We all have goals - that new car, dream house, or lads trip to Ibiza (plz). But achieving these goals, no matter the size, isn’t easy. The usual advice is to save more and invest wisely, but you’ve probably heard that a hundred times already - BORING. There’s a better way.

If you want to actually get ahead in life and achieve your goals, setting and prioritizing them sometimes needs action that’s a bit…unconventional. 

Here’s five easy (but unusual) hacks to set and prioritize your financial goals. Ibiza, here we come.

1. Reverse-engineer your goals

Instead of simply setting a goal and working toward it, start at the finish line and work backward. What does the end result look like? Let’s say your goal is to buy a house. Imagine yourself walking into that house—what did it take to get there? This method forces you to think through every necessary step and consider obstacles you might not have thought of.

Ask yourself:

• What will I need to sacrifice or adjust over the next few years?

• What side opportunities could bring in extra cash to speed up the process?

• What potential pitfalls could derail this goal?

By imagining the path in reverse, you’ll spot roadblocks and opportunities more clearly, which helps you plan more effectively.

2. Assign emotions to your goals

We tend to think of money as numbers and spreadsheets, but it’s more emotional than that. Attach a specific feeling to each of your goals. Why? Because our emotions drive us to act.

For example, maybe saving for a house isn’t just about owning property—it’s about the freedom of having your own space. Maybe investing for retirement isn’t just for the future—it’s about the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you’re financially secure.

Research shows that 92% of people who set emotional goals are more likely to stick to their financial plans. When you attach emotions to your goals, they stop being abstract and start becoming something you deeply care about. This will help you stay motivated, especially when making sacrifices in the short term.

3. Use the 80/20 rule

Not all goals need the same amount of attention. The 80/20 rule (or Pareto Principle) says that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. In other words, focus on the goals that will make the biggest impact on your life, and don’t spread yourself too thin.

Ask yourself:

• Which goal will give me the most financial flexibility?

• Which goal, once achieved, will make the rest easier?

For most people, an emergency fund or paying off high-interest debt should be top priority. Here’s why: Almost 60% of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency. Without an emergency fund, a single unexpected expense could set you back months or even years in your progress toward other goals.

4. Apply the rule of three

You’ve probably got more than one goal you’re working toward. But juggling too many goals at once leads to overwhelm and burnout. Limit yourself to three major financial goals at any given time. These are your “big three,” and they get your primary focus.

For example:

1. Build a $10,000 emergency fund.

2. Save $5,000 for a vacation next year.

3. Max out my retirement contributions this year.

By sticking to three major goals, you’ll be more focused and efficient. Once you hit one, you can replace it with a new one—but until then, avoid distractions.

5. Set anti-goals

We usually think about what we want to achieve, but there’s power in thinking about what you want to avoid. What do you absolutely NOT want your financial life to look like?

For example:

• “I don’t want to be in a situation where I can’t handle a surprise expense.”

• “I don’t want to feel anxious every time I check my bank account.”

By defining what you don’t want, you set up guardrails to keep yourself from drifting off course. It’s a powerful way to reinforce positive habits because you’re avoiding a future you don’t want.

Final thoughts

Setting and prioritizing financial goals can be a game changer, but only if you approach it strategically. Reverse-engineer your goals, focus on your emotions, and apply rules like 80/20 to get ahead faster. 

Achieving your financial dreams doesn’t have to be overwhelming—break them down, automate the process, and keep finding ways to optimize your path. By thinking beyond the basics, you’ll stay motivated and on track toward a more secure future. Start booking Ibiza, let’s go.