It happens all the time: a new season begins, or a milestone birthday hits, and suddenly you're motivated to accomplish all the things. You make a mental list of resolutions, check it twice, and hit the ground running.
You're motivated for the first few weeks, making strides toward your ambitions. But then life happens, market conditions shift, or unexpected home repairs pop up. You put your goals on the back burner and promise yourself you'll get to them later. But sometimes “later” doesn’t come.
How many times has this happened to you?
When you're approaching retirement or newly stepping into it, setting goals focuses on making your financial plan reflect your core values. Luckily, there are practical steps you can take to set and pursue your life goals effectively, even if they take months or years to realize.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Dream Big
Over my 20+ years as a financial advisor, one thing has become abundantly clear: people are capable of far more than they give themselves credit for.
It’s easy to let uncertainty or fear of market shifts stop you from pursuing your true vision for retirement. You might wonder if you have saved enough, or worry whether your assets will support your preferred lifestyle. But giving yourself permission to dream big is the essential first step toward unlocking your potential and structuring a life you love.
Take a moment to pause. Think about what you want your life to look like 5, 10, or even 15 years down the road.
What does an ideal, fulfilling week in retirement look like for you?
Where do you want to live or travel?
What legacy or personal values do you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren?
Grab a pen and paper and write down whatever comes to mind.
Step 2: Make Your Goals Specific & Actionable
Vague intentions yield vague results. Once you have a high-level vision, clearly define what success looks like in concrete terms.
Instead of "I want to travel more in retirement."
Try "I want to budget $15,000 annually for two family vacations to Europe over the next five years."
Instead of "I want to feel financially secure."
Try "I want to establish a dedicated liquid emergency cash buffer so I don't have to sell equities during market dips."
When your objectives are specific, you transform abstract wishes into actionable targets you can actively work toward.
Step 3: Break Big Targets Into Micro-Milestones
Focusing solely on a massive, long-term number can feel overwhelming. The key is to break large financial milestones down into manageable, incremental steps.
For instance, if your objective is to build a $30,000 liquidity buffer over two years to cover planned home upgrades or travel, you don't need to stress over the full amount today. Focus instead on setting aside $1,250 per month (or $625 per bi-weekly pay cycle).
Focus on hitting that first monthly milestone. Once you accomplish that, celebrate the progress and focus on the next one. Small, consistent habits compound into major financial progress over time.
Step 4: Acknowledge Progress Along the Way
Working toward multi-year milestones requires staying power. Each time you hit a micro-goal, take time to recognize the achievement.
It doesn't have to be extravagant; enjoying a nice dinner with your spouse at a local Annapolis restaurant or spending an afternoon out on the boat is a great way to recharge. Recognizing your milestones reinforces disciplined habits and keeps momentum strong for the next phase of your journey.
Partner With a Dedicated Professional
Even with the best intentions, there will be days when life gets in the way or financial markets create noise that tempts you off course.
Partnering with a knowledgeable financial professional gives you an experienced sounding board and an accountability partner. A dedicated advisor helps you simplify complex decisions, refine your strategy as life evolves, and confirm every financial decision serves your long-term vision.
Ready to put a clear plan behind your life goals?
Call our office today at (443) 837-2520 or email Talia Grover at taliagrover@premierplanninggroup.com to schedule a complimentary consultation with Brion Harris and the team at Premier Planning Group.
About Brion
Brion Harris is the CEO, founder, and managing partner of Premier Planning Group, an independent financial firm specializing in working with pre-retirees and retirees, helping them create customized wealth preservation and retirement distribution strategies. With over 20 years of experience, Brion has developed deep knowledge and skill in helping his clients simplify their finances and find confidence in their financial future. Brion and the Premier Planning team are known for their unparalleled client service and their dedication building long-lasting relationships with their clients. As a result, Brion has been the recipient of the #1 Advisor Leadership Award* at Summit Brokerage Services for eight years running.
Brion is a proud 20-year resident of the Annapolis community, where he resides with his wife, Elizabeth, their three children, Addison, Jay, and Scarlett, and their two dogs, Pepper and Coco. When he’s not working, you can find him boating, skiing, traveling, and enjoying good food and music with his family. If you want to learn more about Brion, connect with him on LinkedIn.
*The #1 Advisor and Leadership Award was based on production data while at Summit Brokerage Services, Inc. Brion Harris received the award in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The #1 Advisor and Leadership Award is based on production data and is awarded by the Summit Financial Networks region of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (now Cetera Wealth Services, LLC). Brion Harris received the award in 2019, 2020, and 2021. These awards are not guarantees of future investment success. These recognitions should not be construed as endorsements of the advisor by any client.