A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

Listen up, Penny Forward members! As we wrap up our workshops on setting new goals for 2024, let’s get real about the powerhouse move that’ll transform your finances: setting goals that light your fire and propel you toward greatness. Yeah, you heard me right—your goals are the secret sauce to financial domination.

Picture this: you’re in the shoes of John and Joan, gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime as you await the arrival of your first tiny human. But that cramped apartment isn’t exactly nursery material and you’ve always dreamed of owning your own slice of heaven. The thing is you never got around to saving for a down payment. That’s where a money maestro steps in, helping you navigate the terrain. Sure, that big, fancy, $2,544 a month house sounds tempting, but crunching the numbers reveals you can’t afford it yet. Instead, you settle for a $1,400 a month townhome, all while stacking up those dollar bills for your dream castle.

What’s the big lesson here? It’s all about knowing what you want—whether it’s nesting for your little one, jet-setting around the globe, or ditching the 9-to-5 grind to go all in on your side hustle. By locking in your goals, you’re not just playing the money game, you’re owning it.

Sure, you can lean on financial wizards to fine-tune your game plan. But without your vision leading the charge, you’re just spinning your wheels. We’ll talk more about the mechanics of money management in the coming months, but whether you’re a meticulous planner or more of a go-with-the-flow type, having a crystal-clear vision and some SMART goals (that’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, in case you forgot) sets you up for financial domination.

So, my fellow money moguls: let’s make a pact to seize control of our financial destinies. Whether it’s scoring that dream home, building an empire, or jet-setting like there’s no tomorrow, let’s make our goals the compass guiding our every move. Because in 2024, we’re not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk towards a future that’s as bright as our ambitions. Who’s ready to join the revolution? 💥💰

Chris Peterson, AFC®

Penny Forward founder and CEO