Big idea: A clear reason for investing helps you stay focused, motivated, and calm during market ups and downs.
Knowing your why
Knowing your why is one of the most important steps in your investing journey. It's what you anchor your investing journey to.
Your “why” could be:
- wanting financial stability
- saving for a home
- taking extended parental leave
- supporting your family
- reducing money stress
- creating freedom to change careers
There’s no wrong answer — just the one that feels right for you.
Turning your why into a goal
A helpful method is using SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
Example:
“I want to invest $150 each month for 10 years to build a $20,000 buffer in case I want to take a career break.”
This is about holding yourself accountable towards a goal that is relevant to you.
It’s about having direction. And being inspired knowing why you're doing what you're doing.
Why should I care?
Because when the market feels noisy or uncertain, or you feel uninspired, knowing your “why” keeps you anchored.
It turns investing into a meaningful habit, not a chore. One where you can feel connected to, because it’s what you personally want for yourself.
Try this today
Write your “why” in one sentence.
Then make an investing SMART goal that's specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
