Setting financial goals is a crucial part of managing your money wisely. Setting these goals usually helps give your finances some purpose and direction, while helping you stay motivated on your financial journey. Common financial goals include saving for retirement or paying student debt, but knowing which one to choose can be tough. One fun way to get started is to select a goal based on your zodiac sign. Keep reading to gather an idea for your next money goal (even if it doesn’t match your star sign).
Aries (March 21-April 19): Save for future
It’s never too early to start saving for your future. Not only will this ensure financial stability, but it will also help you prepare for milestones in life, like purchasing a home or having a child. To get into the saving mindset, start by limiting unnecessary purchases. For example, wait a few days before moving forward with large purchases, such as the latest smartphone or designer shoes. A waiting period can prevent overspending, making it easier to focus on your long-term financial goals.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): Build an emergency fund
Starting an emergency fund is a vital step in your financial journey. An emergency fund is a savings account containing money that is used for unexpected events or challenges that come your way, such as if you lose your job or your car suddenly needs an expensive repair. Ideally, this account should contain enough money to cover 3-6 months of your regular living expenses. Starting an emergency fund can be as easy as saving a few dollars every day or a larger amount each month.
Gemini (May 21-June 20): Pay off debt
Dealing with debt can be difficult, stressful, and intimidating. It’s much easier to rack it up than it is to pay it off. However, becoming debt-free is not an impossible task. In fact, paying off your debt can be fairly achievable if you approach it correctly. Whether you have student loan debt, credit card debt, or another kind of debt, face it head on by understanding what you owe, reviewing your spending habits, and adjusting your budget as necessary to fit your chosen debt repayment strategy.
Cancer (June 21-July 22): Save for a down payment on a home
Are you tired of overbearing landlords and noisy neighbors? If so, the next step you should prepare for in your financial journey as a water sign is to save money for a downpayment to buy a home. A house is likely the largest purchase you will make in life, so there are many factors to consider, such as size, location, and cost. Before you weigh your options, get a headstart on saving. Having a sizable down payment can allow you to afford home features you don’t want to live without.
Leo (July 23-August 22): Solidify a budget
Creating a budget is one of the most important aspects of managing your personal finances. Whether you’re a high school student or a college graduate, it’s important to keep track of your income and expenses. If you don’t know where your money is going, then it will be difficult to achieve any other financial plan you may have. Your budget should include expenses like rent and gas, but it can also include savings or fun expenses. Once your budget is established, make sure you stick to it.
Virgo (August 23-September 22): Save for college
Although a college education can be rewarding, it can cost a large sum of money. Start saving early to fund your education, but even with a head start, you might have to find alternate ways to fund your education. Student loans are one way to cover the cost, but one of the best choices is to apply for scholarships. Scholarships, like the Financial Goals Scholarship from 1st Financial Bank USA, will lower your total tuition cost and reduce the amount you’ll have to save on your own.
Libra (September 23-October 22): Save for vacation
Have you ever scrolled through social media only to see pictures of your friends on vacation? This may have left you wishing you could afford to travel too. Although it may take some financial work, it’s possible to go on a trip with zero financial guilt. Start a vacation fund by saving pocket change or setting aside a small percentage of your income for a few months. As long as the savings challenge you choose doesn't stress your budget, you’ll be on your way to beaches or mountains in no time.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21): Find financial stability
Finding financial stability is easier said than done, as it’s a combination of many financial components. To work towards financial security, you must learn how to manage your money with discipline and a keen eye. Besides securing a steady income, it’s also a good idea to work on building a budget, expanding your financial literacy, and deciding on a few short-term financial goals. Mastering these tasks will make it possible to achieve long-term financial goals in the future.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Grow your savings
No matter your account balance, making a goal to grow your savings is beneficial for almost everyone. You can automate part of your paycheck to go directly into your savings or you can deposit the amount you have leftover after you pay your monthly bills. Setting aside money into your account is the most direct way to increase your savings. However, it’s also a good idea to use student discounts and to try to avoid money mistakes, as they can both play a role in financial growth.
Capricorn (December 22- January 19): Pay off your car
As a sea goat and earth sign, the next step in your financial journey is buying a car or paying off your existing vehicle. Owning a car gives you the freedom to travel where and when you want, but this freedom comes with a rather large price tag. There are many ways that you can approach purchasing or paying off a car, such as paying more than your monthly payment or paying your remaining balance in full. Whichever payment method you choose, make sure it fits into your monthly budget.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Increase your credit score
It’s beneficial to build your credit score during college. This is an important task in anyone’s financial journey, not just air signs. Credit scores tell lenders how likely you are to pay back a loan. Having a good score will make it easier to do things like rent an apartment or buy a car. You can build a credit history by practicing responsible credit habits, such as paying your monthly credit card bill by the due date and not using too much of your available credit limit at any given time.
Pisces (February 19-March 20): Save for retirement
The financial goal that you will spend the longest time working on is saving for retirement. There are many ways to create a retirement fund, such as by utilizing a 401(k) account through your employer or opening an IRA (individual retirement account). Although retirement planning may seem like a faraway task, the sooner you start, the better. Early contributions allow the interest on your investments plenty of time to compound, increasing the amount of money you’ll have at retirement age.
After reading some examples of financial goals, you might have noticed that you don’t have to be a zodiac sign good with money to be successful in your finances. You may have also noticed that the “most financially stable zodiac sign” is not a specific sign. Instead, it’s the individual that sets goals and makes an effort to achieve them who will be most successful with his or her money management. When it comes to financial goals, it’s not about your astrological sign, although it’s a fun way to choose a goal. At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you and your personal finances.
