Whatever stage of life a person is in, thoughts can drift towards plans for later in life- especially as they begin to get older and the realities of the future and the financial burdens it carries set in. Even in early life, having something to work towards and achieve helps build structure and valuable financial skills for the future.
Goal planning can help ease the pressure and better prepare for what lies ahead in the short and long term.
The Kelley Financial Group team has been advising and assisting the people of Pittsburgh, PA, on how to plan their finances and take action to pursue the goals they set throughout their lives. As dedicated and highly experienced financial advisors, they take pride in providing personalized, reliable services that people can depend on.
What Is Goal Planning and Why Does It Matter?
Like anything in life, finances are often easier to manage when there is a solid plan in place to follow. Goal planning is the process of setting up markers, targets, and actions for the short-term, mid-term, and long-term to keep track of progress and strive for success.
Without clear goals, it can be difficult to know what to work towards, and even harder to understand the position a person is in. People who fail to plan goals and act on achieving them often end up in debt, over-stretched, without savings, and unable to weather financial storms that come their way.
In short, goal planning is the first step in securing long-term financial stability and control, and it matters because, without it, even the most careful person can get caught out in a crisis.
Type of Financial Goal Planning
The types of goals a person should be setting depend on a few things:
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Where they are in their lives
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What responsibilities do they have to prepare for
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Their current financial situation
Some people need to set goals to get out of a difficult position, while others are simply taking steps to prevent themselves from ever getting there. A young person is likely to have very different ideas of what they need to achieve financially than someone creeper closer to retirement. Also, a person in the thick of their middle age may have significantly more responsibilities to consider.
No matter who the person is or where they are on life’s ladder, the basics of planning remain the same: short, mid, and long-term goals.
Short-Term
Starting with immediate matters and making a plan to manage them is the first step. It is extremely difficult to work towards long-term savings and achievements if there are debts and other issues that must be faced right now.
Some of the things discussed in short-term goal planning with a financial advisor include:
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Reducing or removing debt
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Getting on top of credit card payments
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Setting a budget
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Opening a savings account
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Paying into an emergency fund
Anyone at any age can find themselves feeling bogged down in their finances, but short-term goals can help pull them out. The advisors at The Kelley Financial Group works closely with clients to understand their individual circumstances and find ways to manage them through smart and effective goal setting.
Mid-Term
If a person is in a position to do so, they can set mid-term goals at any age: it is never too early to get prepared! As long as the short-term goals are under control and making progress, individuals can look to the next steps.
The core idea of mid-term planning is setting up a solid base to build from as a person moves through life. Arranging essential financial elements for the future starts here, including:
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Insurances (life insurance, income insurance, etc.)
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Savings
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Investments
Mid-term goals also cover the dreams and ambitions that people have for their lives and the things they want to achieve. Whether it is buying a home, renovating a current home, opening a business, or a trip around the world: getting the money together without letting everything else slip by the wayside requires careful strategic planning. An advisor at The Kelley Financial Group can help determine how much is required and what steps must be taken to get there within a specified timeframe.
Long-Term
Many people prefer not to think about the long term too much, but the truth is that it is smart financially to do so earlier than people may think. It is never too early to start planning for retirement and the twilight years- nor is it too late. Steps can always be taken, but the earlier, the better to allow more time for preparation and investment.
Things to think about when planning long-term financial goals include:
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When a person hopes to retire
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How much do they need to live comfortably and afford their lifestyle once they stop earning
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What additional dreams or hopes do they have for their retirement
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Estate planning strategies
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Pensions
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Health care
All these things are part of retirement planning, which in a way is the ultimate long-term goal for most people. When considering these things, it is best to discuss options with an advisor to learn about tax benefits, saving options and other ways to look after the future.
How Can The Kelley Financial Group Make Goal Planning Easier?
Sometimes, the first steps are the hardest, and it helps to have someone offering a guiding hand. It is even better when that someone is a professional with years of experience managing finances and assisting people in pursuing their goals.
With The Kelley Financial Group, every client’s goals are in safe and dedicated hands. Through close collaboration and detailed investigation, the representatives determine a distinct course of action and explain exactly how to manage it in the short, mid, and long-term.
Goal planning is an essential part of preparing for the future. Failing to plan is the same as planning to fail in many cases, and it should not be brushed aside as something to deal with another day. There is no better time than the present to take care of finances and make things happen.
Call Today to Arrange a Consultation
Don’t wait to master financial goal planning a start working towards your dreams. Call The Kelley Financial Group today.
This material was prepared for The Kelley Financial Group’s use.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision. The Kelley Financial Group and LPL Financial do not offer tax or legal advice or services. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.