Be SMART and Set Financial Goals that Stick in 2025 - E11

Financial Fortitude

Kick off the New Year by exploring the power of SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—in achieving your financial ambitions for 2025. Michael and Brady provide practical examples and actionable tips to help you stay organized, prioritize effectively, and remain focused despite life’s inevitable distractions. The conversation also dives deep into personal anecdotes and client stories, emphasizing the importance of relevance and alignment in your financial planning journey. Whether you aim to boost savings, pay off debt, or plan for major life events, this episode provides the guidance and tools you need to succeed.

Key Takeaways:

• What is the SMART framework, and how can I apply it to my financial goals?

• What tools can I use to measure my progress towards financial goals effectively?

• Why is it important to identify the “why” behind my goals, and how can I effectively do that?

• How can I balance personal, professional, and financial goals effectively?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Setting SMART Goals for 2025

(01:22) – Goal Planning in the Acosta Household

(02:20) – The Importance of Specific Goals

(03:28) – Practical Tips for Goal Setting

(05:39) – The Role of Measurables in Goal Setting

(06:18) – Balancing Personal, Professional, and Financial Goals

(19:00) – Tools for Measuring Progress

(20:21) – Budgeting and Cash Flow Management

(26:22) – Relevance: Understanding the 'Why' Behind Goals

(33:35) – Time-Bound Goals: Creating Realistic Deadlines

(39:02) – Common Pitfalls in Goal Setting

Key Topics Discussed:

Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, financial wellness, wealth building, financial psychology, financial advisor, finance therapist, student loan debt, finance guidance for high earners, business owner finances

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/

Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or (INSERT DBA or AGENCY NAME) and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

Michael Acosta is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. (INSERT DBA or AGENCY NAME) is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License # 0M50974. 6991809.6. Expiration 11/26.