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Starting Strong in 2025: Questions to Guide Your Financial Goals

As the new year begins, the buzz of goal-setting and sticking to New Year’s resolutions for 2025 starts to hum a little louder. We all know the value of setting goals, but have you considered the power of asking the right questions to guide them? Clarity at the outset can make a world of difference, whether it’s for finances, lifestyle, or personal development.

I happen to love golf, and it recently struck me that goal setting is much like a round of golf. Both require careful planning, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, asking yourself the right questions before taking your shot. Just as you wouldn’t walk onto the first tee without considering wind direction, pin placement, club selection, and course hazards, you shouldn’t walk into 2025 without a well-thought-out plan for your financial future.

So, let’s explore some questions and practical ideas that can help you start strong for 2025.

Goal-Setting Questions

Goal-setting for the new year starts with self-reflection and clarity. It is important to understand what truly matters to you, where you want to go, and what might be holding you back. Before diving into numbers or creating timelines, it helps to step back and reflect on what you genuinely want to achieve and why. 

This process can reveal insights you might not have considered before—like what’s motivating your goals or which values are driving your financial choices. With that in mind, here are some essential questions to ask as you think about your goals for 2025. These questions can help you get specific, stay focused, and create meaningful and motivating goals.

1. What’s your “why” behind your financial goals?
  • Do you want to purchase a vacation home on the lake?
  • Are you planning to support your grandchildren’s education?
  • Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community?
2. Where are you now versus where you want to be?
  • What’s your current net worth?
  • Is your emergency fund fully funded?
  • What’s your retirement timeline looking like?
3. What concerns or anxieties do you have around your finances?
  • Are you worried about the market?
  • Do you have questions about tax implications on your investments?
  • Are you concerned about leaving too much (or too little) to your children?
4. What does “enough” look like for you?
  • Have you quantified your retirement lifestyle needs?
  • What’s your ideal travel budget?
  • How much do you want to set aside for philanthropy?
5. What habits do you need to change to meet your goals?
  • Do you need to improve on tracking your spending?
  • Do you set aside money for long-term goals before spending on discretionary items?
  • Do you rely too heavily on credit instead of cash?

These questions can help you think critically about your financial future, so use them to help shape goals that matter to you.

Goal-Setting for the New Year

Now that you’ve got those brain gears turning let’s talk about setting your 2025 goals. 

  • Dream Big: What do you really want to achieve in 2025? Don’t hold back.
  • Get SMART: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, “Save more money” becomes “Save an additional $80,000 for a down payment on a house by December 31, 2025.”
  • Break Them Down: Looking at an entire year can feel overwhelming, so break it down. Say you want to increase your retirement contributions by $20,000 by year-end. Plan to hit $5,000 per quarter. Quarterly milestones keep you engaged and give you a reason to celebrate each small win.
  • Consider All Dimensions: It’s essential to take a comprehensive approach when setting your financial goals for 2025 (and beyond). Consider items such as investment goals, tax planning, estate planning, and lifestyle goals.
  • Prioritize: You can’t do everything at once so start with what is most important to you.
  • Write It Down: Did you know that research shows you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down?
  • Share Your Goals: Tell a friend, family member, or financial advisor. Accountability is critical to achieving your goals!
  • Leave Room for Adjustments: Life doesn’t always stick to the plan, so be flexible. If an unexpected expense arises, give yourself permission to pivot. It’s better to adapt your plan than to abandon it altogether. Goal setting isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular check-ins and adjustments.

Making It Happen

Setting goals is great, but achieving them is even better. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

  • Use Technology: Many great apps are available to help you track your progress. Whether it’s tracking your spending, helping with budgeting, or monitoring your investments, there’s an app for just about anything.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Did you stick to your budget this month or meet your goal for adding to your investment portfolio? Treat yourself to something you enjoy.
  • Educate Yourself: The more you know about personal finance, the better equipped you’ll be to reach your goals. Consider taking a class online or at your local college. Or, grab a cup of coffee and sit down with an investment book. You’re never too old to keep learning. 
  • Leverage the Wisdom of Others: While setting and pursuing goals can feel like a solo journey, a financial advisor can provide invaluable guidance and accountability.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Just like improving your golf swing requires professional coaching (trust me on this one), achieving your financial goals often benefits from expert guidance. At Legacy Planning, we specialize in helping successful professionals and families like you confidently navigate complex financial decisions.

We’re here to help turn those financial goals into reality. Our approach combines strategic planning with personal understanding—because we know that every client’s situation is as unique as their fingerprint.

Ready to make 2025 your best financial year yet? Let’s schedule a conversation. We can discuss your goals over coffee (or maybe even wine—did I mention I’m an aspiring wine connoisseur?). Contact Legacy Planning today to set up your personal goal-setting session. After all, the best time to plan for tomorrow is today.


Content in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Legacy Planning does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation.

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