Separate goals by horizon
Near-term needs deserve different pacing and risk than long-term ambitions.
06 — The dated intention
Make the distant calculable.
A financial goal becomes actionable when it has an amount, a date and a reason. The monthly number is a proposal, not a promise—adjust it as life changes.
Price the full outcome
Include fees, taxes, maintenance, travel or setup costs that belong to the goal.
Protect the reason
Write down why the goal matters. Motivation is part of the design, not an afterthought.
The practice
A simpler sequence.
Take these in order, then revisit when the facts change.
- 01
Name the outcome
Use a concrete noun and amount.
- 02
Set the horizon
Pick a target month and a review rhythm.
- 03
Test the pace
Use the goal calculator and adjust amount, date or contribution.