On The Retirement Readiness Podcast, guest host Kaitlyn Hedger and host Tim Regan break down why the PrairieView Wealth & Tax Partners’ Financial Kickstart Program begins with setting goals – and how this step shapes your entire financial future.

Why Goal Setting is Your Financial Roadmap

Imagine setting out on a cross-country road trip with no destination in mind and no GPS to guide you. You might have a fun adventure, but odds are you’ll end up somewhere random – not necessarily where you really wanted to go. That’s how Kaitlyn Hedger, guest host on The Retirement Readiness Podcast, describes the importance of goal setting in the PrairieView Wealth & Tax Partners’ Financial Kickstart Program.

The Financial Kickstart Program is designed to help young professionals get their financial lives in order, and Caitlin is crystal clear: the first – and arguably most crucial – step is setting your goals. Without a clear destination, your financial journey can leave you lost or stressed. “If we don’t set a plan for where we’re going, it’s the same as a road trip without a map,” Kaitlyn says. By laying out your unique goals, your financial planning process takes on direction and purpose.

What Do Financial Goals Really Look Like?

When you think of financial goals, student loans and moving out of your parents’ house might be the first things that come to mind. But as Kaitlyn and Tim emphasize, the real picture is often much broader – and more personal. Whether you’re 25 and figuring out the basics, or 35 and thinking about your family’s future, goal setting is for everyone.

“Start with long-term goals and work backwards,” Kaitlyn advises. Maybe you want to buy your dream car, start a family, or hit career milestones. These aspirations aren’t just about money – they’re about how you want your life to feel and unfold. Financial planning is the tool that helps you get there.

The key? Goals are not one-size-fits-all. They will look different for everyone, and they will change over time as your life evolves.

The Kickstart Approach: Support and Guidance, Not Interrogation

Stepping into financial goal setting for the first time can feel intimidating. Many people worry they’ll be grilled or judged for not having it all figured out. But Kaitlyn reassures listeners that the process is designed to be supportive: “It’s my job to walk you through, help you set your goals, and get the gears turning before we even sit down.”

Through workbooks and guided conversation, the process is tailored to you. Even if you’ve never discussed finances before, or if you just want a second opinion to refine your plans, the program adjusts to your own pace and comfort level.

In fact, Kaitlyn likens the advisor role to being  “80% life coach, 20% advisor.” She helps participants break down dreams into actionable steps, helping them track progress and address hurdles along the way.

Financial Goals Are (Usually) Family Goals

Another important insight from the episode: when it comes to setting life goals, it pays to get everyone involved. For couples and families, shared financial planning can open up conversations you’ve never had before – about retirement, saving for kids, or even how you’d like to handle your bank accounts as partners.

Tim reminds us that partners are often surprised by each other’s assumptions – “Of course we’ll retire at 55!” vs. “I never want to stop working!” – so having an open and structured conversation is key. Kaitlyn encourages including your spouse as early as you feel comfortable, as “it only enhances your relationship” and helps you tackle tough topics together.

Keeping Track, Staying Accountable, and Celebrating the Gain

Once goals are set, how do you make sure you stick with them? The Financial Kickstart Program leverages tools like Black Diamond, where clients (with Kaitlyn’s help) track their goals, revisit checklists, and review progress. Regular check-ins – monthly, if possible – help ensure you’re on the path, make adjustments, and celebrate successes.

Importantly, Kaitlyn and Tim advocate for not just measuring the gap to your next goal, but also celebrating how far you’ve come. As time passes, looking back at your starting point can be incredibly motivating and rewarding.

The Bottom Line: Start, Reflect, Adjust, Repeat

As you move through your 20s and 30s, your goals will change – but the habit of setting, tracking, and reflecting on them is invaluable. With the right support and the willingness to have honest conversations, you can “kickstart” your financial journey with intention and confidence.

If you want to learn more about the Financial Kickstart Program or tools for setting your financial goals, connect with PrairieView Wealth & Tax Partners – or check out more episodes of The Retirement Readiness Podcast. The first step is often the biggest leap forward!