Resource · Life Transitions

Goals Checklist

A two-page worksheet for identifying the financial and personal goals that matter to you now and in the years ahead.

Good planning starts with knowing what you want your money to support. Use this checklist to mark the questions that matter in this chapter of your life, then bring your selections to your next planning conversation.

The planning areas covered

The worksheet organizes common goals into eight areas so you can see which conversations deserve attention first.

Retirement goals

Do you need help deciding when you want to retire?
Do you want to retire early?
Do you want to slow down and work part-time (semi-retire)?
Do you want to take sabbaticals during your career?
Do you want to feel confident about your plans for retirement?
Do you want to feel confident about your retirement income sources, such as investment accounts, retirement plans, pension plans, and Social Security?
Do you want to feel confident about your current and future financial situation?
Do you plan to change your residency in retirement?

Family goals

Do you want to have or adopt a child?
Do you want to save for a child or relative’s education?
Do you want to save for family milestones, such as graduations or weddings?
Do you want to support family members who may require special-needs planning?
Do you have parents or other family members you want to care for?
Do you have plans to change your marital status?

Self-development & professional goals

Do you want to pursue more education or certifications for personal or professional reasons?
Are you looking for professional advancement, such as a new job, career, or promotion?
Do you want to optimize your employee benefits and compensation package?
Do you want to start your own business?

Tax planning goals

Do you want to support a charity?
Are you planning to sell a business, real estate, or another major asset?

Lifestyle goals

Are you planning to move or change your residence now or in the future?
Are you planning to purchase or sell a home?
Are you planning to purchase or sell a second home?
Do you want to make a significant home improvement or major purchase?
Do you want to buy or lease a vehicle?
Do you want to plan a large vacation now or in the future?

Asset & debt goals

Are you looking for professional advancement, such as a new job, career, or promotion?
Do you want to refinance or pay off any loans, such as mortgages or student loans?
Do you want to refinance, consolidate, or pay off debts, such as credit cards?
Do you have plans for a second home or vacation property?

Health care goals

Do you need to plan for a disability?
Do you want to prepare for long-term care expenses?
Do you want to prepare for future medical expenses?
Do you want to age in your home and avoid a nursing home?
Do you want to prepare for a possible illness for you or your spouse?

Estate planning & wealth transfer goals

Do you want to provide gifts to your children and loved ones during your lifetime?
Do you want to protect your assets from creditors, bankruptcy, or divorce?
Do you want to feel secure that your appointed fiduciaries will carry out your wishes in the event of your incapacity or death?
Do you want to ensure that your spouse or other family members are cared for in the event of your death?
Are there charitable organizations that you want to support?
Do you want to ensure your assets pass to your heirs easily?
Do you want to place restrictions on the assets your heirs will inherit?

Bring your priorities into focus

Print the checklist, mark every question that applies, and use your answers to guide your next conversation with an advisor.

Download the checklist

This content is for informational purposes only and is not individualized advice.

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