We women are often master planners, juggling careers, households, and families, yet still dreaming big. Whether it’s a global adventure, a career pivot, or early retirement, our aspirations are vivid. But how do we bridge the gap between those dreams and our daily financial realities? The answer lies in your Financial GPS. Just like a navigation system guides you, a well-defined financial plan can steer your money directly to the life you envision. It’s about making your money a tool, not a barrier.

Step 1: Pinpoint Your Destination – Your Dream Goals

Before mapping a route, know where you’re going. Take time to reflect: What excites you about the future? What experiences do you crave? What does “financial freedom” mean to you? Dream big!

Your goals could be experiential (a sabbatical, family vacation), career/personal growth (starting a business, retiring by 55), or legacy-focused (dream home, child’s education).

Tip: Give your goals a name, a date, and a projected cost. For instance: “European Adventure: Summer 2028, Estimated Cost: $15,000.” This makes them tangible.

Step 2: Input the Data – Calculating the Financial Coordinates

Once your destinations are clear, it’s time for the numbers. Your financial planner acts as your co-pilot, helping assess the cost and timing of each dream.

For each goal, consider: Cost, Timeline, Inflation, and Existing Resources. This step helps prioritize and understand the resources needed.

Step 3: Plot Your Route – Building Your Financial Roadmap

With your destination and costs understood, we build your financial roadmap. This isn’t about restriction; it’s about strategic resource allocation.

• Automate Savings: Set up automated transfers to dedicated accounts for each goal. Tip: Pay yourself first for your dreams! Consistent contributions compound significantly.
• Optimize Spending: Trim non-essential expenses to free up more money.
• Smart Investing: For longer-term goals (5+ years), investing can accelerate progress. You will need to choose appropriate vehicles for your risk tolerance.
• Protect Your Plan: Ensure you have adequate insurance (life, disability) to safeguard your journey against unexpected detours.

Step 4: Regular Check-ins – Recalibrating Your GPS

Life happens, and sometimes your route needs adjusting. Your Financial GPS is a dynamic tool.

• Annual Reviews: Meet with your financial planner yearly to review progress, adjust goals, and recalibrate strategies based on market changes or life events.
• Life Events: Major milestones like a new baby or career change are prime times to revisit your plan.

Your Action Step This Week: Take the first step! Carve out 30 minutes to brainstorm your top 3-5 financial dreams. Don’t worry about the how just yet—just identify the what.

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Cortnie Beaver is a Financial Planner with, and offers securities and investment advisory services through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial. If you or someone you know is looking to learn more about financial planning, contact her at Phone: 223-386-6521  or Email:cortnie.beaver@prudential.com

LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Skye Wealth Management.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United State to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks