Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

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Hey Coach,

Coaches are used to setting goals for their teams - win the next game, compete for the conference title, build a championship culture.

But when it comes to money?
Most coaches never stop to match their money with their timeline.

👉 They lump all their savings into one account.
👉 They invest aggressively for a goal that’s due in two years.
👉 Or they play it too safe when the goal is 30 years away.

That mismatch = stress, setbacks, and missed opportunities.

The Key Idea: Match Money to Timeline

Just like you wouldn’t run the same practice in October and in March, your money should change based on when you’ll need it.

• Short-Term Goals (0–3 years) → Safety first

• Medium-Term Goals (3–7 years) → Balance growth & protection

• Long-Term Goals (7+ years) → Let time work for you

Short-Term Goals (0–3 years)

Examples:
🏀 Summer camp expenses
🏀 Family vacation
🏀 Saving for a car

Best places:

• High-yield savings account

• Money market fund

• Short-term CDs

Why: You can’t risk losing money you’ll need soon. Safety > growth.

Medium-Term Goals (3–7 years)

Examples:
🏀 Saving for a down payment
🏀 Graduate school or advanced coaching certification
🏀 Major home project

Best places:

• Conservative investment portfolio (mix of stocks & bonds)

• Balanced mutual fund

• Short-term bond ETFs

Why: You want some growth, but you can’t afford a market crash right before you need the money.

Long-Term Goals (7+ years)

Examples:
🏀 Retirement (403(b), IRA, Roth IRA)
🏀 Paying for kids’ college
🏀 Building wealth for financial independence

Best places:

• Stock-heavy index funds

• Target date retirement funds

• Roth IRA investments

Why: Time smooths out volatility. Long-term investing rewards patience and consistency.

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Coaching Analogy

Think of this like game prep:

• Short-term = scouting tomorrow’s opponent (immediate focus).

• Medium-term = building skills and rotations for this season.

• Long-term = developing freshmen into future leaders.

Different goals, different timelines, different strategies.

📝 Coach’s Challenge This Week

Write down 3 financial goals you have right now.
1 short-term, 1 medium-term, 1 long-term.

Then ask: Is my money in the right place for that timeline?
If not, adjust.

👉 Forward this to a coach who keeps all their money in one account.
Matching money to goals is how you coach your finances to victory.

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See you next week,

Coach Mike Klinzing
Founder, Wealth4Coaches
"Coach smarter. Save better. Live freer."

#Wealth4Coaches #CoachSmarter #CoachMoney