top of page
Search

Part 2: A Simple Framework for Money Goals

  • Writer: Jeannette Fennel
    Jeannette Fennel
  • Jan 16
  • 4 min read

Last time, we focused on looking back at your money without guilt. That step matters more than most people realize. Reflection helps you set goals that are realistic, grounded, and aligned with the season you’re actually in. Did you miss Part 1? Read it here.


A few years ago, I really wanted to take a trip to Utah to visit a close college friend. We hadn’t seen each other in years and it mattered to me.


But I was never specific about the money part.


I didn’t sit down and figure out how much the trip would actually cost. I didn’t decide how much I needed to save or when I wanted to go. And because of that, I never knew how much to set aside from each paycheck.


So the money stayed unassigned. And unassigned money has a way of disappearing.


It went toward little things that felt fun in the moment but didn’t move me any closer to that trip. And eventually, I just… didn’t go.


That story comes to mind every year around this time.


This is the season of goals and resolutions. We tell ourselves that this will be the year we save more, spend better, or finally follow through on something that matters to us.


And by February, many of those goals quietly fall away.


An article in TIME stated that “as many as 80% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions by February. Only 8% of people stick with them the entire year” (Source).


Not because people are bad with money, but because the goals are often too vague. When there’s no clarity, it’s hard to know what progress looks like. And when you don’t see progress, frustration sets in.


That’s exactly what happened with my Utah trip. I wanted it, but I never gave my money clear direction.


That’s why I approach money goals differently now.




A Simple 5-Step Framework for Money Goals


Over the past several years, the hubs and I have used this simple framework to work toward our money goals. It’s not fancy or complicated, but it’s helped us turn vague ideas into real progress. This is the approach we keep coming back to.


1. Choose One Clear Goal

Instead of “save more” or “be better with money,” get specific.

For example: Save $2,000 for a trip to Utah.


Why this matters:

Clarity reduces overwhelm. When your goal is specific, your brain knows exactly what it’s working toward.



2. Define Your Why

Ask yourself: Why is this goal important to me?

Maybe it’s connection.

Maybe it’s prioritizing relationships.

Maybe it’s changing your future or creating more stability.

Maybe it’s providing something different for your child.

Maybe it’s opening up opportunities that weren’t always available to you.


Why this matters:

When a goal is tied to something meaningful, not just a number, it’s much easier to stay committed when spending decisions come up.



3. Write It Down

Not just in your head. On paper. In your notes app. Somewhere you’ll see it again.


Why this matters:

Writing it down turns a vague intention into a real commitment and gives you something to come back to when motivation dips.



4. Create A Timeline

Decide when you want the goal to happen.

Example: $2,000 by June 2026.


Why this matters:A timeline turns a wish into a plan. Without one, it’s easy to keep pushing the goal into “someday.”



5. Break It Into Micro-goals

Turn the big goal into small, manageable steps.

For example:

  • About $335 per month

  • Or roughly $85 per week

  • Or automate a smaller amount and adjust as you go


Why this matters:

Micro-goals give your money direction and make progress visible, which helps you stay consistent over time.




Conclusion


As you set goals for 2026, it can help to look back at the goals you reflected on in Part 1.


Not to criticize yourself, but to notice where things felt hard or unclear. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t discipline, it’s a lack of clarity.


That reflection can show you what kind of goals are actually realistic for you right now and what needs to change moving forward.


Money goals don’t need to be dramatic or perfect. They just need to be clear.


When you give your money a specific job that reflects what you actually care about, it stops slipping through the cracks and starts working for you.


You just need clarity and a starting point.


Choose one goal that matters to you. Write it down. Give it a timeline. Break it into small steps that fit your real life.


Small, consistent choices add up faster than we think. And even imperfect progress is still progress.


You’re allowed to want things. You’re allowed to plan for them. And you’re absolutely capable of making them happen, one step at a time.


2026 doesn’t need to be the year you “get it all right.”It can simply be the year you start moving forward with intention. ❤


What money goal is most important to you right now?

  • Building an Emergency Fund

  • Paying Off Debt

  • Saving for a Large Expense

  • Giving More to Charity or Nonprofits



Want this kind of money talk delivered straight to your inbox?


On my Substack, Financially Fluent, I write for Millennials who want to feel more confident with their money.


We cover budgeting, spending habits, and the emotional side of money. Plus the lessons I’ve learned the hard way and how I've work through them.


You can subscribe for free below.




Photo Credits:


Work Cited:

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page