Inside Out Money

144. Financial goals that don’t suck - 7 traps to avoid

10 snips
Jan 5, 2026
Discover how to sidestep common traps in financial goal-setting. Explore the psychology behind fresh starts and the importance of manageable, specific goals. Learn to track your financial reality and prioritize modest, enjoyable improvements. The hosts highlight the effectiveness of commitment devices and suggest keeping goals visible for motivation. Embrace flexibility and seek support to overcome obstacles while celebrating small victories. It's all about progress, not perfection, as you build a happier financial future!
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ADVICE

Know Where You Start

  • Know your starting point by tracking net worth and monthly spending before setting goals.
  • Use past spending and income to set realistic, achievable financial targets.
ADVICE

Start Small, Try Monthly Targets

  • Avoid overly ambitious annual goals; start small with monthly targets.
  • Build momentum with 30-day or monthly challenges that are realistic to sustain.
ADVICE

Fewer Goals, Better Focus

  • Limit the number of goals so you can focus resources and see progress.
  • Prioritize top objectives (1–3) and make other items 'nice-to-haves' to avoid overwhelm.
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