5 Financial Goals You Should Set Before Your Next Birthday

Finances can affect so many parts of our lives, from the careers we choose to the places we live, and the decisions we make for ourselves and our families.

With all those choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. But the best way to climb a mountain is one step at a time.

Breaking things down into small, doable actions can bring more peace of mind and help you feel more in control.

Here are five things you can do before your next birthday to help set yourself up for greater financial stability and give “future you” more peace of mind:

1) Strengthen Your Safety Net - Build (or boost) your emergency fund. Start by figuring out what one month of typical expenses looks like, then aim for three months saved, and eventually six. You don’t have to do it all at once. Even setting aside $50 per paycheck adds up. Watching that fund grow can ease stress and give you more confidence that you’ve got a cushion if life throws something unexpected your way.

If you already have an emergency fund, consider where your cash is held. Is it earning interest, easily accessible, and aligned with your lifestyle? If not, consider moving the funds to better support your goals.

2) Know Where You Stand - Set aside some time for just you (or with your partner) and take a good look at your financial picture. Start with income, then expenses, and then any bigger costs coming up that might need planning. Even if the numbers aren’t where you want them to be, there’s power in knowing. It’s the first step toward getting where you want to go.

If you’re more established, this might mean reviewing your asset allocation, tax strategy, or estate plan. Awareness is the foundation of meaningful progress.

3) Grow What You've Started- Increase your retirement savings by 1%. Whether it’s through your workplace plan or an IRA, this small change can make a big difference over time thanks to compound interest. Think of it like planting a seed that can grow into something solid down the road.

If you’re already contributing consistently, consider increasing contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA)(if eligible) or non-qualified investment accounts which offer flexibility and can complement your retirement strategy.

4) Set a Micro Goal- Small, specific goals can go a long way in building financial peace of mind. If you’re working on paying down debt, don’t stress about paying it all off at once. Instead, try putting an extra $100 toward it this month and next. Or maybe you want to save for the holidays, set a goal to stash $100 a month toward gifts. Micro goals can be easier to stick with and help build momentum.

Depending on where you are in your financial journey, a micro goal might look different. If you’re in a more established position, it could mean setting a goal to meet with your estate attorney or a financial advisor this quarter.

5) Stop Putting It Off- Pick a financial decision you’ve been avoiding and just do it. Maybe it’s canceling a card, learning more about investing, creating a budget, reviewing your subscriptions, or making sure your beneficiaries are up to date. Whatever it is, taking action, even on one thing, can help you feel more in control and less weighed down.

Setting goals in these five areas doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making progress, not being perfect.

And by the time your next birthday rolls around, you’ll be able to look back and feel proud of the steps you’ve taken, no matter where you started.