Why You Can't Reach Your Financial Goals (Even When You're Doing Everything Right)
- Ashanti Young
- Jan 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 4
Life isn't just about habits. It's about reality.
You've probably heard it before:
"Just build better habits, and you'll hit your financial goals."
But for a lot of people, this advice slightly misses the mark.
You may already have good money habits. You track your spending, pay your bills on time, and save when you can. And yet, your financial goals still feel out of reach. Why is this the case.
Now for some people if we're being honest. It IS because you need to reset some of your Behaviors, Beliefs and Actions around money. If this is you, no shame. I want you to download this free worksheet HERE to get those things in order.
Now, for others. You're not missing the mark because you're doing something wrong.....you're missing it because your resources are stretched thin. Rent, student loan (or other debt payments) emergencies and fluctuating income for some. All these things push your goals further out of reach, no matter how "disciplined" you are.
This is the reality of the situation and it is frustrating as hell!!
Listen, I Set the Goals. I Made the Plans. But Life Still Happened!!!
Like clockwork, every year I would set financial goals with the best intentions.
New Plan.
New Promises.
Telling myself, "This year Imma do better."
And for a little while, it worked. I would feel motivated and hopeful at first.
Then, life would happen!
An issue would pop up with my car. Or an annual fee that was on auto-renewal that I forgot to take off would wipe my extra money right out.
Then I would slowly start to feel that my financial goals were impossible. I felt done before I even got started and it didn't matter how careful or how disciplined I tried to be.
Then after continuously being in this cycle I realized something that helped...
It wasn't that I was doing anything "wrong." It was that my resources were stretched too thin!!!
If Financials Goals Alone Worked, More People Would Feel Secure!
Honestly, if financial goals alone were enough, most people wouldn't still feel stuck. They'd set a goal, follow a plan, and magically end up debt-free, well-funded, and stress-free.
But that's not what usually happens. In fact with clients I've worked with, I hear things like:
"I know that I should be saving (insert $ amount) each month, but I can never consistently get to that."
I start off on track for a couple weeks, then something happens that puts me right back to square one."
And I'll tell you like I've told them. Most financial plans don't fail because of a lack of effort. They fail because life stretches resources thin; even when your habits are on point.
What You Can Control When Resources Are Tight
Here's the good news: even if your money is stretched, you can still make meaningful progress toward your goals. Focus on what's possible right now, not what would be ideal if money weren't a constraint. And I know that this sounds easier said than done but keep reading, it'll be worth it I promise!
So let's start with a few simple strategies to help you get back on track when life disrupts your money plans:
Don't Underestimate Small and Consistent Progress
Listen, even $10 - $20 saved weekly IS PROGRESS!!!
Put those savings on auto so that it automatically comes out of your main account and goes into a separate savings account. (Preferably a High Yield Savings account)
Build a Reality-Based Plan
Track exactly what's coming in and going out.
Know what your expenses are (Including those subscription payments that you may have forgotten about.)
Identify where flexibility exists (Where do you have extra money?)
Plan around the money that is actually available in your account, not anything extra that may or may not come through.
Lean on Support & Accountability
Having support to cheer you on or help you troubleshoot when stuff comes up can make a huge difference. To help sustain progress, get yourself connected to:
A free group for accountability (Join Coin-Conscious Accountability Group)
A Financial Coach for more personalized guidance
A friend who shares their own progresses and setbacks for encouragement.
Remember, You don't have to do this alone!
Reprioritize Your Goals & Celebrate Progress
Instead of beating yourself up for not hitting your initial goal, set a new one and celebrate the wins that you can control.
Adjust your price target slightly to still accomplish a savings goal. And do this without shame. As long as you are still committed to making it happen, you can get there.
Celebrate catching the small leaks and seeking to understand what's discouraging you and adjust.
Progress is progress, Even if it's smaller than you initially planned for.
Financial Wellness is About Realistic Wins
Life will ALWAYS throw unexpected expenses your way. But you can still build financial wellness and coin-conscious habits within your reality.
It doesn't require perfect habits or unlimited resources at first. Sometimes, a little clarity with small and consistent steps will get you further than you think.
Ways to Take Action
If you want support building progress that will actually work for your life right now, check out the free resources below:
✅ Download the Financial Action Plan Worksheet to map out your plan
📊 Track your money with the Expense Tracker without judgment
As you move forward this year, remember that you're not always falling behind because you're lazy or undisciplined. You're navigating a stretched reality and with the right support and approach, you can still move forward. 💛
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