt-to-income ratio

How to pay off credit card debt

How to use credit cards wisely for a vacation budget

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

Mortgages after retirement: Here’s what to know

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

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house

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

Should you buy a house that’s still under construction?

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

Bringing economic opportunity to underserved communities one home at a time

Community activist achieves dream of homeownership

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

Your guide to breaking the rental cycle

DIY home projects 101: tips from a first-timer

Checklist: 6 to-dos for after a move

What are conforming loan limits and why are they increasing

Military homeownership: Your guide to resources, financing and more

Uncover the cost: Building a home

How I did it: Bought a home without a 20 percent down payment

The lowdown on 6 myths about buying a home

Home buying myths: Realities of owning a home

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

Get more home for your money with these tips

Money Moments: Tips for selling your home

Money Moments: How to finance a home addition

How I did it: My house remodel

Are professional movers worth the cost?

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

Quiz: How prepared are you to buy a home?

What is a mortgage?

Building a dream home that fits your life

10 ways to increase your home’s curb appeal

10 questions to ask when hiring a contractor

5 things to avoid that can devalue your home

How you can take advantage of low mortgage rates

What is an escrow account? Do I have one?

Is it the right time to refinance your mortgage?

What to know when buying a home with your significant other

What is refinancing a mortgage?

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?

Mortgage basics: What is refinancing, and is it right for you?

Mortgage basics: Prequalification or pre-approval – What do I need?

Mortgage basics: How much house can you afford?

Mortgage basics: How does your credit score impact the homebuying experience?

Mortgage basics: Finding the right home loan for you

Mortgage basics: Buying or renting – What’s right for you?

Mortgage basics: 3 key steps in the homebuying process

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?

8 steps to take before you buy a home

6 questions to ask before buying a new home

4 questions to ask before you buy an investment property

10 uses for a home equity loan

Uncover the cost: Home renovation

How to request a credit limit increase

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

Myth vs. truth: What affects your credit score?

Test your loan savvy

Decoding credit: Understanding the 5 C’s

Credit: Do you understand it?

How to build and maintain a solid credit history and score

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

I own two electric vehicles. Here’s what I’ve learned about buying and driving EVs.

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

Car shopping: Buying versus leasing your next vehicle

Take the stress out of buying your teen a car

How to winterize your vehicle

Questions to ask before buying a car

What you should know about buying a car

When to and benefits of refinancing a car loan

How to choose the best car loan for you

What you need to know before buying a new or used car

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.