She Strengthens

Approaching 30: Financial Goals and Milestones

As I stand at the threshold of my 30s, I’m surrounded by friends who have already crossed this milestone. I wonder how I’ll react when my time comes. Will I feel a sense of accomplishment or anxiety? One thing is certain – I’ll be setting financial goals for myself in the next 18 months.

Paying Off Student Loans

Kaitlyn, 28, aims to eliminate her student loans before turning 30. She plans to use the money she’s currently paying towards her loans to start saving for her children’s future college education. Similarly, Serena, 28, wants to pay off her $24,000 student loan debt after recently buying a house with her husband.

Travel and Exploration

Margaret, 24, dreams of taking a two-week trip to a new destination abroad before she turns 30. She wants to save separately for this trip, ensuring it doesn’t affect her emergency fund or savings for a down payment on a house.

Homeownership and Savings

Kristie, 28, hopes to buy a house in the next two years and save at least $10,000. Janet, 19, wants to build a house or have it underway by the time she’s 30. Erica, 28, aims to pay her rent and credit card bill simultaneously, rather than at different times of the month.

Debt-Free and Financially Secure

Kaitlyn, 23, and her husband want to eliminate all debt, including their house, before she turns 30. They prioritize traveling and saving for trips. Julie, 29, aims to earn at least $85,000, pay off her credit card debt, save $6,000 towards a house, and reach a 401k/IRA balance of $15,000.

Financial Independence

Matt, 29, wants to stop relying on his father’s financial help and become financially independent by 30. Kailee, 27, hopes to increase her 401k contributions from 4% to 7%-8% before she turns 30.

Savings and Retirement

Nora, 29, plans to swap her debt-to-savings ratio by paying off her credit card debt and increasing her savings. Morgan, 27, aims to have $50,000 in her 401k by 30, despite having significant student debt to pay down. Ali, 28, wants to hit a net worth of $100,000 before turning 30.

Family Planning and Nest Egg

Jane, 27, and her husband are working to pay off his student loans and build a comfortable nest egg before starting a family in the next few years. They’re willing to sacrifice short-term luxuries for long-term financial stability.

As I reflect on these diverse financial goals, I’m reminded that everyone’s journey is unique. What’s essential is setting targets that align with our values and priorities, and working towards achieving them before we turn 30.