Why It's Okay If You Don't Know Your Financial Goals?
How to Start Planning When You're Not Sure What You Want?
A common question I ask when families first meet with me as a financial planner is:
“What are your financial goals?”
For many people, that question lands like a weight on the shoulders. You might feel your neck tighten or your brain freeze. Maybe you even blurt out:
“I don’t know!”
If that’s you, you’re not alone.
After more than 23 years in financial planning, I can tell you this reaction is incredibly common. I’ve asked thousands of people this same question, and the responses are often full of anxiety, dread or just blank silence.
But here’s the truth: having financial goals really does help. So how do you move from feeling stuck to gaining clarity?
Let me offer a few thoughts to help ease the pressure:
1. Goals Are Guesses
That’s right—your goals don’t have to be perfect. Nobody knows exactly what they’ll want or need 17 years from now. Just make your best educated guess and treat it like a starting point, not a lifetime contract.
2. Goals Can Change
Yes, you can be committed and flexible at the same time. Life evolves, and your goals will, too. That’s perfectly normal. You’re allowed to change your mind and your plan along the way.
3. Your Goals Are Personal
You’re not building someone else’s life. Don’t base your financial plan on your brother-in-law’s opinion or an influencer’s lifestyle. Your goals are yours, and they don’t need to be approved by anyone else.
4. Big Goals Start with Small Steps
Big dreams are great, but progress happens through consistent, small actions. Whether you’re saving $50 a week or finally setting up that 401(k), every little step moves you forward.
Not Sure Where to Start? That's Okay.
Eventually, someone a financial planner, a mortgage broker, or a retirement seminar speaker, will ask, “What are your financial goals?”
When that day comes, even a rough idea will help.
And if you want help figuring it out, I’d love to support you. I’m a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Behavioral Financial Advisor based in West Saint Paul, Minnesota, and I’ve helped hundreds of families gain clarity and confidence about their money.
I’m a fiduciary financial planner, which means I always work in your best interest. No commissions. No quotas. Just honest advice based on what matters most to you.
I’m still accepting a few new client families and thanks to Zoom, I work with folks all over the country.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Click here to schedule a free no obligation visit. Let’s talk about your goals—even if you don’t know them yet.
Dunncreek Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice.
FAQs About Financial Goals and Planning
1. What if I don’t know my financial goals yet?
That’s completely normal—start with a guess, and refine it over time.
2. Can my financial goals change later?
Yes, goals can and should change as your life evolves.
3. Do I need detailed goals to work with a financial planner?
No—part of the planning process is helping you discover and define your goals.
4. What makes Dunncreek Advisors different from other financial firms?
We provide fiduciary, goal-based financial planning with no sales pressure—just personalized advice built around your values.